Amanda J Pettus1,2, Carolyn A Mendez-Luck3, Caroline D Bergeron4, SangNam Ahn5,6, Samuel D Towne6, Marcia G Ory6, Matthew Lee Smith1,6. 1. 1 Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, The University of Georgia , Athens, Georgia . 2. 2 School of Social Work, The University of Georgia , Athens, Georgia . 3. 3 College of Public Health and Human Services, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon. 4. 4 Bexar County Community Health Collaborative , San Antonio, Texas. 5. 5 Division of Health Systems Management and Policy, School of Public Health, The University of Memphis , Memphis, Tennessee. 6. 6 Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M School of Public Health , College Station, Texas.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This two-part study analyzed data collected from middle-aged (age 44-64) and older women (age 65+) with one or more chronic conditions who completed the National Council on Aging Chronic Care Survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Part One analyzed data from 418 women to describe sociodemographics, disease types, and healthcare utilization associated with Internet use among middle-aged and older women with 1 or more chronic diseases. Part Two analyzed data from the 251 Internet-using women to identify the online self-care resources they are using (format, host organization) and for what purposes. RESULTS: Approximately 31% of participants were age 65 years or older, 30% reported having three or more chronic condition types, and 65% reported using the Internet. A significantly larger proportion of older women reported multiple chronic conditions, and a significantly fewer number of older women reported using the Internet. A significantly smaller proportion of Internet users were non-Hispanic white, more educated, and employed. A significantly larger proportion of non-Internet users reported needing help learning what to do to manage their health conditions and needing help learning how to care for their health conditions. Among only Internet-using women, 18.7% participated in online discussions/chatrooms/listserv and 45.2% read about the experiences of others with chronic diseases. Interest in websites and online courses varied. CONCLUSION: Understanding Internet use among women with chronic conditions can inform targeted efforts to increase Internet availability, educate potential users about the benefits of online resources, and effectively tailor Internet-based materials to self-care needs.
OBJECTIVE: This two-part study analyzed data collected from middle-aged (age 44-64) and older women (age 65+) with one or more chronic conditions who completed the National Council on Aging Chronic Care Survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Part One analyzed data from 418 women to describe sociodemographics, disease types, and healthcare utilization associated with Internet use among middle-aged and older women with 1 or more chronic diseases. Part Two analyzed data from the 251 Internet-using women to identify the online self-care resources they are using (format, host organization) and for what purposes. RESULTS: Approximately 31% of participants were age 65 years or older, 30% reported having three or more chronic condition types, and 65% reported using the Internet. A significantly larger proportion of older women reported multiple chronic conditions, and a significantly fewer number of older women reported using the Internet. A significantly smaller proportion of Internet users were non-Hispanic white, more educated, and employed. A significantly larger proportion of non-Internet users reported needing help learning what to do to manage their health conditions and needing help learning how to care for their health conditions. Among only Internet-using women, 18.7% participated in online discussions/chatrooms/listserv and 45.2% read about the experiences of others with chronic diseases. Interest in websites and online courses varied. CONCLUSION: Understanding Internet use among women with chronic conditions can inform targeted efforts to increase Internet availability, educate potential users about the benefits of online resources, and effectively tailor Internet-based materials to self-care needs.
Entities:
Keywords:
Internet; chronic disease; self-care behaviors; self-management; women's health
Authors: Kayla P Meek; Caroline D Bergeron; Samuel D Towne; SangNam Ahn; Marcia G Ory; Matthew Lee Smith Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2018-01-19 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Molly E Waring; Mellanie T Hills; Darleen M Lessard; Jane S Saczynski; Brooke A Libby; Marta M Holovatska; Alok Kapoor; Catarina I Kiefe; David D McManus Journal: JMIR Cardio Date: 2019-11-14