A needs assessment for the development of a digital-based self-nutrition management education program for older adults in Korea: a cross-sectional study
10.5720/kjcn.2026.00010
- Author:
Hae-Song YOO
;
Jin-Myung LEE
;
Min-Sun JEON
- Publication Type:Research Article
- From:Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
2026;31(2):178-191
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Objectives:This study aimed to investigate the current status of nutrition management and digital utilization, the demand for e-learning nutrition education, and the factors influencing e-learning nutrition education among older adults.
Methods:A total of 500 older adults aged 65–84 years, registered as panelists with a professional survey agency, participated in an online survey. Chi-square and independent samples t-tests were used to examine gender differences. Correlations between participants’ general characteristics and the major variables were analyzed. Based on the results, a moderated regression analysis was conducted to identify how the general characteristics significantly associated with the intention to use e-learning nutrition education functioned as moderators.
Results:Significant gender differences were observed in nutrition education experience, interest and practice of nutrition management, barriers, and digital device utilization (all P < 0.05). Exploratory factor analysis identified four sub-factors for education needs: ‘Self-directed well-being practice education’, ‘Dietary therapy for major chronic diseases’, ‘Nutrition strategy for longevity and anti-aging’, and ‘Enhancing nutrition literacy education’. In Model 1, the need for digital education, interest in nutrition management, and gender were significantly associated with usage intention (all P < 0.05), whereas health-promoting behavior showed marginal significance (P = 0.06). Although the Model 2 interaction was significant, the change in explanatory power was negligible (Delta R2 = 0.003), and all interaction terms were non-significant (P > 0.05), indicating that the relationships are not moderated by gender.
Conclusion:Although older adults exhibited high interest in nutrition management, their experience with nutrition education was limited. Significant gender differences in educational needs and health-promoting behaviors highlight the importance of tailored strategies. Enhancing digital accessibility and providing gender-specific, competency-based content are essential to effectively translate interest into behavioral change. This study underscores the importance of integrating gender-specific approaches, individual digital competencies, and inducement of health-promoting behaviors when developing e-learning nutrition education programs for older adults.
