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Osteoporosis International

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01-07-2020 | Original Article

Current level of technology use, health and eHealth literacy in older Canadians with a recent fracture—a survey in orthopedic clinics

Authors: C. Cherid, A. Baghdadli, M. Wall, N. E. Mayo, G. Berry, E. J. Harvey, A. Albers, S. G. Bergeron, S. N. Morin

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 7/2020

Abstract

Summary

Among older adults who have recently sustained a fracture, there is substantial adoption of mobile technology. Furthermore, health and eHealth literacy level reported by participants supports the development of interactive eHealth interventions toward fostering better patient engagement in skeletal health management.

Introduction

Electronic health resources are increasingly used in the self-management of medical conditions. We aimed to identify the current level of technology adoption, health, and eHealth literacy among older adults with a recent fracture, to determine if the use of electronic interventions would be feasible and acceptable in this population.

Methods

Adults ≥ 50 years with recent fractures were invited to complete a self-administered survey composed of 21 questions, including an 8-item perceived eHealth literacy scale.

Results

A total of 401 participants completed the survey (women, 64%; ≥ 65 years, 59%; university education, 32%). Most participants reported no difficulty in reading printed health material (67%) and felt confident in filling out medical forms (65%). Younger age and higher levels of education were associated with higher health literacy. Most respondents (81%) owned at least one mobile device (smartphone, 49%; tablet, 45%). eHEALS scores were similar among men (29, IQR 24–32) and women (29, IQR 25–33), and between younger age group categories (50–64 years, 30; IQR 26–33; and 65–74 years, 29; IQR 25–32), but lower in the oldest age group (≥ 75 years, 24; IQR 21–29; p < 0.05). Compared with the youngest group, those ≥ 75 years had higher odds of an eHEALS < 26 (odds ratio, 4.2; 95% confidence interval 2.0–8.9) after adjusting for sex and education level.

Conclusion

There is significant adoption of mobile technology among older adults. Health and eHealth literacy reported by this study population supports the development of interactive eHealth interventions toward fostering better patient engagement in skeletal health management.

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Title: Current level of technology use, health and eHealth literacy in older Canadians with a recent fracture—a survey in orthopedic clinics
Authors: C. Cherid
A. Baghdadli
M. Wall
N. E. Mayo
G. Berry
E. J. Harvey
A. Albers
S. G. Bergeron
S. N. Morin
Publication date: 01-07-2020
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: Osteoporosis International / Issue 7/2020
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-020-05359-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Current level of technology use, health and eHealth literacy in older Canadians with a recent fracture—a survey in orthopedic clinics

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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