Date of Completion

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Keywords

Social media, elderly individuals, health information, health-related content

Abstract

The increasing use of social media among elderly individuals has influenced how health information is accessed and utilized. As more older adults engage with online platforms, they are exposed to various types of health-related content that may shape their understanding and perceptions of health. However, there remains a need to better understand the factors that shape their health-seeking behavior, particularly within local communities such as Salawag, Dasmariñas City. The study aimed to describe the factors influencing the health-seeking behavior of elderly individuals who engaged in social media in Salawag, Dasmariñas City. A quantitative descriptive research design was utilized, involving 220 elderly respondents who actively used social media and accessed health-related information online. Data were gathered through a structured physical survey questionnaire and encoded and tabulated using Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and mean scores, were used to

summarize the data. Cross-tabulation and comparative analysis were also performed to examine differences across demographic variables, such as age, sex, education, occupation, and social support. Most respondents were female (N=137), aged 60–64 years (N=101), college graduates (N=108), and either employed (N=55) or self-employed (N=38). The majority reported daily social media use (N=158), primarily through Facebook (n=201), YouTube (n=114), and Messenger (n=72), with short-form videos (n=150) and picture-and-text posts (n=130) as the most common formats. Most used social media for 1–2 hours daily (N=73). High levels of perceived severity (M=3.89) and health literacy (M=3.94) were observed, while self-efficacy and confidence (M=3.26) and healthseeking behavior (M=2.96) were moderate. Social support (M=3.50), particularly from children (n=92), was also high and associated with greater engagement in seeking health information. Overall, the findings indicate that health-seeking behavior among elderly individuals is influenced by a combination of factors, including social media engagement, health literacy, perceived severity, self-efficacy, level of confidence, and social support. While social media serves as an accessible source of health information, it primarily functions as a supplementary tool that enhances awareness and supports initial health-related decision-making, and should be used alongside, rather than as a substitute for, professional healthcare services.

First Advisor

Sionell Macelle V. Rupa

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