Engagement With Digital Health Technologies Among Older People
Author Information
Author(s): Helen Chadwick, Louise Laverty, Robert Finnigan, Robert Elias, Ken Farrington, Fergus J Caskey, Sabine N van der Veer
Primary Institution: The University of Manchester
Hypothesis
What factors influence engagement with digital health technologies among older people living in socially deprived areas?
Conclusion
Older people living in socially deprived areas face significant barriers to engaging with digital health technologies, including lack of skills, support, and perceived relevance.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants expressed a lack of engagement with digital technology due to limited skills and resources.
- Many felt that digital health technologies were not relevant to their lives.
- Participants reported anxiety and distrust towards digital health care, viewing it as impersonal.
Takeaway
This study found that older people in poorer areas often struggle to use digital health tools because they feel they lack the skills and support needed.
Methodology
Semistructured interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology.
Potential Biases
Participants may have had biases related to their socioeconomic status and age, affecting their perceptions of digital health technologies.
Limitations
The study only included English-speaking participants, which may have excluded some ethnic minority perspectives.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were White British, aged 70 or older, with varying levels of health and digital literacy.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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