Online Health Information Resources: The Key Congruence Between User Characteristics, Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use

Abstract

Little is known about the factors that determine the use of online health resources (OHR) by people with chronic conditions, who are often older. Using the TAM III conceptual model, we collected data using an electronic questionnaire and focus groups. Perceived usefulness, related to people's specific health condition, and perceived ease of use, related to a simple and accessible design, interact significantly with the intention to use an OHR. This study highlights the importance of characterizing the target population for an OHR to encourage and facilitate its use. Age is not a barrier to the uses of such resources.