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Positive impacts of digital capital on self-rated health

Reducing disparities across demographic groups with economic capital as a mediator

Bibliographic Data

ID15375588
AuthorsYi Gao (0000-0002-3924-6142, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law), Hancheng Huang (0000-0003-4931-1275, Hong Kong Baptist University), Renjie Luo (0009-0009-7854-5485, Macao Polytechnic University), ZiHao Wang (0000-0001-6953-0470, Chongqing University), Jun Huang (0000-0002-8483-615X, Macao Polytechnic University, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume26
Issue1
Publication date2026-03-26
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBMC Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1471-2458 • E-ISSN: 1471-2458
PublisherBioMed Central (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1186/s12889-026-27077-x
PMID41888811
OpenAlexW7140565646
LanguageEN
References cited49

Digital capital is a vital social determinant of health outcomes, yet few studies have examined its impact across different social groups. This research analyzes the effects of digital capital on self-rated health (SRH) in diverse populations and explores how it influences SRH perceptions. This paper utilizes the China Family Panel Studies database from 2016 to 2022 and includes 42,885 observations to analyze the impact of digital capital on SRH promotion and equity among various groups. The findings suggest that digital capital enhances SRH and reduces health disparities across various groups. Notably, the marginal effects of digital capital are more pronounced for disadvantaged populations, including women, residents of rural areas, individuals from central and western regions, and the elderly. This underscores the potential of digital capital to alleviate health inequalities. Additionally, economic capital mediates the relationship between digital capital and self-rated health. This research offers new empirical evidence that enhances our understanding of the health outcomes linked to digital capital and highlights its role in mitigating health inequalities

Capital (architecture · Digital health · Disadvantaged · Economic capital · Financial capital · Health equity · Physical capital · Public health · Social capital · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Employment and Welfare Studies · Technology Use by Older Adults

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