E-Health Literacy and Health Seeking Behavior in the Elderly

Overview

The purpose of this clinical trial is to determine the effect of an educational intervention on the use of digital health services for elderly individuals on e-health literacy and health seeking behavior. The main questions it aims to answer are: H 0 : There is no difference in terms of the total score of the e-health literacy scale. H 0 : There is no difference in terms of the total score of the health seeking behavior scale. The control group will continue their routine life. The researchers will conduct a 4-week intervention for the intervention group participants. Technology Use Basic Information Training, MHRS and e-pulse Systems Usage Training Health literacy, mobile health application usage training Counseling Applications will be made at the end of the training.

Electronic health (eHealth) is the use of information and communication technology in support of health and health-related areas and is increasingly integrated into health resources and service delivery (WHO, 2019). The World Health Organization (WHO) also recognizes that digital technologies have the potential to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by improving health services (WHO, 2021). However, not everyone has sufficient access or skills to use digital technology to benefit from the benefits of eHealth. This situation cannot be ignored, especially for the elderly, who are a vulnerable group (Chang et al., 2021). Elderly health and reducing health inequalities are important issues among the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (UNDP, 2023). In order to minimize inequalities, it is very important for the individual to adapt to the innovations of the age and develop technology use skills. (Akyazı, 2018; Tuna Uysal, 2020). The sample size was determined by Power analysis. The sample was calculated as 29 elderly individuals for each group with a power of 90%, with an effect size of 0.88 in an experimental study (Xie 2011). Considering the 10% loss probability for the study group, the sample was determined as 32 for each group (experimental and control). Before randomization, elderly individuals who meet the inclusion criteria will be given general information about the study, their informed consent will be obtained for participation in the study, and a pre-test will be administered. Then, the block randomization method will be used for randomization, and opaque envelopes will be given by an independent researcher to conceal the assignment. At the end of the study, the training given to the experimental group will also be given to the control group.