• Shaolian Cai, Juan Du, Xingqiang Chen, Enliang Li, and Yufang Chen.
• Department of Nursing, Zhaoqing Medical College, Zhaoqing, Guangdong, China.
• Brit J Hosp Med. 2024 Sep 30; 85 (9): 1131-13.

AbstractAims/Background In light of the increased utilization of digital technology among the elderly population, understanding the relationship between e-health literacy, self-identity, social capital, and educational participation motivation has become crucial. This study aims to investigate these relationships and explore the mediating effects of self-identity and social capital on the elderly population. By shedding light on these aspects, the study seeks to contribute to the existing knowledge base and inform intervention strategies to enhance the elderly individuals' overall well-being and engagement with digital health resources. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted in a sample consisting of 578 elderly participants. Data of the surveyed variables were analyzed. Mediating effect analysis methods were employed to explore the mediating roles of self-identity and social capital in the relationship between e-health literacy and educational participation motivation among the elderly individuals. Results The results revealed a significant positive correlation between e-health literacy, self-identity, social capital, and educational participation motivation among elderly individuals. Furthermore, self-identity and social capital were found to play significant mediating roles between e-health literacy and educational participation motivation. Specifically, self-identity and social capital acted as complete mediators, with a mediating effect value of 0.61, between e-health literacy and educational participation motivation. Additionally, the chained mediating effect of self-identity and social capital was also significant. Conclusion This study demonstrated that e-health literacy and educational participation motivation are closely intertwined, with self-identity and social capital acting as the mediators in this association, in the elderly population, providing valuable guidance for enhancing the health and quality of life and offering insightful references for the development and implementation of relevant policies.

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