ArticleBMC geriatrics2026
Understanding digital health literacy in later life: the role of sociodemographic and health-related factors - a cross-sectional study.
Article in BMC geriatrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. An erratum has been issued. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
Corrections and comments
- Erratum issued
Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundSo far, digital health literacy (DHL) has been linked to disparities in access to digital tools, differences in usage habits, and varying levels of proficiency in using digital technologies. The aim of the current study was to investigate the link between sociodemographic or health-related factors and digital health literacy among older adults in Germany.
methodA total of 3,000 participants from the LIFE Adult Cohort - a population-based cohort study in Germany - aged 65 years and older were re-contacted and surveyed using a paper-and-pencil questionnaire in May 2024. Participation rate was 74%. A sample of n = 2.227 participants was analysed with regard to digital health literacy (revised eHealth Literacy Scale (GR-eHEALS)), sociodemographic and health-related factors (overall health status, chronic diseases and body mass index). In addition, participants were compared regarding their internet use, as well as application of health-related devices and services.
resultsAccording to the multivariate regression analysis, digital health literacy (overall and sub-scales) was positively associated with better health status (p < 0.001). Having a chronic disease or long-term health problem, however, as well as BMI-category were not significantly related to DHL. Internet use was the most prominent predictor across all three models (p < 0.001). Being 75 years and older was significantly associated with a decrease in digital health literacy compared to being 65 to 69 years. Moreover, a high educational level (CASMIN) compared to a low level was associated with a 9.3% increase in digital health literacy. Whereas a high income (≥ 3.500 €) compared to an income below 1.500€ was associated with a 7.2% increase in digital health literacy. No significant associations were found with regard to sex or marital status.
conclusionThe findings of the current study highlight the importance of sociodemographic and health-related factors in relation to digital health literacy among individuals aged 65 years and older. Further research is needed to clarify these associations in terms of causality and underlying mechanisms in order to develop interventions that focus on older adults in order to improve digital health literacy.
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