Age as an important predictor for digital health literacy: cross-sectional evidence of internet users from an international multisite study in North America and EU countries

Großschädl, F, Marston, HR, Ivan, L, Prabhu, V and Earle, S ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2810-5659, 2025. Age as an important predictor for digital health literacy: cross-sectional evidence of internet users from an international multisite study in North America and EU countries. Educational Gerontology. ISSN 0360-1277

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Abstract

This study investigates digital health literacy across North America and Europe to understand the sociodemographic factors influencing eHealth literacy, specifically the role of age. This international, multi-site population employed a convenience sample across nine countries (N=1,314) between April 2020-2021, presenting significant insights and recommendations for eHealth transformations. Using the eHealth Literacy Scale, a validated self-rated instrument, respondents in North America showed higher (t1641=2.18,p-value=0.03) eHealth literacy than those in Europe. Respondents from the UK showed the highest scores (34.48±5.45), and those from Spain - the lowest (29.50±6.40). Age had a significant (f4,1292=3.73, p-value<0.01) impact on the eHEALS scores, whereby respondents aged 50+ years reported higher eHealth literacy than younger respondents. Interaction effects of age*gender and age*employment predicted the highest eHealth literacy amongst adults aged 50+ years. Our findings reveal high eHEALS scores, suggesting that internet users in North America and Europe are confident in their ability to find and assess eHealth information. The coronavirus pandemic could have led to older people using mobile communication technologies for health purposes and becoming more confident in using digital tools. Offer diverse technology-based learning opportunities for older adults who want to learn about new technologies so that they have better access to their eHealth information.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Educational Gerontology
Creators:	Großschädl, F., Marston, H.R., Ivan, L., Prabhu, V. and Earle, S.
Publisher:	Informa UK Limited
Date:	20 May 2025
ISSN:	0360-1277
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1080/03601277.2025.2505568 DOI 2486260 Other
Rights:	This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Educational Gerontology on 20 May 2025, available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2025.2505568
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Laura Borcherds
Date Added:	25 Sep 2025 07:56
Last Modified:	25 Sep 2025 07:56
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/54420

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