Role of Socio-demographic Factors in Predicting the Use of Communication Technologies by Older People in Iran

Background: The use of communication technologies enables the older people to deal with limitations and problems of modern life. Objective: This study aims to determine the socio-demographic factors predicting the use of common communication technologies (computers, internet, ATMs, and mobile phones) by the elderly in Iran. Methods: In this descriptive analytical study conducted in 2017, participants were 165 older adults from Qazvin, Iran who were selected using a cluster sampling method. Data collection tools were a demographic checklist and researcher-made questionnaire for assessing the use of communication technologies. Descriptive tests and multivariate regression analysis were used for data analysis. Findings: The mean age of participants was 68.38±7.89 years. Majority of them reported that they do not use computer (n=127, 77%) and internet services (n=112, 67.9%). The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that age (β=-0.209, P=0.002), gender (β=-0.142, P=0.029), educational level (β=0.501, P=0.000), and financial status (β=0.142, P=0.023) were the predictors of the use of common communication technologies by the older adults.  Conclusion: A small percentage of the elderly in Iran use computer and internet. Therefore, it is very important to hold educational programs for the elderly to get familiar with and use new communication technologies.