The Effect of Age on Electronic Health Literacy: Mixed-Method Study

BACKGROUND: The world’s internet penetration rate is increasing yearly; approximately 25% of the world’s population are internet users. In Asia, Taiwan has the fifth highest internet usage, and has an internet penetration rate higher than the world average. Electronic health (eHealth) literacy is the ability to read, understand, and utilize Web health information. eHealth literacy is gaining attention worldwide. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed compare the differences in eHealth literacy between traditional college students (aged between 18 and 22 years) and older adult students (aged between 55 and 72 years). It also summarizes the experiences and performances of these 2 groups in terms of searching online health-related information. METHODS: A mixed-method approach was used, including questionnaire surveys and interviews. A total of 208 respondents were interviewed: 65 traditional college students (31.3%) and 143 older adult students (68.7%). The results of the interviews were used to compare the eHealth literacy scores of the 2 groups. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the overall eHealth literacy scores (t(207)=2.98; P=.001) and the functional eHealth literacy dimension (t(207)=12.17; P<.001). The findings showed a significant gap in eHealth literacy between the 2 groups. Most participants believed that online health information could be largely read and understood. However, they were skeptical about the quality of the information and noted that it consisted of either subjective judgments or objective standards. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional college students preferred esthetically pleasing health information, whereas older adult students focused on its promotion. Furthermore, the first group often used websites for solving health problems, whereas the second group forwarded health information through communication software.