Vaccination, health information seeking, and ICT use among Estonians aged 50+ during COVID-19

BACKGROUND: Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect oneself against Coronavirus. However, many people, including older adults, have refused to receive the vaccine. The study aimed to analyze relationships between vaccination intention, socioeconomic indicators, health status, choices in health behavior, health information (HI) seeking, and acceptance of ICTs for health purposes. METHODS: After the end of the first lockdown in 2020, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 Estonians aged 50 and over. RESULTS: More than half (53.5%) of respondents were in favor of vaccination, less than a third (30.5%) were hesitant, and sixteen percent (16%) were opposed. There was a significant correlation between being male and having a higher education level with vaccination readiness. As the respondent felt the need for HI more often and searched the internet for HI more recently, the more likely they were to agree to be vaccinated (rho = .14, p <.05). It was found that vaccination readiness and the need for a digital health application were positively correlated (rho = .25, p .01): the more such an application was needed, the more people agreed to be vaccinated. Uninterested and hesitant respondents used fewer HI sources than those interested in vaccination. Improved health behavior choices did not increase willingness to get vaccinated (e.g., eating healthier and exercising more). Vaccination readiness was also unrelated to health status. CONCLUSIONS: At least in Estonia, many upper-middle-aged and older people use the internet and smart devices to get HI during a crisis. However, why these people don't make other health-conscious choices should be investigated. Planning health campaigns and vaccinations and/or tackling new health crises should consider the differences between people aged 50 and older. KEY MESSAGES: • In a time of crisis, the internet broadens the range of sources of health information. • It is important for health campaigns to take into account the growing tendency of 50+ people to obtain HI from the internet.