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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07693582

Smartphone-Based Digital Literacy Training for Older Adults

This study examined whether a structured, classroom-based smartphone training programme can improve digital literacy and confidence in using a smartphone among adults aged 60 years and older enrolled in a lifelong-learning programme. The study used a non-randomised, wait-list-controlled design with two existing class cohorts: one cohort received the training first (intervention group), and the other continued with its usual programme activities and served as a comparison (wait-list control group). Digital literacy and smartphone self-efficacy were measured before the training, immediately after the training, and again three months later. The aim was to determine whether older adults who took part in the training showed greater improvement than those who did not.

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Key information

Conditions

Aging Behavior Communication Literacy Literacy-language Intervention Older Adults (60 - 85 Years Old)

Age range

60 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Akdeniz University 60+ Tazelenme University

Antalya, 07070, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

The training programme consisted of 12 sessions delivered over 6 weeks (two sessions per week, each lasting 90 to 105 minutes). Content was mapped to the DigComp 2.2 digital competence framework and covered practical smartphone skills for everyday life. Sessions used participants' own Android smartphones together with a projector for demonstration, a class messaging group for support, and between-session practice tasks. The intervention arm comprised the advanced-level cohort of the Akdeniz University 60+ Refresher (Tazelenme) University, and the wait-list control arm comprised the second-year cohort of the same programme.

Two instruments were used. Digital literacy was assessed with the Digital Literacy Scale (score range 12 to 60), the primary outcome. Smartphone self-efficacy was assessed with the Smartphone Self-Efficacy Scale (score range 20 to 100), a secondary outcome. Both were administered at baseline (T1), immediately after the intervention (T2), and at three-month follow-up (T3). Programme satisfaction was assessed with a short questionnaire after the intervention.

The primary analysis used a baseline-adjusted linear mixed model on the full analysis set, including a group-by-baseline interaction and adjustment for age, sex, education, and marital status. Robustness was examined through several pre-specified sensitivity analyses, including per-protocol analysis, difference-in-differences, propensity-score overlap weighting, multiple imputation, and a conservative worst-case (missing-not-at-random) analysis.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Aged 60 years or older
  • Enrolled in the Akdeniz University 60+ Refresher (Tazelenme) University programme
  • Owns and regularly uses an smartphone
  • Able to attend the scheduled training sessions
  • Provides written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Severe cognitive, visual, or hearing impairment that would prevent participation in the training

Treatment and study plan

Structured smartphone-based digital literacy training

Behavioral

Instructor-led smartphone training delivered in 12 sessions over 6 weeks (twice weekly, 90 to 105 minutes), mapped to the DigComp 2.2 framework, using participants' own Android smartphones, a projector for demonstration, a class messaging group, and between-session practice tasks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Digital Literacy Scale (DLS) score

    Time frame: Baseline (T1), immediately post-intervention (approximately week 6, T2), and 3-month follow-up (T3)

    Digital literacy assessed with the Digital Literacy Scale. Scores range from a minimum of 12 to a maximum of 60. Higher scores indicate greater digital literacy (a better outcome).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Smartphone Self-Efficacy Scale (SSES) score

    Time frame: Baseline (T1), immediately post-intervention (approximately week 6, T2), and 3-month follow-up (T3)

    Smartphone self-efficacy assessed with the Smartphone Self-Efficacy Scale. Scores range from a minimum of 20 to a maximum of 100. Higher scores indicate greater smartphone self-efficacy (a better outcome).

  2. Programme satisfaction

    Time frame: Immediately post-intervention (approximately week 6, T2)

    Participant satisfaction with the training programme, assessed with a 10-item satisfaction questionnaire. Scores range from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 50. Higher scores indicate greater satisfaction (a better outcome).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Akdeniz University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Smartphone-based Digital Literacy Training for Older Adults in a Lifelong-learning Setting: a Nonrandomised Wait-list-controlled Study With 3-month Follow-up

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 9, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 9, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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