mHealth in hyper-connected Hong Kong: examining attitudes and access to mobile devices and health information among older Chinese residents

Abstract

Background: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is one of the most technologically advanced and interconnected cities in the world in terms of ownership of internet-enabled mobile devices. mHealth programs that make use of mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets to maximise access to health information, have been identified as having great potential for ageing communities for the management of health and social care needs. This paper reports the findings of a two-stage exploratory research project which examined the experiences and perceptions of Hong Kong residents aged over 60 years in relation to mHealth technologies and health literacy.Methods: This study collected data from older Hong Kong residents at a community centre. Data were collected at two stages in July and August 2019. Stage one involved a one-on-one interview at Centre A with each research participant. The self-report surveys included seven questions about mobile phone ownership and a 16-item gerontechnology survey previously used in Hong Kong. Stage two of the data collection involved three discussion groups with the research participants that were run over a 3-week period.Results: (I) Providing health information via digital devices was considered promising and acceptable by most of our participants. (II) Major concerns that impeded the elders' use of digital devices were their lack of the necessary skills to use these gadgets and their loss of memory. (III) Many participants stated their concern that they found it difficult to recall information immediately after being taught. (IV) Most participants had problems in reading because of low literacy levels or some age-related eye-diseases. (V) Video instructions were preferred by participants as audio and visual input is more useful than rather than static written information with heavy reading requirements.Conclusions: Participants were interested in using mHealth technologies. Education and ongoing support in their use is necessary.

What are the determinants of older people adopting communicative e-health services: A meta-ethnography

“…Moreover, the synthesis illustrated how the factors can interrelate with other factors which could further decrease or increase the likelihood of using communicative e-health services. The factors identi ed in the current review support similar ndings from previous literature within the area of older adults and e-health services, such as chronic illness (17)(18)(19), the interface and design (11)(12)(13), poor digital skills (9,16,(19)(20)(21), and a lack of understanding or concern regarding privacy and security online (8, 13,15,16). Additionally, facilitating factors highlighted within the current review corroborate previous literature ndings, such as having support networks (9,(22)(23)(24)(25), recommendations by healthcare providers (26), and having access to technology and the internet (10,27).…”

“…Over the years, there has been a growing body of literature focusing on e-health services and older adults (8-10). There are several common barriers and facilitators to e-health services that have been identi ed and these include but are not limited to: poorly designed interface (11)(12)(13), high cost of technology (14), privacy and security issues (8, 13,15,16), chronic illness (17)(18)(19) and lack of digital skills (9,16,(19)(20)(21).…”

Factors associated with access to healthcare services for older adults with limited activities of daily living

“…First, enough family doctors could provide medical services by going to older adults' homes immediately when they are in need. Meanwhile, related studies recommended that all efforts be expended to extend appropriate rehabilitation services, including home-based care and appliances to those identified as having a disability, particularly to those older than 65 years ( 43 , 55 ). And the services need to be affordable and accessible in terms of suitable transport so that older adults with low income and mobility problems could enjoy these services ( 43 , 55 ).…”

Association of eHealth Literacy with Health Promotion Behaviors of Community-Dwelling Older People: The Chain Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy and Self-Care Ability

“…Studies have demonstrated the positive effects of eHealth literacy on health among the general population. However, older adults face unique challenges when using the internet, such as poor eyesight and limited mobility, which may affect their interest in using the internet and reduce the frequency of internet use [23]. Moreover, most older adults use the internet to socialize and get news, instead of obtaining health information.…”