Factors Influencing Health Information Technology Utilization Behaviors among Older People in Bangkok Metropolitan

Abstract

Introduction Information technology is increasingly gaining significance in the daily lives of older adults and in the realm of healthcare. It has been harnessed as a tool to foster health promotion across physical, mental, and social dimensions. 

Objectives This study aimed to 1) describe health information technology utilization behaviors (HITUB) in older adults, 2) examine relationships of predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors, and HITUB in older adults, and 3) examine factors predicting HITUB in older adults in Bangkok metropolitan. The conceptual framework was based on PRECEDE-PROCEED Model. 

Design Descriptive predictive design 

Methods The sample consisted of 264 older adults, aged 60 years and above, residing in Bangkok for a minimum of five years, and actively using smartphones. A multi-stage random sampling was used to recruit the participants. Data were collected between March to October 2021 through structured interviews that employed six questionnaires covering predisposing factors (including personal characteristics, Information technology utilization experiences, perception, and attitudes), enabling factors, reinforcing factors, and HITUB. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics that include Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, Kendall Rank Correlation, and Stepwise multiple regression analysis. 

Results The participants were categorized within the young-old older adult group, having relatively low in HITUB (M = 1.56, SD = 0.89). Analysis of subscales revealed that social engagement had the highest mean (M = 1.79, SD = 1.15), followed by physical activity (M = 1.59, SD = 0.97), appropriate food consumption behaviors and nutrition status (M = 1.56, SD = 0.83), mental health care and cognitive training (M = 1.44, SD = 0.79) and avoiding risk taking behaviors (M = 1.41, SD = 0.72), respectively. Correlation analysis and subsequent Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that enabling factor (β = 0.517, p < .001 ), information technology utilization experiences (β = 0.154, p < .001), educational level (β = 0.183, p < .05), gender (β = 0.129, p < .05), age (β = - 0.136, p < .05), and reinforcing factor (β = 0.102, p < .05) could together predict 57.80% of the variance in HITUB (Adjusted R2 = .578, F6, 257 = 59.673, p < .001), with statistical significance.

Recommendation The findings of this study offer an approach to promote HITUB among older adults by designing custom activities as appropriate for their educational levels, involving engagement from family, friends, or healthcare professionals. Collaboration with public health service centers and local communities could further strengthen these efforts. Additionally, it is crucial to consider enabling factors, particularly ensuring the availability, accessibility, and affordability of essential equipment.