הערכת רמת אוריינות בריאות דיגיטלית, מצב בריאות והשכלה בקרב הגיל השלישי בתקופת פנדמיית הקורונה (COVID-19): מחקר משולב שיטות: ‏[‏מאמר מחקר]

The aim of the study: To assess differences in the level of health status, education, and online health literacy among elderly during the Covid-19 pandemic period.Research method: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted, using quantitative and qualitative data (mixed methods). The study involved 288 elderly people aged 65 years and above. Participants filled out a self-reporting questionnaire that examines online health literacy dimensions. The questionnaire consisted of both closed and open questions.Findings: Participants with very good health status reported higher levels of digital health literacy dimensions -- 'awareness of online health information sources’ and' perceived efficacy of health information retrieved from the Internet' -- than those with only good or not good health status. Participants with a bachelor's or higher degree of education reported that they understood 'online health information' more than those with a high school education. Moreover, participants with a high school education reported that they were smarter on the net than those with bachelor's or higher degree education.Conclusions: It is important to provide educational intervention programs for the elderly, tailored to their health status and level of education. This will reduce health inequality. It is essential for everyone to have adequate online health literacy skills, as this is the future direction of medicine