Can internet usage reduce health inequality among rural residents? Evidence from China

TL;DR

Internet use helps reduce health inequality among rural Chinese farmers by improving access and affordability of healthcare.

Contribution

This study provides empirical evidence on how internet usage reduces health disparities among farmers in China.

Findings

Internet usage improves health outcomes and reduces health disparities among farmers.

The health-equity effect works through better access and affordability of healthcare services.

Young adults and those with moderate education benefit most from internet use in reducing health inequality.

Abstract

The widespread adoption of the internet has made its role in reducing health inequalities within the digital health domain increasingly clear. Using data from six waves of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) spanning 2012–2022, this study employs a two-way fixed effects model to systematically examine the impact of internet usage on health inequalities among Chinese farmers. The findings reveal three key insights: (1) the empirical results indicate that internet usage contributes to both improved health outcomes and greater health equity among farmers. Specifically, internet usage not only enhances farmers’ overall health status but also reduces health disparities. (2) Mechanism analysis demonstrates that the health-equity effect of internet usage operates through two primary pathways: narrowing health gaps by improving access to healthcare services and reducing health inequalities by increasing the affordability of these services. (3) Heterogeneity analysis reveals significant group-specific variations in the effect of internet usage on health inequality. Notably, the mitigating effect is more pronounced among young adults, those with moderate educational levels, and those with low healthcare expenditures, while its influence is relatively limited in other farmer groups. This study provides robust evidence that internet usage can reduce health inequalities among farmers and offers important insights for developing targeted policies to reduce health disparities.