Aging, Health Literacy and the Healthcare related information search in the Internet

The Internet is emerging as a main source of health information for consumers. Patients now have the ability to access much of the same medical information that is available to providers. However, comprehension and use of this information could be challenging for some segments of the population such as older adults or people who have limited medical knowledge. Not having full access to Internet–based health information is particularly salient for older adults who are very likely to be in need of medical information and services. This paper will present findings from a sample of 95 community dwelling older adults ranging aged 50 – 85 years, regarding their ability to find and interpret Internet-based health information. Data on the relationship between health literacy and performance will also be presented. All participants completed a Technology/Computer Experience Questionnaire, a health literacy questionnaire (S-TOFHLA), and received training on basic computer operations and Internet search. They were then required to use the Internet to find information and make choices related to healthcare and benefits. Performance data included response time, accuracy, and search behavior. The results indicated that participants had difficulty finding and interpreting the information. The data also indicated that health literacy was a predictor of performance such that people with lower health literacy evidenced less efficient search, less accuracy, and lower performance scores. These findings will be discussed in terms of the implications for health access for the increasing number of older adults. In addition, recommendations for training and interface design will be presented.