Digital connectivity and mental health symptoms among women in Bangladesh: a rural–urban perspective

To examine the associations between internet use, information and communication technology (ICT) usage, and ICT ownership with symptoms of depression and anxiety among ever-married women in Bangladesh, with particular attention to rural–urban disparities and spatial inequities. This study analyzed nationally representative cross-sectional data from 18,987 ever-married women aged 15–49 years collected from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2022 (BDHS). Symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire−9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to estimate associations between digital connectivity and mental health symptoms, with descriptive stratified analyses by place of residence (rural/urban). Among all women, 4.8% women showed depression symptoms, while 4.1% showed anxiety symptoms. Among rural women, ICT use was significantly associated with higher odds of depression symptoms (aOR:1.38; 95% CI 1.12–1.69). In urban settings, higher ICT ownership was associated with both depression symptoms (aOR:1.81; 95% CI 1.01–3.25) and anxiety symptoms (aOR:2.11; 95% CI 1.14–3.92). Rangpur and Rajshahi division showed lower digital access and distinct mental health patterns. Digital connectivity and women’s mental health symptoms were associated across rural–urban and geographic contexts in Bangladesh. The observed disparities in anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms across various dimensions of digital access indicate the importance of considering digital access within broader negotiations of women’s health symptoms. Combining mental health symptoms progress with gender-sensitive and geographically targeted digital strategies is important for progressing women’s mental well-being and achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs)3.