JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Mental eHealth literacy is increasingly recognized as a critical component in facilitating access to, and effective use of, digital mental health resources. Despite its importance, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding how eHealth literacy varies across different age groups.

Objective:

This study aims to investigate the age-related differences in eMHL among young, middle-aged, and elderly groups. The findings could provide insights into the needs, behaviors, and attitudes of different age groups towards digital health, which could ultimately improve mental health services.

Methods:

A qualitative investigation was conducted to examine the nuances of eMHL across different age demographics in 2023. The study sample comprised 30 participants, stratified into three distinct age brackets: 18-34, 35-55, and 56 years and above. Participants were meticulously chosen through purposive sampling to ensure a diverse representation of the population. Data collection was facilitated through semi-structured one-on-one interviews, which allowed for in-depth exploration of individual experiences and perceptions. The gathered data were subsequently subjected to rigorous thematic analysis that enabled the identification and interpretation of recurring patterns and themes.

Results:

The principal outcomes derived from these interviews have been synthesized into five distinct dimensions. These encompass emotional requirements, mechanisms of coping, engagement with online mental health resources, assessment of online mental health information, and the employment of social media as a means to regulate emotions, uniformly observed across participants of varying age groups.

Conclusions:

This study explored age-related differences in eMHL, particularly in the use of online resources, the assessment of information credibility, and the use of the internet for emotional expression. Young people often use multiple online resources to cope with stress or anxiety, while middle-aged individuals tend to rely on authoritative online sources and personal judgement. On the other hand, older individuals typically prefer using offline consultations found on the Internet.