Technology acceptance, social support, and life satisfaction among rural American Indian Elders

ABSTRACT

Previous studies examined factors influencing an increase in good health and quality of life among American Indian Elders (AIEs). However, there is a lack of research regarding the role of technology utilization on the quality of life of AIEs. This study explored the role of technology acceptance on social support and life satisfaction among underserved AIEs. Through convenience sampling, this cross-sectional study surveyed 233 AIEs aged 50 years or older. To measure the level of technology acceptance, an independent variable, this study used the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) scale. The first dependent variable, social support, was measured by using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The second dependent variable, life satisfaction, was measured by employing the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Hierarchical regression indicated that a high level of technology acceptance was significantly related to a high level of social support (β = .05, p ≤ .05) and a high level of life satisfaction (β = .069, p ≤ .01). In addition, a high level of social support was significantly associated with a high level of life satisfaction (β = .325, p ≤ .001). The findings suggest that technology acceptance plays an important role in social support and life satisfaction among AIEs. Computer training programs should be developed to increase the utilization of technology, which may improve the social support system or quality of life.

KEYWORDS:

• Technology acceptance
• social support
• life satisfaction
• American Indian Elders

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.