Health Information Behavior Research Articles

Intention to Use Behavioral Health Data From a Health Information Exchange: Mixed Methods Study.

BackgroundPatients with co-occurring behavioral health and chronic medical conditions frequently overuse inpatient hospital services. This pattern of overuse contributes to inefficient health care spending. These patients require coordinated care to achieve optimal health outcomes. However, the poor exchange of health-related information between various clinicians renders the delivery of coordinated care challenging. Health information exchanges (HIEs) facilitate health-related information sharing and have been shown to be effective in chronic disease management; however, their effectiveness in the delivery of integrated care is less clear. It is prudent to consider new approaches to sharing both general medical and behavioral health information.ObjectiveThis study aims to identify and describe factors influencing the intention to use behavioral health information that is shared through HIEs.MethodsWe used a mixed methods design consisting of two sequential phases. A validated survey instrument was emailed to clinical and nonclinical staff in Alabama and Oklahoma. The survey captured information about the impact of predictors on the intention to use behavioral health data in clinical decision making. Follow-up interviews were conducted with a subsample of participants to elaborate on the survey results. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze survey data. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes from the interviews.ResultsA total of 62 participants completed the survey. In total, 63% (n=39) of the participants were clinicians. Performance expectancy (β=.382; P=.01) and trust (β=.539; P<.001) predicted intention to use behavioral health information shared via HIEs. The interviewees (n=5) expressed that behavioral health information could be useful in clinical decision making. However, privacy and confidentiality concerns discourage sharing this information, which is generally missing from patient records altogether. The interviewees also stated that training for HIE use was not mandatory; the training that was provided did not focus specifically on the exchange of behavioral health information.ConclusionsDespite barriers, individuals are willing to use behavioral health information from HIEs if they believe that it will enhance job performance and if the information being transmitted is trustworthy. The findings contribute to our understanding of the role HIEs can play in delivering integrated care, particularly to vulnerable patients.

Online Health Information Seeking Behavior of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Among Government Employees in Putrajaya Malaysia

Seeking health information is becoming more convenient with various health resources online. It would be beneficial to explore the perception of individuals’ health status concerning health information seeking and eHealth literacy. With government employees in Putrajaya found to be at high risk of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD), based on the high rate of obesity, it is beneficial to explore the factors associated with OHISB among this population to ensure adequate attainment and sharing of health information and self-management resources. The Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking (CMIS) is used to measure the factors that influence online health information-seeking behaviour (OHISB). Based on previous studies, the CMIS is commonly used to examine cancer patient’s information seeking on health information behaviour. However, this paper will be focusing on government employee’s behaviour in using online information as to their health reference. Previous studies have shown that information seeking has resulted in changes in the behaviour of cancer patients. It is believed that the outcome of this study will be beneficial in terms of developing strategies to encourage a healthier lifestyle among this population to prevent the occurrence of NCDs. Therefore, this paper elaborates on some of the theories used in previous studies to enrich individual and community online health information-seeking behaviour and health knowledge dissemination. The findings of this study show the direct relationships between trust in internet health and eHealth Literacy were significant towards OHISB. However, the direct relationships between direct experience, salience, unmet information needs and self-efficacy belief towards OHISB were not significant. Keywords: Comprehensive model of information seeking, online health information seeking behaviour, non-communicable diseases, ehealth literacy, government employees.

Factors Affecting Public Adoption of COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment Information During an Infodemic: Cross-sectional Survey Study.

