ArticleBMC public health2025
Internet-based healthcare services use patterns and barriers among middle-aged and older adults in China: a cross-sectional study.
Article in BMC public health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.
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Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed.
- Digital Prescription-Based Influenza Activity Forecasting in Jiangxi Province, China: Comparative Modeling Analysis Using Multisource Data.Journal of medical Internet research · 2026Article
- Imaging of synchronous multifocal renal masses: a case report.Frontiers in medicine · 2026Article
- Designing age-friendly interfaces and wearable-environment integrations to enhance medication adherence: a discrete choice experiment among older adults.Frontiers in medicine · 2026Article
- Home Rehabilitation Experience and Influencing Factors in Frail Elderly Patients with Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Qualitative Study.Patient preference and adherence · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
9 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundThe global aging trend has intensified chronic disease burdens, widened healthcare access disparities, and exacerbated unmet care needs. Internet‑based Healthcare Services (IHS) present a promising strategy to address these challenges. This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of IHS use, as well as the primary motivations and barriers to adoption among adults aged 50 years and older in mainland China.
methodsAn online cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2021 among adults aged 50 years and older in mainland China. Participants (N = 560) were recruited through random sampling on an online platform. Logistic regression models were used to identify predisposing, need, and enabling factors associated with IHS use.
resultsOnly 17.14% of respondents reported using IHS, with online medical consultation being the most common (38.5%). Respondents aged between 50 and 59 years (AOR = 4,975 [95% CI 1.224-19.608]), urban residents (AOR = 6.056 [95% CI 1.689-21.713]), higher income (AOR = 3.862 [95% CI 1.822-8.186]), chronic conditions (AOR = 5.567 [95% CI 2.167-14.301]), delays in seeking healthcare (AOR = 5.323 [95% CI 2.866-9.888]), mobility difficulties (AOR = 9.802 [95% CI 4.005-23.993]), positive attitude (AOR = 3.038 [95% CI 1.039-8.884]) were more likely to use IHS, after adjusting for other variables. The main barriers to IHS use included distrust and uncertainty about describing symptoms online.
conclusionLow levels of IHS use were observed among middle-aged and elderly populations in mainland China. Although IHS can benefit individuals with high healthcare needs or mobility limitations, income-related and urban-rural inequalities in IHS use persist. Addressing trust issues and enhancing digital literacy among the elderly are essential for the widespread and effective development of IHS.
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