Exploring the impact of digital distrust on user resistance to e-health services among older adults: the moderating effect of anticipated regret

Abstract This study investigates the factors influencing user resistance to e-health services among older adults, focusing on the role of information inequality, digital distrust, low self-efficacy, perceived risk, and social influence. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data from 301 older adult participants, and the structural equation modeling method was used to analyze the results. The results show that digital distrust, perceived risk, and user resistance have a significant positive relationship, underscoring the significance of resolving trust and risk concerns in e-health interventions. The study also finds that the association between digital distrust and user resistance is moderated by anticipated regret, indicating that people who anticipate regretting not adopting electronic health services are less likely to oppose digital technologies despite their distrust. Surprisingly, the study did not find support for the hypothesized relationship between information inequality and user resistance, indicating the need for further exploration of this complex relationship. The study contributes to a better understanding of the factors influencing user resistance to e-health services among older adults, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to promote the adoption of digital health technologies in aging populations.