BackgroundWith the spread of COVID-19, an infodemic is also emerging. In public health emergencies, the use of information to enable disease prevention and treatment is incredibly important. Although both the information adoption model (IAM) and health belief model (HBM) have their own merits, they only focus on information or public influence factors, respectively, to explain the public’s intention to adopt online prevention and treatment information.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to fill this gap by using a combination of the IAM and the HBM as the framework for exploring the influencing factors and paths in public health events that affect the public’s adoption of online health information and health behaviors, focusing on both objective and subjective factors.MethodsWe carried out an online survey to collect responses from participants in China (N=501). Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate items, and confirmatory factor analysis was used to calculate construct reliability and validity. The goodness of fit of the model and mediation effects were analyzed.ResultsThe overall fitness indices for the model developed in this study indicated an acceptable fit. Adoption intention was predicted by information characteristics (β=.266, P<.001) and perceived usefulness (β=.565, P<.001), which jointly explained nearly 67% of the adoption intention variance. Information characteristics (β=.244, P<.001), perceived drawbacks (β=–.097, P=.002), perceived benefits (β=.512, P<.001), and self-efficacy (β=.141, P<.001) jointly determined perceived usefulness and explained about 81% of the variance of perceived usefulness. However, social influence did not have a statistically significant impact on perceived usefulness, and self-efficacy did not significantly influence adoption intention directly.ConclusionsBy integrating IAM and HBM, this study provided the insight and understanding that perceived usefulness and adoption intention of online health information could be influenced by information characteristics, people’s perceptions of information drawbacks and benefits, and self-efficacy. Moreover, people also exhibited proactive behavior rather than reactive behavior to adopt information. Thus, we should consider these factors when helping the informed public obtain useful information via two approaches: one is to improve the quality of government-based and other official information, and the other is to improve the public’s capacity to obtain information, in order to promote truth and fight rumors. This will, in turn, contribute to saving lives as the pandemic continues to unfold and run its course.

Health and Safety Information Behaviour of Coal Miners in Pakistan

Abstract This research investigated health and safety information behaviour of miners working at Makarwal Coal Mines, district Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan. A survey method using a questionnaire was deployed for data collection from 136 coal workers. Descriptive statistics were applied for data analysis using SPSS. The results indicated that the miners’ information needs were cantered mainly on protection equipment, mining diseases, healthcare services, geological hazards, accidents associated with mining and modern mining techniques. These miners relied overwhelmingly on interpersonal relationships with fellow miners and friends for safety information followed by television and radio. A good number of the survey participants also utilized internet and social media such as Facebook, WhatsApp, etc. as information source. There was little evidence of the use of audio/visual materials, seminar/workshops, associations, government agencies, and printed materials for information acquisition. Computer illiteracy, poor financial conditions, lack of time, language barriers, lack of awareness and knowledge about safety information and non-availability of relevant materials were perceived as the major constraints in acquiring safety information. The results will not only be useful for planning a need-based information infrastructure for miners but also for policymakers, NGOs and human rights organizations working for rural development and uplifting occupational health. This research contributed in the existing research on miners’ information behaviour as only a few studies appeared.

Relationship Between Access to Reproductive Health Information and Risky Sexual Behaviour Among Secondary School Adolescents in Kiambu County, Kenya

