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.