Trust in health information sources differs between young/middle and oldest old.
OBJECTIVE
Examine differences in trust of health information sources between the oldest old and young/middle old.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling.


METHODS
Eleven retirement communities.


METHODS
Older adults ≥65 years (N = 353).


METHODS
Self-rated trust in health information sources.


METHODS
Mann-Whitney U-test or Fisher exact test to compare trust between age groups; multinomial ordered logistic regression analyses to model trust in Internet information sources.


RESULTS
The overall survey response rate was 26.6%. Differences in trust were identified between oldest old (n = 108) and young/middle old (n = 245) for pharmacist (p < .05), Internet (p < .001), television (p < .05), radio (p < .001), and newspaper (p < .05) sources. In the oldest old, we found associations between levels of trust in Internet sources and frequency of Internet use (β = 4.13, p < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Understanding where differences in trust arise can inform the design of resources to support the information-seeking process. When planning widespread distribution of health information to these distinct groups, program developers need to consider these differences.
Thai
T
Le
Shomir
S
Chaudhuri
Cathy
C
White
Hilaire
H
Thompson
George
G
Demiris
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D054626:Consumer Health Information; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D020407:Internet; D016015:Logistic Models; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035502:Trust