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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Research

The association between the diversity of online activities on smartphones and cognitive function among middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults

Authors: Qian Chen, Haoqiang Ji, Qingxin Shang

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Many studies have shown that using smartphones can improve cognitive function, but no studies have shown the effect of the diversity of online activities on cognitive function. Therefore, this study explores the association between the diversity of online activity on smartphones and cognitive function among middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults.

Methods

A total of 13,347 Chinese middle-aged and elderly participants were used in the final analysis. Multivariate linear regression models were used to explore the relationships among the frequency of smartphone use, number of online activities, various activities, and cognitive function.

Results

We found that 2,143 respondents (16.1%) used smartphones, and the top three online activities were watching news (80.3%), posting moments (72.4%), and chatting (68.0%) among all smartphone users to access the internet. After adjusting for all covariates, we found that the increase in the frequency of smartphone use and the number of online activities were correlated with a higher cognitive score. Moreover, some online activities, such as watching news (β:0.5, 95% CI:0.2–0.8), posting moments (β:0.4, 95% CI:0.2–0.7) playing games (β:0.3, 95% CI:0.03–0.6) and making mobile payments (β:0.3, 95% CI:0.1–0.5) were independently associated with good cognitive function.

Discussion

In the middle-aged and elderly population, smartphone use plays an important role in cognitive function. Considering the increasing prevalence of smartphones among middle-aged and elderly individuals, this study can provide references and insights for health education and in-depth scientific research related to internet usage.
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Metadata
Title
The association between the diversity of online activities on smartphones and cognitive function among middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults
Authors
Qian Chen
Haoqiang Ji
Qingxin Shang
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17932-0

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