OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the web-based application, WESIHAT 2.0©, for improving cognitive function, physical fitness, biochemical indices, and psychosocial variables among older adults in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The cost analysis of WESIHAT 2.0© was also determined.
METHOD: The study utilized a two-arm randomized controlled trial with 25 subjects in each of the intervention and control groups. The participants chosen for the study included those who were 60 years and above with at least secondary education and had internet access using a computer at home. The intervention group was exposed to the website (30 minutes per day, 4 days per week) for six months, while the control group was given health education pamphlets. Activity-Based Costing method was used to determine the cost saved using WESIHAT 2.0© as compared to using the pamphlet.
RESULTS: Significant intervention effects were observed for self-perception of disability and informational support scores. WESIHAT 2.0© was able to save costs in improving the self-perception of disability score and the informational support score at MYR 6.92 and MYR 13.52, respectively, compared to the conventional method.
CONCLUSION: WESIHAT 2.0© was able to save costs in improving the self-perceived disability and informational support scores for the intervention group.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review methodology framework will guide the conduct of this scoping review. The search strategy will involve electronic databases including PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect, in addition to grey literature sources and hand-searching of reference lists. Two reviewers will independently screen all abstracts and full-text studies for inclusion. Data will be charted and sorted through an iterative process by the research team. The extracted data will undergo a descriptive analysis and simple quantitative analysis will be conducted using descriptive statistics. Engagement with relevant stakeholders will be carried out to gain more insights into our data from different perspectives.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Since the data used are from publicly available sources, this study does not require ethical approval. Results will be disseminated through academic journals, conferences and seminars. We anticipate that our findings will aid technology developers and health professionals working in the area of ageing and rehabilitation.
METHODS: The dataset was obtained from the AGELESS trial screening phase conducted from October 2021 to March 2022, involving 476 community-dwelling Malaysian older adults (67.7 years old ± 6.1). Digital technology usage was assessed and CF was determined using Fried's criteria and Clinical Dementia Rating. A binary logistic regression was used to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with digital technology use among older adults with CF.
RESULTS: The findings suggest a digital divide between older adults with CF and robust in Malaysia. CF individuals (72.1%) were less likely to utilise digital technology, mainly smartphone than robust older adults (89.6%). More than 70% of older people owned social media on their smartphones, namely, WhatsApp. The most frequent online activities in both groups were family interaction and obtaining current news. CF older adults were less likely to play games on their smart devices. Usage of digital technology was more common among male, younger age, attained formal education more than 6 years, had a higher monthly household income, and robust participants.
CONCLUSIONS: The usage of digital technology was inversely related to CF status. CF older adults were less likely to integrate digital technology into their daily living compared to robust even though they were familiar with it. The use of digital technology should be reinforced among female, advanced age, widowers/divorcees without formal education and those from lower- or middle-income statuses, and cognitively frail older people.