Association Between Intergenerational Support, Technology Perception and Trust, and Intention to Seek Medical Care on the Internet Among Chinese Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study

• Published in: Journal of medical Internet research 2025-01, Vol.27 (4), p.e65065
• Main Authors: Jin, Hengjiang, Qu, Ying
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; China; Cross-Sectional Studies; East Asian People; Female; Health aspects; Humans; Intention; Intergenerational Relations; Internet; Male; Medical care; Middle Aged; Online health care information services; Original Paper; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - psychology; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - statistics & numerical data; Surveys; Surveys and Questionnaires; Technology application; Telemedicine - statistics & numerical data; Trust
• ISSN: 1438-8871; 1439-4456; 1438-8871
• DOI: 10.2196/65065

Avoiding technological innovation does not simplify life. In fact, using internet-based medical services can enhance the quality of life for older adults. In the context of an aging population and the growing integration of information technology, the demand for internet-based medical services among older adults is gaining increased attention. While scholars have highlighted the important role of intergenerational support in promoting digital inclusion for older adults, research on the relationship between intergenerational support and older adults' intentions to seek online care remains limited. This study aims (1) to explore the association between intergenerational support, online medical information, and older adults' intention to seek medical care online, and (2) to examine the mediating role of technology perception and trust, as well as the moderating role of eHealth literacy. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in China, collecting 958 valid responses from older adults aged 60 years and above. A vast majority of participants were between the ages of 60 and 75 years (771/958, 80.5%). Of the 958 participants, 559 (58.4%) resided in rural areas, while 399 (41.6%) lived in urban areas. The survey included questions on intergenerational support, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust, online medical information, eHealth literacy, and the intention to seek medical care online. Structural equation modeling and linear regression analysis were applied to explore the relationship between intergenerational support and the intention to seek medical care on the internet. Intergenerational support was positively associated with perceived ease of use (β=.292, P