Digital health literacy and self-efficacy among older adults: Mediating roles of social support and life satisfaction and the moderating role of health consciousness.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This mixed-methods investigation examined relationships between digital health literacy and self-efficacy among older adults, focusing on mediating pathways involving social support and life satisfaction and the moderating effect of health consciousness.

Methods

Quantitative data from 1016 community-dwelling older adults across six Chinese provinces were analyzed using structural equation modeling with bias-corrected bootstrapping procedures. A multi-stage probability sampling strategy ensured geographic and socioeconomic diversity. Complementary in-depth semi-structured interviews with 30 purposively selected participants were conducted to explore underlying mechanisms.

Results

Digital health literacy was significantly and directly associated with self-effi

SUBMITTER: Xin Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12816547 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature