Title: Senior citizens - perceived health self-efficacy and information barriers

Authors: Ágústa Pálsdóttir; Sigríður Björk Einarsdóttir

Addresses: University of Iceland, Gimli v/Sæmundargötu, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland ' University of Iceland, Gimli v/Sæmundargötu, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Abstract: The perceived health self-efficacy beliefs and perceived information barriers, among people aged 60 years and older, were examined. The data was gathered by a questionnaire survey in 2012. Total number of participants was 176. The self-efficacy beliefs were measured by the Perceived Health Competence Scale (PHCS). A scale of 13 statements was used to measure information. Difference across the age groups, as well as the effects of sex and education were examined. The results indicate that seniors with primary education need support to enhance their self-efficacy beliefs. Seniors with secondary or university education have a positive view on their abilities to control their own health, but experience information barriers that can impact their options to enhance their knowledge of healthy behaviour.

Keywords: health literacy; health self-efficacy; information barriers; media and health information literacy; senior citizens.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTMCP.2017.091936

International Journal of Telemedicine and Clinical Practices, 2017 Vol.2 No.4, pp.318 - 342

Received: 13 Apr 2017
Accepted: 17 Nov 2017
Published online: 21 May 2018 *

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