Analysis of the Impact of E-Health Literacy on Health Behavior Among the Elderly in Jiangsu: Structural Equation Model.

Objective: This study aims to determine the correlation between e-health literacy, physiology, and health behaviors of older adults in Jiangsu to assess the factors influencing digital health in older adults.

Methods: Data were collected through a 1:1 face-to-face survey conducted in hospitals and elderly communities from May 1 to June 14, 2024, using a structured questionnaire. In this study, the electronic health literacy questionnaire, the quality-of-life questionnaire, and the Anderson health behavior model were used. According to the collected data, the structural relationship between electronics and health literacy, physiological function, and health behavior of the elderly aged 60 years and above was confirmed, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was carried out.

Results: E-health literacy significantly positively impacted physiological function (β = 0.916, p < 0.001), while physiological function showed a positive but non-significant association with health behaviors (β = 0.343, p = 0.091). The mediating role of physiological function between e-health literacy and health behaviors was confirmed (*indirect effect = 0.005, 95% CI: -0.010 to 0.125*). Pearson correlations revealed significant relationships: e-health literacy with physiological function (γ = 0.331, p < 0.001) and physiological function with health behaviors (γ = 0.146, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: In the era of big data and the aging society, it is necessary to strengthen publicity and guidance to improve the e-health literacy of older adults, especially those with poor physiological function. Explain the potential threats of some health information and ensure healthy digital aging through multi-stakeholder societal participation.