Asian Oncol Nurs.  2022 Dec;22(4):255-263. 10.5388/aon.2022.22.4.255.

The influence of Digital Informatization Level, Self-efficacy, and Social Support on Digital Health Literacy in the Elderly with Cancer

• Kim HS
• Sung JH

• KMID: 2537763
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2022.22.4.255

Abstract

Purpose
This study aims to identify the level of digital informatization, self-efficacy, social support, and digital health literacy and the factors influencing digital health literacy in the elderly with cancer.
Methods
A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted on 140 cancer patients aged 65 years and over who are undergoing treatment or follow-up observation in university hospital. The data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and stepwise multiple regression.
Results
The mean score of digital health literacy was 2.78±0.79, and it showed a significant differences according to age, education level, and religion. Digital informatization and self-efficacy had a significant association with digital health literacy. With regard to social support, a significant correlation was found with friend support in relation to digital health literacy. The regression analyses showed that significant predictors on digital health literacy were digital informatization (β=.59, p<.001) and self-efficacy (β=.20, p=.003). These variables explained 42.0% of the digital health literacy in the elderly with cancer.
Conclusion
These results suggest that health care providers should consider individuals’ age and education level when developing digital intervention for elderly cancer patients. Moreover, greater focus on strategies to improve the digital informatization level and self-efficacy could enhance digital health literacy in the elderly with cancer.

Keyword

Aged; Health literacy; Access to information; Self efficacy; Social support