Perceived eHealth Literacy and Information Behavior of Older Adults Enrolled in a Health Information Outreach Program

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn collaboration with a public library system, faculty from a health sciences center library offered a series of courses for older adults based on the NIHSeniorHealth Toolkit for Trainers. A mixed-methods survey was offered to all program attendees during the training sessions. The survey assessed participants’ perceived eHealth literacy, which websites they searched for eHealth information, participants’ most/least trusted sources of health information, and if/what barriers exist for older adults when searching for eHealth information. Results from this pilot program indicate that participants believe access to eHealth resources is important and useful, but are unsure what online resources are available, how to find them, or how to evaluate their quality.