Media Use Behavior Mediates the Association Between Family Health and Intention to Use Mobile Health Devices Among Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Study

• Published in: Journal of medical Internet research 2024-02, Vol.26 (2), p.e50012-e50012
• Main Authors: Chang, Jinghui, Mai, Yanshan, Zhang, Dayi, Yang, Xixi, Li, Anqi, Yan, Wende, Wu, Yibo, Chen, Jiangyun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Asian People; Behavior; Cross-Sectional Studies; Digital divide (Technology); Domestic relations; Family Health; Humans; Intention; Mediation; Original Paper; Telemedicine
• ISSN: 1438-8871; 1439-4456; 1438-8871
• DOI: 10.2196/50012

With the advent of a new era for health and medical treatment, characterized by the integration of mobile technology, a significant digital divide has surfaced, particularly in the engagement of older individuals with mobile health (mHealth). The health of a family is intricately connected to the well-being of its members, and the use of media plays a crucial role in facilitating mHealth care. Therefore, it is important to examine the mediating role of media use behavior in the connection between the family health of older individuals and their inclination to use mHealth devices. This study aims to investigate the impact of family health and media use behavior on the intention of older individuals to use mHealth devices in China. The study aims to delve into the intricate dynamics to determine whether media use behavior serves as a mediator in the relationship between family health and the intention to use mHealth devices among older adults. The ultimate goal is to offer well-founded and practical recommendations to assist older individuals in overcoming the digital divide. The study used data from 3712 individuals aged 60 and above, sourced from the 2022 Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents study. Linear regression models were used to assess the relationships between family health, media use behavior, and the intention to use mHealth devices. To investigate the mediating role of media use behavior, we used the Sobel-Goodman Mediation Test. This analysis focused on the connection between 4 dimensions of family health and the intention to use mHealth devices. A positive correlation was observed among family health, media use behavior, and the intention to use mHealth devices (r=0.077-0.178, P