Author ORCID Identifier
Yangjie Wang: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4208-3954
Zhuqian He: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1399-2246
Li Chen: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0782-8868
Jiahao Zhu: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2965-9196
Abstract
The development of information and communication technology (ICT) has significantly transformed various aspects of our daily lives, including health. This study aims to investigate the impact of ICT on self-assessed health (SAH) and explore the mechanisms through which this relationship operates. Based on data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) collected between 2004 and 2015, we employ ordinary least squares regression, an ordered probit model, and a structural equation model to examine the impact of ICT on SAH. The results show that ICT has a significant positive effect on SAH, particularly among high-income, rural, and younger to middle-aged individuals. On average, an additional one percentage point increase in ICT diffusion is associated with a 0.236 point improvement in SAH. Furthermore, the mechanism analysis reveals that approximately 17.50% of ICT’s impact on SAH can be attributed to improvements in physical activity (13.3%) and nutrition (4.2%). Additionally, a back-of-the-envelope calculation suggests that approximately 0.78 to 2.09 million Chinese individuals would benefit from greater access to ICT in terms of health. This study highlights the critical role of ICT in improving health outcomes, provides feasible policy recommendations for leveraging ICT for development (ICT4D), and contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) in emerging economies during the digital era.
Recommended Citation
Wang, Y.,
He, Z.,
Chen, L.,
&
Zhu, J.
(In press).
The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Self-assessed Health: Evidence from China.
Information Technology for Development.
Available at:
https://aisel.aisnet.org/itd/vol32/iss1/21