Predictors of Smartphone Uses for Health Information Seeking in the Korean Elderly

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research is to examine the predictors of smartphone uses for health information–seeking (SHIS) in the Korean elderly. This research applies the comprehensive model of information seeking as a theoretical framework. Data reported in this study are from the 2016 Dementia Literacy Survey, and 235 elderly smartphone users were included in logistic regression model. SHIS was significantly predicted by younger age, higher education levels, having a regular exercise, higher medical expenditures, and health literacy. The findings of this study can help social workers understand the specific features of health information seeking in the Korean elderly.

KEYWORDS:

• Older people
• health information seeking
• smartphone use
• self-care

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the National Research Foundation of Korea [NRF- 2015S1A5A2A03049222].

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the National Research Foundation of Korea [NRF- 2015S1A5A2A03049222]