Patient portals (PPs), secure websites that allow patients to access their electronic health records and other health tools, can benefit older adults managing chronic conditions. However, studies have shown a lack of PP use in older adults. Little is known about the way they use PPs in community settings and specific challenges they encounter. The aim of this study was to examine the current state of PP use in older adults, employing baseline data (quantitative and qualitative) from an ongoing nationwide online trial. The dataset includes 272 older adults (mean age, 70.0 years [50-92]) with chronic conditions. Findings showed that the majority of participants (71.3%) were using one or more PPs, but in limited ways. Their comments revealed practical difficulties with managing PPs, perceived benefits, and suggestions for improvement. Further studies with different older adult groups (e.g., clinic patients) will help develop and disseminate more usable PPs for these individuals.
Purpose: This study was to identify factors explaining health empowerment of older adults with high-risk of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. Methods: Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 148 older adults residing in two areas who have one or more of the following diseases; hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: Health empowerment had a positive correlation with health literacy and social support. Perceived health status and social activity participation showed significant contribution in explaining health empowerment. Conclusion: This study showed that enhancing perceived health status and social activity participation are vital in an effort to improve health empowerment of the population. Main findings of this study can contribute to developing health empowerment interventions to improve health behavior practices of the older adults.
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