Study on the "digital divide" in the continuous utilization of Internet medical services for older adults: Combination with PLS-SEM and fsQCA analysis approach.

Background: With the rapid digitalization of healthcare and an aging population, understanding the factors influencing older adults' sustained adoption of Internet medical services is critical. However, existing research often oversimplifies these factors by relying on linear models. This study inte...

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Publicado en:International Journal for Equity in Health Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 1 - 20
Autores principales: Yu, Wang, Ji, Ying, Li, Zhijing, Wang, Kun, Jiang, Xue, Chang, Chun
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: BioMed Central 3/12/2025
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      jtl: International Journal for Equity in Health
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      dt: 3/12/2025
      vid: 24
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      pub: BioMed Central
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        10.1186/s12939-025-02418-1
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        atl: Study on the "digital divide" in the continuous utilization of Internet medical services for older adults: Combination with PLS-SEM and fsQCA analysis approach.
      aug:
        au:
          Yu, Wang
          Ji, Ying
          Li, Zhijing
          Wang, Kun
          Jiang, Xue
          Chang, Chun
        affil: https://ror.org/02v51f717 School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
      sug:
        subj:
          Digital Divide
          Internet Utilization
          Health Services
          Structural Equation Modeling
          Health Services Accessibility China
          Quality Assessment Evaluation
          Human
          Male
          Female
          Aged
          Cross Sectional Studies
          Social Participation
          Health Literacy
          Patient Satisfaction
          Support, Social
          Qualitative Studies
          Questionnaires
          Self-Efficacy
          Support, Psychosocial
          Funding Source
          China
          Aged: 65+ years
          Male
          Female
      ab: Background: With the rapid digitalization of healthcare and an aging population, understanding the factors influencing older adults' sustained adoption of Internet medical services is critical. However, existing research often oversimplifies these factors by relying on linear models. This study integrates Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to explore the complex pathways driving continued use. Methods: A survey of 1,920 older adults (60–75 years) in China assessed satisfaction, e-health literacy, self-efficacy, social support, social influence, social participation, and willingness to use Internet medical services. PLS-SEM examined the relationships between variables, while fsQCA identified multiple configurations leading to sustained use. Results: PLS-SEM identified satisfaction as the strongest predictor of sustained use (β = 0.281, p < 0.001), acting as both a direct determinant and a mediator for e-health literacy and social participation. Social influence (β = 0.189, p < 0.001) and social support (β = 0.172, p < 0.001) also contributed significantly. FsQCA revealed six distinct configurations, with satisfaction and e-health literacy as core conditions across most pathways. Conclusions: By integrating linear and configurational approaches, this study provides a nuanced understanding of older adults' digital healthcare behaviors. Enhancing satisfaction, digital literacy, and social engagement is key to fostering sustained adoption. Tailored interventions based on distinct configurations can maximize the effectiveness of digital health programs. Implications: This research bridges gaps in understanding complex behaviors and provides actionable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers, highlighting the critical role of digital literacy and social support.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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