J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2024 May;31(2):179-190. 10.7739/jkafn.2024.31.2.179.

Influence of Digital Literacy and Patient Activation on Sick Role Behavior in Vulnerable Older Adults with Diabetes

• Yi YE
• Lee HJ

• KMID: 2556989
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7739/jkafn.2024.31.2.179

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of digital literacy and patient activation on sick role behavior in vulnerable older adults with diabetes.
Methods
This cross-sectional, descriptive study included 142 vulnerable older adults aged over 65 with diabetes who were seen at Busan Medical Center. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and stepwise multiple regression analysis with SPSS for Windows version 23.0.
Results
Sick role behavior was significantly correlated with digital literacy (r=.68, p<.001) and patient activation (r=.83, p<.001). Digital literacy had a significant correlation with patient activation (r=.63, p<.001). Multiple regression analysis for sick role behavior revealed that the most powerful predictor was patient activation (β=.55, p<.001). Patient activation, digital literacy, gender (female), religiosity (being religious) and cohabitation (living with family) explained 81.0% of the variance in sick role behavior.
Conclusion
Various factors were found to be related to the sick role behavior of vulnerable older adults with diabetes. Based on the results of this study, further development and application of a customized educational interventional program for improving the sick role behavior of older adults with diabetes will have a positive influence on disease treatment and health management for this population.

Keyword

Aged; Diabetes mellitus; Sick role; Vulnerable populations; 노인; 당뇨병; 환자역할; 취약계층