Online health information-seeking among older adults and predictors of use, motivations, and barriers in the context of healthy aging: cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Considering the rapid digital transformation, older adults are increasingly relying on online health information–seeking (OHIS) to support healthy aging. However, disparities in their digital competence levels (the ability to effectively use digital tools) and health literacy (the ability to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information) may influence engagement in OHIS. Objective: This paper examines the prevalence of OHIS among older adults in Switzerland and identifies their motivations, barriers, and predictors of use. The objective is to determine key factors that promote or hinder OHIS use among older internet users. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1261 internet users aged 60 years and older living in Switzerland (mean age 70.1, SD 7.3 years; 539/1261, 42.7% female). Descriptive analyses and hierarchical binary logistic regression models were used. Results: Overall, 77.6% (969/1248) of participants engaged in OHIS in their everyday lives. Subjective health status, internet use frequency, trust in online health information (OHI), and digital competence level significantly influenced OHIS use. Participants reporting good to very good health were less likely to engage in OHIS compared to those in poorer health (odds ratio [OR] 0.496, 95% CI 0.307-0.801; P=.004). Higher likelihood of OHIS use was associated with (almost) daily versus less frequent internet use (OR 1.550, 95% CI 1.011-2.376; P=.04), general trust versus distrust in OHI (OR 5.784, 95% CI 4.044-8.272; P<.001), and advanced versus low digital competence (OR 3.108, 95% CI 1.385-6.975; P=.006); health literacy was not a significant predictor of OHIS use (OR 0.912, 95% CI 0.393-2.117; P=.83, excellent vs deficient [reference]). Among OHIS users (n=969), the most common frequently indicated motivation for use (672/969, 69.3%) was to gain a better understanding of health conditions. Among nonusers (n=279), the most frequently indicated barriers were difficulties in assessing the credibility of information (159/279, 57%), distrust in the effectiveness of information provided (129/279, 46.2%), and concerns about dubious providers or spam (93/279, 33.3%). Conclusions: Digital competence, frequent internet use, and trust in OHI are critical for OHIS engagement among older adults. Programs to strengthen digital competencies in later life and initiatives to enhance the credibility of online health resources are essential to reduce digital disparities and support healthy aging. Notably, health literacy did not emerge as a significant factor in OHIS use, but digital competence did, suggesting that digital competence is most critical to OHIS use.