scholarly journals Elderly’s Attitude towards the Selected Types of e-Health

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanka Klimova ◽  
Petra Maresova ◽  
Sunwoo Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Services ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Domains ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
General Preference ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Selection Of

This current study was sought to explore how older adults’ adaptation of information and communication technology (ICT) devices was associated with their preference for e-Health services. A total of 224 Czech older adults aged 60+ were analyzed for the study. The sample comprised 21% male and 79% female. A self-reported survey questionnaire was employed to assess the prevalence of the use of ICT devices and the Internet and general preference for e-Health services. A series of t-tests were performed between and within two groups divided into e-Health supporters and non-supporters. The results indicated that nearly half of the respondents preferred to use the Internet for searching for health-related information. We found that older adults’ use of ICT devices and educational level was significantly associated with the selection of the e-Health services. However, gender, household type, and the place for a residence did not count additional variance for the preferred e-Health services. For those who express willingness to receive the e-Health service, the preferred e-Health services should be implemented across relevant health domains. To do so, health professionals ought to provide the necessary equipment and educational programs that help older adults better access and adapt to e-Health services.

Executive Dysfunction Mediates the Association Between Older Age and Online Health Information Search Performance

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Kordovski ◽  
Savanna M. Tierney ◽  
Samina Rahman ◽  
Luis D. Medina ◽  
Michelle A. Babicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Search Task ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Older Age ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related

Objective: Searching the Internet for health-related information is a complex and dynamic goal-oriented process that places demands on executive functions, which are higher-order cognitive abilities that are known to deteriorate with older age. This study aimed to examine the effects of older age on electronic health (eHealth) search behavior, and to determine whether executive functions played a mediating role in that regard. Method: Fifty younger adults (≤ 35 years) and 41 older adults (≥50 years) completed naturalistic eHealth search tasks involving fact-finding (Fact Search) and symptom diagnosis (Symptom Search), a neurocognitive battery, and a series of questionnaires. Results: Multiple regression models with relevant covariates revealed that older adults were slower and less accurate than younger adults on the eHealth Fact Search task, but not on the eHealth Symptom Search task. Nevertheless, executive functions mediated the relationship between older age and eHealth Fact Search and Symptom Search accuracy. Conclusions: Older adults can experience difficulty searching the Internet for some health-related information, which is at least partly attributable to executive dysfunction. Future studies are needed to determine the benefits of training in the organizational and strategic aspects of Internet search for older adults and whether these findings are applicable to clinical populations with executive dysfunction.

The association between Internet use and health outcomes in the population of older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Szulc ◽  
M Duplaga
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The Internet has become one of the primary sources of health-related information. Less is known about the impact of Internet access and use on health-related outcomes in the older population, which frequently suffer from a digital divide. The main objective of this study was the assessment of the associations between Internet use and variables reflecting health status, the use of health services and health behaviours in the population at least 50 years old. Methods The analysis was carried out on the data set from the telephone-based survey in a sample of 1000 respondents representative for targeted age strata of Polish society. The effects of Internet use were assessed with logistic regression models after adjusting for key socioeconomic variables. Results Mean age (standard deviation) of respondents was 64.2 (9.6). In the study group, 51.1% respondents were Internet users, 19.4% - persons with disabilities, 21.2% were hospitalised at least once, and 51.0% visited health care facilities at least six times in preceding 12 months. The respondents being Internet users less frequently reported chronic diseases (OR, 95%CI: 0.21, 0.16-0.30), disability status (0.52, 0.37-0.72) and higher self-assessed health status (1.64, 1.24-2.16). They also less often used health services in the preceding 12 months (0.77, 0.60-0.99. Internet use was not associated with hospital admission in the preceding year (1.04, 0.76-1.41) and most of the health behaviours (smoking: 1.06, 0.77-1.45, physical activity: 0.85, 0.63-1.15, the consumption of fruits and vegetables: 0.73, 0.50-1.07). Interestingly, Internet users drunk more alcohol (1.52, 1.14-2.02). Conclusions In the population of older adults, the use of the Internet is associated with variables reflecting health status and the utilisation of health services. Higher health status and lower prevalence of chronic conditions among Internet users were found after adjusting for age and other socioeconomic factors. Key messages It was shown that Internet use may be related with more favourable health outcomes. The reported association should trigger further research on the impact of Internet in elderly persons.

scholarly journals Internet Use in Old Age: Results of a German Population-Representative Survey

10.2196/15543 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. e15543
Author(s):  
Janine Quittschalle ◽  
Janine Stein ◽  
Melanie Luppa ◽  
Alexander Pabst ◽  
Margrit Löbner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Internet ◽  
German Population ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related