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the relationship between access to reproductive health information and risky sexual behaviour among secondary school adolescents in Kiambu County, Kenya.&#x0D; Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study targeted 7002 adolescent students from all the 13 public secondary schools in Thika West Sub-County. The following schools were selected Chania girls’ boarding school; Chania boys’ boarding school and Broadway mixed day school. Thus, specifically, the study targeted 2047 students. Fisher’s formula was used to arrive at 364 respondents which 10% was added to cater for attrition. This gave a sample of 400. Stratified sampling techniques was adopted in selecting participating schools to allocate the sample in the respective strata. The study sampled 400-students, their guidance and counselling teachers as the key informants. The researcher administered questionnaires, interview schedules (KII) and focus group discussions (FGD) were used in data collection. Descriptive statistics such as mean, mode and percentages, and inferential statistics such as chi-square and binary logistic regression were applied. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: Results revealed that the majority of the adolescent students were aware of contraceptives n=220 (64.7%), safe sex n=284 (83.5%) HIV/AIDS and STIs. The main source of information was found to be from parents and social media (n=172, 50.6%) and mass media as well as religious leaders (n=48, 14.1%). Majority of the students n=228 (67.1%) considered the availability of reproductive health information less easy, n=152 (44.7%) found the age-appropriate reproductive information helpful Majority of the students n=288 (84.7%) found age-appropriate reproductive information easy to understand, while n=192 (56.5%) found age-appropriate reproductive information easy to apply. Culture, religion and Poverty were also found to have a great and significant influence on age-appropriate reproductive health information. The study concluded that secondary school adolescents in Thika West Sub-County were aware of the contraceptives, safe sex and HIV/Aids and STIs, but the majority had a first sexual encounter at the age of 15 years and though they preferred reproductive information from sources they relied on such as their parents, teachers and social environment, what they received from such was minimal While culture, religious affiliation and economic status greatly influenced their access to age-appropriate reproductive health information.&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study recommends that policymakers should enhance on programmes that advocate for age-appropriate reproductive information through the engagement of all stakeholders like parents’ teachers religious and community leaders, who should be sensitized and in training to provide this information as early as six years of age through all stages of life. Adolescents should be imparted with age-appropriate reproductive information at the early stages of life before they start experiencing biological changes so that they can be in control of the changes.

Determinants of Dental Caries Experience Among Adolescents in Kazakhstan: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of the present study was to estimate the mean, prevalence, and severity of dental caries, and to identify the factors associated with these characteristics in a population of school-aged children from four regions in Kazakhstan. A total of 2,149 school children aged 11-15 years from four regions of Kazakhstan were examined; the overall response rate was 68%. Results from dental examinations and standardized questionnaires were used to gather sociodemographic and oral health behavior information. The overall prevalence of dental caries was 74%, and obviously decayed teeth were found in 44% of the participants; only 6% had missing teeth and 24% had their teeth treated. Age, region, ethnicity, dietary habits, and dental attendance pattern were found to be significantly associated with the predicted degree of caries experience among those with caries experience. The high prevalence of dental caries might be related to rapid westernization in Kazakhstan and associated nutritional transition. Moreover, an increased burden of untreated caries in less advantaged populations was observed. Parental education and material deprivation may be very important determinants of oral health among adolescents in Kazakhstan.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE SOURCE OF HEALTH INFORMATION AND THE BEHAVIOR OF MOTHERS OF CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OLD: CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ANALYSIS

The aim: Is to investigate relationships between trusted sources of health information and people's behavior, including their attitudes toward vaccination and their willingness to seek medical care. Materials and methods: The responses of 4,354 mothers of children under 5 years of age from all regions of Ukraine, who participated in the Multi-Indicator Cluster Household Survey (MICS-2012) were analyzed. The respondents were divided into separate groups using two-step cluster analysis. Results: 6 clusters of respondents were identified, depending on the trusted source of health information identified by them, including those who trust only physicians (50.0%), friends (15.3%), all information channels (15.2%) or do not trust anyone (6.0%). The most important statistically significant differences in the level of vaccination coverage and willingness to seek medical care were found for a group of people who do not trust any source of information about health or trust only information from the Internet. People who trust information from physicians or pharmacy workers were the most active in vaccinating and seeking medical care. Conclusions: Communication with patients who do not trust anyone through social networks seems to be a promising way to raise awareness of this group of people about health and increase the level of trust in physicians or certain medical services.

