Classifications, Changes, and Challenges of Online Health Information Seekers during COVID-19.

Hanna Choi,Shinae Ahn

doi:10.3390/ijerph18189495

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore consumers’ experiences before and during the COVID-19 outbreak to improve public health by providing effective consumer health information. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 20 health information consumers who were 18 or older until data saturation was reached. The selected participants were among users of the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). The data were collected before the COVID-19 outbreak (September 2014) and during the COVID-19 outbreak (October 2020) to describe experiences and changes before and during the pandemic. Data were analyzed according to the qualitative content analysis method. Results: As a result, 3 main domains and 10 subdomains were derived from classifications, changes, and challenges of online health information seekers. Conclusions: The findings of this study guide the understanding of health information seekers for the development of consumer-tailored health information systems.

Highlights

Health 2021, 18, 9495. https://The proportion of general use of the internet in daily activities has continuously increased [1,2]
As a result, 3 main domains and 10 subdomains were derived from classifications, changes, and challenges of online health information seekers
We aim to present a vivid description by gaining an in-depth understanding of users’ online health information experiences in the last 6 years when faced with sporadic health information before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Summary

Introduction

The proportion of general use of the internet in daily activities has continuously increased [1,2]. Online and mobile health apps have deeply intervened in daily life [3]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers experienced far-reaching changes. People have stayed at home to follow physical distancing rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Due to prolonged stays at home with increased concerns about health-related issues, they have increasingly sought health information online [4]. Consumers visit online health sites and access information and share it via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Google, and various online media [5,6]. Smartphone users have reported that they frequently use various types of applications, such as communication, photo and video, and health apps [2]

Objectives

Discussion

Conclusion