Abstract
Introduction: Health information-seeking behaviors (HISB) are complex, varying by age, race and socioeconomic status. Examination of the process of HISB is critical in addressing the disproportionally high stroke risk in African Americans (AAs), especially in young adults where the stroke risk is greatest. We developed a survey to understand HISB related to stroke knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes, targeted to young AA professionals aged 21-45. Methods: Phase 1 consisted of focus groups in four states, followed by Phase 2: development, pretesting and pilot survey administration of an online survey. AA members of the southern region of the National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP) network, a 24-chapter consortium across 11 states, were recruited for participation. Results: Phase 1 consisted of 20 AAs, 15 women, ages 26-42. Five themes emerged: 1) health concerns, 2) preventive actions, 3) preventive awareness, 4) stroke knowledge, and 5) trust in information source. Health information was primarily obtained online, and respondents cited credible information sources as researchers, healthcare providers, and government health sources (i.e., CDC or NIH). Personal contacts such as family, close friends and civic organizations were also viewed as trusted sources. The pilot survey in Phase 2 consisted of a 42-item instrument: 10 demographic questions, 8 sets of items comprising 5 scales and 2 dichotomous questions. After pretesting, 89 surveys were completed (75% women, 89% college-educated, employed). Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients ranged from 0.68 to 0.85 across all survey items. Respondents did not perceive themselves at risk for stroke and would not approach their healthcare provider for stroke risk reduction information. Relevance of knowing and monitoring one’s blood pressure did not emerge as a strong belief across either phase. Conclusion: Results from this developmental work show professional AA adults aged 26-42 identify and understand stroke risk factors; however awareness and beliefs regarding personal susceptibility can impose a facilitatory or inhibitory behavior when seeking general health information.
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