Factors affecting information technology use from the perspective of aging persons with cognitive disabilities: A scoping review of qualitative research

BACKGROUND:

Although aging persons with cognitive disabilities may benefit from information technologies (IT), researchers have identified barriers affecting their IT use. However, most studies do not emphasize the needs and experiences reported by these users themselves.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify factors affecting IT use from the perspective of aging persons with cognitive disabilities.

METHODS:

We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed studies published between January 2008 and December 2018 that investigated IT use by aging persons with cognitive disabilities as reported by these individuals. Factors affecting participants’ IT use were synthesized through a thematic analysis of relevant studies’ findings.

RESULTS:

Seven studies were included in our analysis. We found technology-related (accessibility, usefulness, cost), social (support, stigma and other social pressure), and personal (experience with IT, attitudes toward IT use, functional limitations, life situation) factors related to participants’ IT use. Stigma was identified as a key barrier to IT use that has been underestimated in previous quantitative research.

CONCLUSIONS:

Understanding the role that stigma plays in the use and adoption of technology among aging persons with cognitive disabilities is critical to developing successful strategies to promote this population’s IT use.