Association between Internet use and decision-making preference in older adults

Abstract

M.I. Cajita, E. Whitehouse, C. Budhathoki, N. Hodgson. Association between Internet use and decision-making preference in older adults. Gerontechnology 2016;14(2):97-104; doi:10.4017/gt.2016.14.2.008.00 Background Easy access to health-related information on the Internet has the potential to empower patients in making health-related decisions. However, little is known regarding the association between Internet use and decision-making preference in older adults. The aim of the study is to evaluate the association between Internet use and decision-making preference in older adults. Method The study analyzed cross-sectional data from 1,945 participants of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Results Older adults who used the Internet had greater odds of active decisionmaking preference (OR 1.75, 95%CI 1.22-2.52, p=0.002) compared to older adults who did not use the Internet. Similarly, older adults, who searched the Internet for health-related information, had higher odds of active decision-making preference (OR 2.16, 95%CI 1.14-4.09, p=0.019) compared to their counterparts. Conclusion Internet use was found to be associated with active decision-making preference in older adults. Similarly, health-related Internet use was positively associated with decision-making involvement in older adults.