Improving older adults' e-health literacy through computer training using NIH online resources

A computer-based health literacy intervention for older adults was developed and assessed from September 2007 to June 2009. A total of 218 adults between the ages of 60–89 participated in the study at two public libraries. The four week-long curricula covered two National Institutes of Health (NIH) websites: NIHSeniorHealth.gov and MedlinePlus.gov. Computer and Web knowledge significantly improved from pre- to post-intervention ( p < .01 in both cases). Computer attitudes significantly improved from pre- to post-intervention: Anxiety significantly decreased while interest and efficacy both increased ( p < .001 in all three cases). Most participants found both sites easy to use and were able to find needed information on both. Information found on NIHSeniorHealth was significantly more useful than that on MedlinePlus ( p < .05). Most participants (78%) reported that what they learned had affected their participation in their own health care. Participants had positive feedback on the intervention. These findings support the effectiveness and popularity of the intervention. By tapping into the well-established public library and NIH infrastructure, this intervention has great potential for scaling-up, and significant social and economic implications for a diverse range of communities and individuals. ► An e-health literacy intervention for older adults was developed and assessed. ► The curriculum covered the NIHSeniorHealth.gov and MedlinePlus.gov websites. ► Computer and web knowledge significantly improved from pre- to post-intervention. ► Computer attitudes significantly improved from pre- to post-intervention. ► Participants reported increased active participation in their own health care.