Understanding Technology Anxiety Among Older Adults with Chronic Diseases: The Roles of Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the associations of individual-level factors (eHealth literacy, chronic disease management self-efficacy, and coping style) and social-level factors (social support) with technology anxiety among older adults with chronic diseases, and to explore the potential indirect associations involving perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Method: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among older adults with chronic diseases, in which 470 participants were surveyed and 456 valid responses were obtained. Measures included the eHealth Literacy Scale, Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease Scale, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale, Scale of Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness Scale and Technology Anxiety Scale. Structural equation modelling was applied to examine the direct and indirect associations among individual- and social-level factors, technology perceptions, and technology anxiety. Results: Higher eHealth literacy, chronic disease management self-efficacy, positive coping, and social support were positively associated with perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, whereas negative coping was negatively associated with both. Perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness were negatively associated with technology anxiety. eHealth literacy, chronic disease management self-efficacy, and positive coping were negatively associated with technology anxiety, whereas negative coping was positively associated; social support showed no significant direct association. All five antecedent factors showed significant indirect associations with technology anxiety through perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and the sequential pathway from perceived ease of use to perceived usefulness. Conclusions: Individual- and social-level factors were associated with technology anxiety among older adults with chronic diseases, with perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness involved in these indirect associations. These findings may provide insights for understanding technology anxiety and support future research on digital health adaptation.