Internet utilization and beliefs toward eHealth communication among Chinese middle-age adults from a community college in Taiwan

Purpose: The study examined the relationship between Internet utilization and beliefs towards eHealth communication among Chinese middle-aged adults. Methods: A sample of middle-age adults from a major community college in Taiwan was recruited. A total of 200 paper-pencil surveys were administered to students from 11 selected classes in fall 2009. The 7-item short version of a previously validated eHealth Belief Inventory (eHealth-BI) was used to assess beliefs towards using the Internet as a health communication channel. Survey items were developed in English, translated into Chinese, and translated back to English. Results: A total of 151 participants completed this eHealth survey (response rate=75.5%). The mean age was 44.12 (SD=10.81) years old, with mostly in the 40 to 50 years range. Majority were females (72%), had college or higher education level (68.4%), and married (63%). Almost everyone had online or email experience. Most went online everyday (52%) or at least 3~5 times a week (25.4%). About 80% spent 1~2 hours online everyday. The reliabilities of the eHealth-BI (short version) showed good internal consistencies, with Cronbach alphas of 0.94 for eHealth_Pros (4-items) and 0.78 for eHealth_Cons (3-items). Overall participants rated positively towards eHealth communication. About 81.4% of the participants had ever sought health information online and most of them viewed online health information useful. Those who use the Internet more frequently were more likely to stay online longer and have more favorable beliefs towards eHealth communication. Conclusion: This study provides pilot data describing Internet utilization and eHealth beliefs. Lessons learned provide evidence for researchers and health professionals to utilize eHealth communication to address health issues among Chinese middle-aged adults.