Digital Competence and Chronic Disease Management Self-Efficacy in Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Telemonitoring Readiness

Purpose: To examine the relationship between digital competence and chronic disease management self-efficacy in older adults, with a focus on the mediating role of telemonitoring readiness. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 196 older adults with chronic diseases in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed validated measures assessing digital competence, telemonitoring readiness, and chronic disease management self-efficacy. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and mediation analysis via the PROCESS macro. Results: Significant positive relationships were found between digital competence and telemonitoring readiness ( r = 0.35, p < .01), digital competence and self-efficacy ( r = 0.68, p < .01), and telemonitoring readiness and self-efficacy ( r = 0.43, p < .01). Telemonitoring readiness significantly mediated the relationship between digital competence and self-efficacy, contributing 14.7% of the total effect. Conclusion: Enhancing digital competence and telemonitoring readiness is crucial for improving chronic disease management self-efficacy among older adults. Health care strategies should focus on digital literacy programs and increasing telemonitoring readiness to foster better health outcomes. Digital literacy programs, nurse-led support, and policy initiatives should prioritize telemonitoring adoption to enhance self-efficacy among older adults.