The Chain Mediation Role of Self-Efficacy, Health Literacy, and Physical Exercise in the Relationship Between Internet Use and Older Adults' Health: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

With the widespread use of the internet, the number of older internet users is rapidly increasing. However, the role of individual factors such as self-efficacy, health literacy, and physical exercise in the chain of influence between internet use and the health of older adults is unclear.

Objective

On the basis of the media effects theory and the health belief model, we aimed to explore the relationship between internet use and self-rated health among Chinese older adults. We also analyzed the mediating roles of self-efficacy, health literacy, and physical exercise and examined how these mediating effects varied by sex, residence, and per capita monthly household income groups. In addition, we investigated the moderating effect of education level.

Methods

SUBMITTER: Liao W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12264443 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature