Information Seeking Behavior Associated with Willingness for COVID-19 Vaccination in 60+ Estonians

Marianne Paimre, Andri Ahven

2025

Abstract

Research consistently suggests that seeking health information (HI) online can positively impact individuals' health behavior choices (HBC). However, the relationship between online health information-seeking behavior (OHISB) and COVID-19 vaccination among older adults – often considered a digitally underserved group – remained largely underexplored. This study contributes to bridging this gap by investigating the OHISB of Estonians aged 60+ and its associations with HBC, including COVID-19 vaccination readiness (CVR). Survey data from 329 respondents revealed that frequent online HI searches, along with better access to digital devices, higher self-reported digital skills, and higher levels of education and income, were positively associated with increased CVR. Preference for reliable HI sources, such as international organizations and physician-curated websites, further reinforced vaccine support, while vaccine refusers predominantly relied on alternative media. However, no clear association was found between OHISB and other HBCs, such as healthy eating, physical activity, or drug use, suggesting the need for further investigation. The study highlights the potential of digital technologies and online health information seeking (OHIS) among older generations in promoting health-protective behavior during a health crisis. These findings also underscore the critical role of promoting digital literacy and access to credible HI to enhance public health outcomes.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Paimre M. and Ahven A. (2025). Information Seeking Behavior Associated with Willingness for COVID-19 Vaccination in 60+ Estonians. In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: ICT4AWE; ISBN 978-989-758-743-6, SciTePress, pages 181-188. DOI: 10.5220/0013209600003938

in Bibtex Style

@conference{ict4awe25,
author={Marianne Paimre and Andri Ahven},
title={Information Seeking Behavior Associated with Willingness for COVID-19 Vaccination in 60+ Estonians},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: ICT4AWE},
year={2025},
pages={181-188},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013209600003938},
isbn={978-989-758-743-6},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: ICT4AWE
TI - Information Seeking Behavior Associated with Willingness for COVID-19 Vaccination in 60+ Estonians
SN - 978-989-758-743-6
AU - Paimre M.
AU - Ahven A.
PY - 2025
SP - 181
EP - 188
DO - 10.5220/0013209600003938
PB - SciTePress