Barriers and facilitators of health information seeking behavior among older adults: a mixed-methods systematic review using the COM-B model

Abstract

Background The intensification of global population aging has led to a growing demand for health information among older adults. Proactively seeking health information is crucial for enabling older adults to make informed health decisions. However, the factors influencing older adults' health information seeking behavior (HISB) have yet to be systematically summarized. Objectives This study aims to identify the barriers and facilitators of HISB among older adults using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model, and to provide a theoretical basis for developing intervention strategies. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a search in seven databases, including PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. The initial search period covered the period from the establishment of each database to 2 November 2025. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Researchers used convergent integration methods to collect, analyze, and integrate data. The COM-B model was applied to identify potential barriers and facilitators. Results A total of 20 studies were included, comprising 16 quantitative descriptive studies, three qualitative studies, and one mixed-methods study. The findings highlight a complex and multifaceted range of factors influencing HISB, which were categorized into six domains: physical capability (skills to access information, age-related physiological decline and healthy lifestyle habits), psychological capability (limited ability to evaluate health information, health literacy and trust in the source of information), physical opportunity (credibility of accessible health information, access to information sources and financial difficulties), social opportunity (family support and social support), reflective motivation (self-efficacy, perceived usefulness of health information and intention to maintain health status), automatic motivation (personality trait). Conclusions This review identified 15 factors influencing HISB among older adults and categorized them using the COM-B model. The analysis underscores the importance of addressing barriers and leveraging facilitators related to capability, opportunity, and motivation as a foundation for intervention design. Future research should further examine and validate these determinants and use them as a theoretical basis for developing targeted interventions to promote HISB among older adults. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024600497, identifier: CRD42024600497.