The use of information technology and mental health among older care-givers in Australia.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the relationship between the use of the Internet and the mental health status of older care-givers in Australia.

METHODS

It utilized data obtained from a national health survey of a stratified random sample from the total population of people with disability, aged 60 years or older and carers of people with chronic health problems or disabilities who lived in a household. Internet usage was assessed by responses to a direct question during a personal structured interview. General mental health of caregivers was assessed using the SF-12v2 Health Survey to obtain the mental health summary scores. Data were analysed using logistic regression analyses with bootstrapping resampling and estimation statistical technique.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potential confounders there was a significant association between use of the Internet and better mental health among older care-givers. There was an approximately 60% increase in the odds of better mental health (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.04-2.35) for care-givers who used the Internet in the past 12 months when compared with those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of Internet has a beneficial effect on the mental health of care-giver aged 60 years or above. The results have direct implications on the provision of support and care of care-givers.