Exploring Predictors of eHealth Literacy Among Older Adults: Findings From the 2020 CALSPEAKS Survey

With the Internet continuously being used as a means of providing health education and promotion to the public, consumers are increasingly going online to gather pertinent health information. However, disparities exist with regards to consumers’ ability in finding, evaluating, and applying online health information (collectively referred to as eHealth literacy). Identifying these disparities may elucidate which segments of the population would benefit from targeted eHealth literacy interventions and ways to adapt online health promotion materials. This study uses data from the 2020 CALSPEAKS survey to identify disparities in eHealth literacy among older adults aged 65+ residing in California, USA (N = 237). eHealth literacy is self-assessed using the previously validated 8-item eHEALS questionnaire. Ordinary least squares regression analyses are performed on individual eHEALS items and on a summed eHealth literacy score, with demographic and technology use-related characteristics as predictors. Results show that the strongest and most consistent predictors of eHealth literacy include education, frequency of Internet use, and breadth of Internet activities regularly performed. Findings suggest that those seeking to increase eHealth literacy specifically among older Californians may benefit from tailoring their interventions and online health promotion materials towards those with less education and those with less Internet experience.