Background The internet has the potential to foster healthy lifestyles and to support chronic disease management. Older adults could benefit from using the internet and other information and communication technology to access health-related information and interventions available online. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate factors influencing internet use in older and oldest age groups and to determine the frequency of internet use for health-related purposes. Methods Using data from a nationally representative telephone survey of older adults aged 75 years and over, a sample of 999 people was assessed using structured clinical interviews. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Overall, 42.6% (418/999) of participants used the internet. Among those, 55.7% (233/417) searched the internet for health-related information. Regression analyses revealed that internet use was significantly associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% CI 0.85-0.92; P<.001), male gender (OR 2.84, 95% CI 2.02-4.00; P<.001), higher education levels (OR 6.69, 95% CI 4.48-9.99; P<.001), a wider social network (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07; P=.01), higher health-related quality of life (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.03; P=.006), lower levels of depressive symptoms (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-0.99; P=.04), and higher rates of chronic illness (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04-1.21; P<.004). Conclusions This study provides population-representative data on internet use in old age in Germany. People in the older and oldest age groups participate in online activities. Understanding the factors that are associated with older adults internet use can contribute to developing tailored interventions and eHealth (electronic health) services to improve well-being in older adults.

eHealth Systems, Their Use and Visions for the Future

2009 ◽  
pp. 346-353
Author(s):  
Pirkko Nykänen
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Related Information ◽  
The Future ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Physician Patient

eHealth refers to use of information and communication technologies to improve or enable health and healthcare. eHealth broadens the scope of health care delivery, citizens are in the center of services and services are offered by information systems often via the Internet. In this chapter eHealth systems are classified on the basis of their use and their functionality and the use is discussed from the viewpoints of citizens and health professionals. Citizens are increasingly using Internet and eHealth systems to search for medicine or health related information, and they become better informed and may take more responsibility of their own health. Health professionals are more reluctant to use the Internet and eHealth systems in physician-patient communication due to power and responsibility problems of decisions. In the future the socio-technical nature of eHealth should be considered and future systems developed for real use and user environment with user acceptable technology.

E-Health Systems

2011 ◽  
pp. 281-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pirkko Nykanen
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Physician Patient

E-health refers to use of information and communication technologies to improve or enable health and healthcare. E-health broadens the scope of healthcare delivery; citizens are in the center of services and services are offered by information systems often via the Internet. In this chapter e-health systems are classified on the basis of their use and their functionality and the use is discussed from the viewpoints of citizens and health professionals. Citizens are increasingly using Internet and e-health systems to search for medicine or health-related information, and they become better informed and may take more responsibility of their own health. Health professionals are more reluctant to use the Internet and e-health systems in physician-patient communication due to the power and responsibility problems of decisions. In the future the sociotechnical nature of e-health should be considered and future systems developed for real use and user environment with user acceptable technology.

scholarly journals Internet Use in Old Age: Results of a German Population-Representative Survey (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janine Quittschalle ◽  
Janine Stein ◽  
Melanie Luppa ◽  
Alexander Pabst ◽  
Margrit Löbner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Internet ◽  
German Population ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related

BACKGROUND The internet has the potential to foster healthy lifestyles and to support chronic disease management. Older adults could benefit from using the internet and other information and communication technology to access health-related information and interventions available online. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate factors influencing internet use in older and oldest age groups and to determine the frequency of internet use for health-related purposes. METHODS Using data from a nationally representative telephone survey of older adults aged 75 years and over, a sample of 999 people was assessed using structured clinical interviews. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Overall, 42.6% (418/999) of participants used the internet. Among those, 55.7% (233/417) searched the internet for health-related information. Regression analyses revealed that internet use was significantly associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% CI 0.85-0.92; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), male gender (OR 2.84, 95% CI 2.02-4.00; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), higher education levels (OR 6.69, 95% CI 4.48-9.99; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), a wider social network (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07; <i>P</i>=.01), higher health-related quality of life (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.03; <i>P</i>=.006), lower levels of depressive symptoms (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-0.99; <i>P</i>=.04), and higher rates of chronic illness (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04-1.21; <i>P</i>&lt;.004). CONCLUSIONS This study provides population-representative data on internet use in old age in Germany. People in the older and oldest age groups participate in online activities. Understanding the factors that are associated with older adults internet use can contribute to developing tailored interventions and eHealth (electronic health) services to improve well-being in older adults.

