Digital Health Literacy, Technology Acceptance, and Competence Among Older Adults Aged ≥65 Years: Cross-Sectional Study Investigating Differences Between Women and Men.

Abstract

Digital health literacy (DHL) has the potential to improve health among older adults by enhancing access to health-related information and health care services. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between DHL and technology commitment in adults aged 65 years and older, while also investigating possible gender differences. The analytical sample consisted of 1824 individuals. The analysis included descriptive comparisons in terms of DHL, technology acceptance, competency, support, and internet use. Multivariate regression models (generalized linear models) were applied in order to test the association between DHL and technology commitment, controlling for internet use as well as health-related and sociodemographic characteristics. Male and female participants did not differ in terms of DHL (mean score: 3.5, SD 1.2 [men] and 3.5, SD 1.3 [women]; P=.70); however, male participants reported significantly higher technology acceptance (P<.001) and higher technology competencies (P<.001), but less support with regard to technology use (P<.001). Within regression models, only higher technology acceptance (coefficient=0.023, 95% CI 0.006-0.041; P=.01) and support (coefficient=0.027, 95% CI 0.014-0.040; P<.001) were significantly linked to greater DHL. The subgroup analysis revealed that DHL was significantly associated with technology acceptance among men (coefficient=0.036, 95% CI 0.012-0.060; P=.003) but not women (coefficient=0.024, 95% CI 0.008-0.040; P=.44). According to the current results, DHL is highly related to technology commitment. Gender differences should be taken into account when developing and evaluating appropriate interventions to improve DHL by addressing the acceptance of technologies and optimizing support infrastructures.