Comparing Factors Associated With eHealth Literacy Between Young and Older Adults

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Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to compare the factors associated with adults' eHealth literacy, which is vital for health consumers. A secondary data analysis was conducted with data collected from November 2017 to February 2018 for a project on the development of a Korean version of the eHealth Literacy Scale. Participants were recruited through an online survey for young adults ( n = 210, mean age = 25.5 [ SD = 4.7] years) and a face-to-face survey for older adults ( n = 187, mean age = 73.2 [ SD = 4.8] years). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to analyze data and determine eHealth literacy predictors. Older adults held more positive attitudes toward internet health information than young adults (mean = 16.49 [ SD = 2.54] and 17.04 [ SD = 2.41], respectively; p = 0.029); however, eHealth literacy levels were comparable (mean = 30.50 [ SD = 4.62] and 30.95 [ SD = 4.17], respectively; p = 0.305). Attitude toward internet health information was a significant predictor of eHealth literacy in both groups, and age was only a predictor among young adults. These results elucidate predictors of eHealth literacy and inform strategies to improve eHealth literacy among young and older adults. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46 (8), 46–56.]

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