The Return of the House Call: The Role of Internet-Based Interactivity in Bringing Health Information Home to Older Adults
Abstract
This study provides qualitative insight into how older adults are using the Internet for health communication. The research is framed with theory from several disciplines, including health and interactive communication, as well as related theoretical models. Data from focus groups was used to develop a model of seniors' online health interactions. Three primary themes that emerged in focus groups form the key elements of the model: the health situation, health information, and the medical field. Implications are suggested for advertising and marketing on the Internet, health information providers, and academic researchers in these areas.
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The internet allows 24-h access, whereas obtaining an appointment with a HCP can be difficult.
“The internet allows 24-h access, whereas obtaining an appointment with a HCP can be difficult [30, 31, 34].”
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- Authors
- Macias, W., & McMillan, S.
- Affiliations
- University of Georgia (US)
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville (US)
- Corresponding author
- Macias, Wendy
- Venue
- Health Communication
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2008-01-25
- Volume
- 23
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 34-44
- ISSN
- 1041-0236 (ISSN-L)
- 1532-7027
- OpenAlex
- W2075573215
- Cited by
- 64
- References
- 44
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 6
- FWCI
- 7.73
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Health Communication (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
- Social Sciences › Demography › Technology Use by Older Adults
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Health Information Management › Health, Technology, Consumer Behavior
- Keywords
- older adults, internet use, online health communication, health information seeking, interactive communication, health information providers, health communication models
- MeSH terms
- Aged, Female, Health Education, Humans, Male, Marketing of Health Services, Middle Aged, Focus Groups, Internet
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