Bridging the Digital Divide: The Impact of Digital Health Literacy on eHealth Usage and Health Outcomes Among the Elderly in Europe

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the impact of digital health literacy on the relationship between eHealth usage and perceived health status among individuals aged 65 and older in Europe. The aging population, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020), presents both challenges and opportunities for healthcare systems globally. The increasing adoption of eHealth technologies highlights the need to understand how digital health literacy influences health outcomes in this demographic. Research Question: To what extent does digital health literacy influence the relationship between eHealth usage and perceived health status, both as a mediator and as a moderator within the elderly population? Methods: The research utilizes a cross-sectional survey design with data from the Flash Eurobarometer 404 (European Citizens' Digital Health Literacy) survey. The study employs the PROCESS macro for mediation and moderation analyses, controlling for age and gender. Results: The findings reveal a slight negative direct association between eHealth usage and perceived health status, indicating that increased eHealth usage alone does not improve perceived health outcomes. However, digital health literacy significantly mediates this relationship, showing that higher digital health literacy enhances perceived health outcomes. Conclusions: The study concludes that improving digital health literacy is crucial for optimizing the benefits of eHealth interventions among the elderly. These results advocate for targeted educational and policy measures to support elderly individuals in effectively navigating digital healthcare landscapes, ultimately enhancing their health outcomes.