Factors Influencing Health Information Orientation in Middle-aged Community-dwelling

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It is important time for middle-aged because they should shift to a healthy elderly by utilization of correct health information and healthy behaviors. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of health information orientation (HIO) and identify the factors influencing HIO according to socio-demographic and health related characteristics of middle aged in community. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by self-reported using structured questionnaires. The data was collected from June to July 2014 with 465 middle aged and 40 to 64 years old living in the community. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was used to examine the determinant of HIO. RESULTS: In the two sub-domains of HIO, health information engagement mean score was 2.30±1.09 and the health information apprehension level was 1.34±1.15 on average (maximum 4 points). Regression analysis showed that the sub-domains of HIO, the level of health information engagement was significantly higher in the 40-49 age group than 50-64 age group (β=-0.094, P=0.048) and high school or above education level (β=0.224, P<0.001). Those who pay more than 100,000 won per month (β=0.097, P=0.047) were significantly high in the level of health information apprehension. CONCLUSIONS: In order to improve the level of HIO, it is necessary to implement tailored health promotion education considering the sociodemographic and health related characteristics of the subjects. It is required in the future, the development of tools and multidimensional factors that are appropriate for the middle-aged when identifying the factors influencing of health information orientation.