<p>The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between online health information-seeking behavior and mental well-being among Korean American older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 99 older adults aged 50 and above. Data were collected on online health information-seeking behavior, mental health, and demographic characteristics. This study finding showed that 67 participants indicated a strong interest in health and stress-related information, with 67.7% actively looking for resources online. Almost half of the respondents sought information about treatments, whereas fewer engaged in communication with doctors or searched for medical test results, suggesting possible gaps in interactions between patients and providers. Korean American older adults who searched for health information online reported lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Participants who communicated with doctors online and accessed their medical test results also experienced reduced psychological distress, underscoring the positive effect of digital health engagement on overall mental well-being. These findings emphasize the growing role of technology in healthcare and the importance of accessible and reliable online health information resources to meet the needs of diverse populations, including immigrant older adults like Korean American older adults. This study recommended healthcare providers to ensure that older KA immigrants have access to reliable and culturally appropriate online health resources, as well as opportunities to engage with their healthcare providers through digital platforms.</p>

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Associations Between Online Health Information-Seeking Behaviors and Mental Well-being Among Non-English-Speaking Immigrant Older Adults

  • Hyejin Park

摘要

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between online health information-seeking behavior and mental well-being among Korean American older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 99 older adults aged 50 and above. Data were collected on online health information-seeking behavior, mental health, and demographic characteristics. This study finding showed that 67 participants indicated a strong interest in health and stress-related information, with 67.7% actively looking for resources online. Almost half of the respondents sought information about treatments, whereas fewer engaged in communication with doctors or searched for medical test results, suggesting possible gaps in interactions between patients and providers. Korean American older adults who searched for health information online reported lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Participants who communicated with doctors online and accessed their medical test results also experienced reduced psychological distress, underscoring the positive effect of digital health engagement on overall mental well-being. These findings emphasize the growing role of technology in healthcare and the importance of accessible and reliable online health information resources to meet the needs of diverse populations, including immigrant older adults like Korean American older adults. This study recommended healthcare providers to ensure that older KA immigrants have access to reliable and culturally appropriate online health resources, as well as opportunities to engage with their healthcare providers through digital platforms.