Predictors of Digital Health Literacy among Older Adults
Keywords:
Digital health literacy of older adults, predictors of digital health literacy, family household income and digital health literacy, educational attainment and digital health literacyAbstract
This study aims to determine whether family household income and educational attainment could predict the digital health literacy of older adults in Guadalupe, Cebu City. This descriptive predictive study includes 199 older adults who met specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Digital health literacy was assessed using the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), consisting of eight items translated into Cebuano, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.84, indicating good internal consistency. Family household income was measured using an income classification table, while educational attainment was evaluated based on the highest level of education completed. Responses were recorded using a five-point Likert scale. Results reveal a strong and statistically significant correlation between digital health literacy and both educational attainment (V = .777, p < .001) and family household income (V = .745, p < .001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicates that educational attainment (β = 2.93, p < .05) and family household income (β = .000, p< .05) significantly predict digital health literacy, accounting for approximately 62.3% of its total variance F(2, 196) = 161.89, p < .05. The study concluded that educational attainment and family household income are significant predictors of digital health literacy among older adults in Guadalupe, Cebu City. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend organizing seminars that teach older adults how to navigate online platforms for health-related information and strengthening social support systems by encouraging assistance from younger family members and community health workers.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Francis Grace S. Cañezo, Ma. Jhudiel Corazon V. Linogon, Christian Jomel C. Malabay, Miel Marvin S. Cardenas, Timothy Gabriel R. Jalico, Jorselle D. Lagura, Feliz Iva N. Muana, Kurt Darylle M. Pabillon
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