Gender Differences in the Digital Divide, Digital Back-Feeding, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Rural Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The digital divide has loomed as a global public issue in recent years. However, evidence is limited regarding whether the digital divide is associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and whether digital back-feeding would buffer this association. Objective: This study aims to explore the role of digital back-feeding in the relationship between the digital divide and HRQOL among older men and women living in rural China. Methods: We used data from wave 3 of the Shandong Rural Elderly Health Cohort, conducted in 2022. A total of 3242 (n=1946, 60.02% women) rural older adults were included in the analysis. Moderating effect analysis was performed using Tobit regression models and margins plots. Results: A total of 71.01% (2302/3242) of the participants reported experiencing digital divide. Participants experiencing digital divide were significantly associated with lower HRQOL as measured by EQ-5D-5L scores (β=–0.020; P