Internet literacy and health related quality of life in urban Korean adults mediated by medication adherence and ego-resiliency

Background As Korea's population ages, understanding factors that influence health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in middle-aged and older adults is crucial. Methods This study investigated how medication adherence and ego-resiliency mediate the relationship between internet literacy and HRQoL in middle-aged and older adults in South Korean. A total of 197 participants aged 40 or older, working in companies or volunteer groups, were recruited. Mediation effects were examined using Hayes' PROCESS macro (Model 4). Results Internet literacy was significantly related to medication adherence (r = .423), ego-resiliency (r = .417), and HRQoL (r = .378). Both medication adherence and ego-resiliency positively correlated with HRQoL (r = .408 and r = .413, respectively). Ego-resiliency and medication adherence fully mediated the relationship between internet literacy and HRQoL (ß=0.003, ß=0.005). Conclusions Medication adherence and ego-resiliency mediate the link between internet literacy and HRQoL. Middle and older adults need continuous internet literacy education and ego-resiliency training to enhance HRQoL. Additionally, medication adherence may be relevant even for those not currently taking prescribed medications, as it reflects broader health behaviors.