A1 Journal article (refereed)
The role of age and digital competence on the use of online health and social care services : A cross-sectional population-based survey (2022)

Heponiemi, T., Kaihlanen, A-M., Kouvonen, A., Leemann, L., Taipale, S., & Gluschkoff, K. (2022). The role of age and digital competence on the use of online health and social care services : A cross-sectional population-based survey. Digital Health, 8. https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076221074485

The research was funded by Strategic Research Council at the Research Council of Finland.

JYU authors or editors

Taipale, Sakari

Publication details

All authors or editors: Heponiemi, T; Kaihlanen, A-M.; Kouvonen, A.; Leemann, L.; Taipale, S.; Gluschkoff, K.

Journal or series: Digital Health

ISSN: 2055-2076

eISSN: 2055-2076

Publication year: 2022

Volume: 8

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076221074485

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/79581

Abstract

Objective
Online health and social care services are getting widespread which increases the risk that less advantaged groups may not be able to access these services resulting in digital exclusion. We examined the combined effects of age and digital competence on the use of online health and social care services.

Methods
We used a large representative population-based sample of 4495 respondents from Finland. Paper-based self-assessment questionnaire with an online response option was mailed to participants. The associations were analyzed using survey weighted logistic regression, exploring potential non-linear effects of age and controlling for potential sex differences.

Results
Higher age, starting from around the age of 60 was associated with a lower likelihood of using online services for receiving test results, renewing prescriptions and scheduling appointments. Good digital competence was able to hinder the age-related decline in online services use, but only up to around the age of 80.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that older adults are at risk of digital exclusion, and not even good digital competence alleviates this risk among the oldest. We suggest that health and social care providers should consider older users’ needs and abilities more thoroughly and offer easy to use online services. More digital support and training possibilities should be provided for older people. It is equally important that face-to-face and telephone services will be continued to be provided for those older people who are not able to use online services even when supported.

Keywords: health services; social services; digitalisation; online services; older people; digital divide; usage study; survey research