Readiness for utilizing digital intervention: Patterns of internet use among older adults with diabetes

The Internet is an important source of health and self-care information for older adults with diabetes. This study examined whether older adults with diabetes can be classified into different profiles based on Internet use.

A latent class analysis based on 10 Internet activities was conducted using a nationally representative sample of individuals aged 65 and older (N = 1919). A multinomial logistic regression was performed to explore the potential differences related to socio-demographic characteristics and health-related factors among the classes.

Three distinct classes were identified based on Internet use: non-users (n = 1299, 67.6%), communicating users (n = 327, 17.4%), and smart users (n = 293, 15.3%). Smart users were more likely to be highly educated, wealthy, and socially active, and to have good physical and cognitive functioning abilities in comparison, to the other classes. The communicating users were defined by a low incidence of depression.

Older adults with diabetes are a diverse group in terms of their Internet activities. Distinguishing among the various types of older adults with diabetes can help healthcare providers tailor their approach to encourage such adults to engage in digital self-care.