scholarly journals Level of awareness of Saudi medical students of the internet-based health-related information seeking and developing to support health services

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bader Aldebasi ◽  
Abdulaziz I. Alhassan ◽  
Sami Al-Nasser ◽  
Mostafa Abolfotouh
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Monthly Income ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Background Background. Many studies are available in literature about e-health in Saudi Arabia, however, data is limited to a few organizations and does not necessarily reflect the the current and potential use of e-health for health care organizations in the country. The aim of this study was to determine the level of awareness of Saudi medical students of the internet-based health-related information seeking and developing to support health services and significant predictors of their practice. Methods. A cross-sectional survey of 440 medical students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was conducted, during October/November 2019, using a previously validated questionnaire, to assess: (1) knowledge in three domains; e-health definition (13 statements), fields of application of e-health (8 statements), methods of using e-health (7 statements), (2) attitude toward using e-health (8 statements) and (3) reported practice of e-health in medical training (5 statements). A scoring system was used to calculate the total and percentage score of knowledge, attitude and practice for each student. Multiple regression analysis was applied to identify predictors of e-health practice. Significance was considered at p<0.05. Results. Of 440 medical students surveyed, the majority were females (55.7%) and from families whose monthly income was more than 10,000SR (82.8%). Overall knowledge about e-health was unsatisfactory (percentage mean score, PMS=71.6%), with only 43.6% of students reporting satisfactory level. However, this level was satisfactory for fields of application (Percentage mean score-PMS=76.6%) and unsatisfactory for definition of e-health (PMS=70.7%) and methods of its use (PMS=65.7%) domains. Overall attitude towads e-health use was positive (PMS=82.3%), with nearly three-quarters of students (73.4%) reporting positive attitude. Generally, good level of practice of e-health was reported by students (PMS=84.3%), with more than three-quarters of students (78.4%) reporting good practice. Adjusting for age, gender, stream, educational grade and family monthly income, good practice was significantly predicted with higher knowledge (t=2.22, p=0.03) and attitude (t=2.11, p=0.04) scores. Conclusion. This study provides basic information regarding medical students’ level of awareness of internet-based health-related information seeking and developing to support health services. More resources should be directed to elevate medical students’ knowledge and to motivate them to practice e-health using the available tools.

scholarly journals Health-Related Internet Use in Hard-to-Reach Populations: Empirical Findings From a Survey in a Remote and Mountainous Province in China (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
HongMin Li ◽  
Jin Xu ◽  
Lingui Li ◽  
Qingyue Meng
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health Related

BACKGROUND The expanding use of the internet contributes to more effective searches for health-related information and opens up opportunities for direct Web-based communication with health care professionals. However, little is known about how users’ characteristics on the demand side influence health-related internet use, especially in remote and rural areas within developing countries. The absence of accurate estimates of users’ characteristics and their impact on adaptations of health care services in developing countries constrains focused policy-centered discussions and the design of appropriate policies. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of health-related internet use and to identify its determinants in a remote province in China. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey in June and July of 2018 in Ningxia, located in northwestern China. Rural households were selected by multistage random sampling, and households’ key members were interviewed face-to-face at the respondents’ home. Dependent variables were whether the households use Web health services or not. Independent variables were chosen based on the Andersen behavioral model. Sociodemographic characteristics were compared between households that used health-related Web services with nonusers. We applied logistic regression models to evaluate multivariate associations between respondents’ characteristics and their usage of Web-based health services and obtained odds ratios with 95% CI. RESULTS A total of 1354 respondents from rural households were interviewed, of whom 707 (52.22%) were men. The mean age of the respondents was 44.54 years (SD 10.22). Almost half of the surveyed households (640/1354, 47.27%) reported using 1 or more Web-based health care services, whereas 37.8% (502/1354) reported using the internet to obtain health-related information, 15.51% (210/1354) used the internet to communicate with professionals about health issues, and 7.24% (98/1354) had engaged in Web-based consultations in the last year. After controlling for potential confounders, households engaged in health-related internet use were found to be wealthier, have higher health demands, and have less geographic access to high-quality health care compared with other households. CONCLUSIONS The internet has become a major health information resource in rural Ningxia. Social structures, family enabling factors, health needs, and characteristics relating to health care access were significant predictors of households’ health-related internet use in rural and remote areas in China. Those who belong to older age groups, have low income, and whose education levels do not extend beyond primary school education are significantly less likely to use Web-based health care services and to benefit from Web-based health care programs. A need for continued collaborative efforts involving multiple stakeholders, including communities, Web-based and other health care providers, family members, and the government is needed.

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