A needs assessment for the development of a digital-based self-nutrition management education program for older adults in Korea: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the current status of nutrition management and digital utilization, the demand for e-learning nutrition education, and the factors influencing e-learning nutrition education among older adults.Methods: A total of 500 older adults aged 65–84 years, registered as panelists with a professional survey agency, participated in an online survey. Chi-square and independent samples t-tests were used to examine gender differences. Correlations between participants’ general characteristics and the major variables were analyzed. Based on the results, a moderated regression analysis was conducted to identify how the general characteristics significantly associated with the intention to use e-learning nutrition education functioned as moderators.Results: Significant gender differences were observed in nutrition education experience, interest and practice of nutrition management, barriers, and digital device utilization (all P 0.05), indicating that the relationships are not moderated by gender.Conclusion: Although older adults exhibited high interest in nutrition management, their experience with nutrition education was limited. Significant gender differences in educational needs and health-promoting behaviors highlight the importance of tailored strategies. Enhancing digital accessibility and providing gender-specific, competency-based content are essential to effectively translate interest into behavioral change. This study underscores the importance of integrating gender-specific approaches, individual digital competencies, and inducement of health-promoting behaviors when developing e-learning nutrition education programs for older adults.