Epidemiology of chronic back pain among adults and elderly from Southern Brazil: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundChronic back pain (CBP) can negatively affect one’s quality of life and health condition, posing significant social and economic burdens. Objectives(1) To determine the prevalence of CBP and analyze associated factors in adult and elderly individuals in a municipality in southern Brazil; (2) to verify who sought medical attention or missed work because of back pain; and (3) to estimate the impact of CBP on selected health outcomes. MethodsThis was a population-based cross-sectional study conducted with individuals aged 18 years and older. CBP was defined as “pain for three consecutive months in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions in the last year.” Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and physical and mental health information was collected. The impact of CBP was assessed by the etiological fraction method. ResultsThe prevalence of CBP was 20.7% (95% CI: 18.3, 23.0) among the 1300 study participants. The factors associated with CBP were women, elderly, smokers, obesity, and sleeping fewer hours per night, as well as those with higher mental stress levels, history of fracture, arthritis/rheumatism, and work-related musculoskeletal disorder/repetitive strain injury. One-third of those with CBP missed work (31%) and 68% visited the physician over a 12-month period. All health outcomes analyzed (poor or very poor sleep quality, regular or poor health perception, worsened quality of life, depressive symptoms, perceived sadness) were significantly associated with CBP. ConclusionOne in five adults or elderly reported having CBP over the previous 12 months. This condition was associated with poorer health perception, poorer quality of life, and depressive symptoms.

Health Information behaviour during COVID-19 outbreak among Egyptian library and information science undergraduate students

Health information shared on the Internet has the potential to improve people’s quality of life. However, the level of health information literacy and informational skills determines the individuals’ ability to obtain credible health information useful for them. This study investigates the Egyptian LIS undergraduates’ health information behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study has adopted a quantitative approach using a questionnaire to explore library and information science undergraduates’ health information behaviour. A sample of 161 students answered a questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS software. The study results show that official health websites, social media, and family and friends are the primary sources for health information for the participants. The findings also revealed that the sample has adequate health information skills, though many of the participants still need to raise their information literacy skills. Information credibility and personal beliefs were found to affect the participants’ decision to share health information on the Internet. One of the limitations of the study is that the sample selected in this study was LIS students who are trained to find reliable information as part of their education. Findings may be different for the “average” student. Furthermore, the questionnaire was distributed in one university, which means that the results cannot be generalised in other LIS departments using different courses. Therefore, more studies need to be conducted in other LIS departments with different course plans as they may produce different results. This study explores the health information behaviour of LIS undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study results may help develop the course plan in many LIS departments in Egypt and the Middle East, which would help improve the students’ health information literacy.

Effects of message framing and evidence type on health information behavior: the case of promoting HPV vaccination

PurposeBased on the examination of the roles of message framing and evidence type, this study made an analysis of the promotion methods of intention and information need towards HPV vaccination.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducted a 2 (gain-framed messages vs loss-framed messages) × 2 (statistical evidence vs narrative evidence) quasi-experimental design built upon theories of message framing and evidence type. This experiment recruited college students who were not vaccinated against HPV as participants. The analysis of variance (ANOVA), the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and the independent sample T-test were used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe results (N = 300) indicate that (1) Loss-framed messages will lead to a more favorable intention towards HPV vaccination than gain-framed messages. (2) Statistical evidence will lead to a more explicit information need than narrative evidence. (3) Message framing and evidence type will interact and (a) for statistical evidence, loss-framed messages will lead to a more favorable intention towards HPV vaccination than gain-framed messages and (b) for narrative evidence, gain-framed messages will lead to a more favorable intention towards HPV vaccination than loss-framed messages. (4) Message framing and evidence type will interact and (a) for loss-framed messages, statistical evidence will stimulate more explicit information need of HPV vaccination than narrative evidence and (b) for gain-framed messages, narrative evidence will stimulate more explicit information need of HPV vaccination than statistical evidence.Originality/valueThis paper can help to further understand the important roles of message framing and evidence type in health behavior promotion. The study contributes to the literature on how health information can be well organized to serve the public health communication and further enhance the health information service.

Lasting Effects of a Community-Based Self-Management Intervention for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in China: Outcomes at 2-Year Follow-up of a Randomized Trial.

This research is to evaluate the lasting effects of a community-based self-management intervention for patients with type 2 diabetes at 2-year follow-up in China. Five hundred patients with diabetes were recruited and randomly divided into intervention group and control group. Eight times standardized self-management intervention group activities were conducted. The results of physical examination, biochemical laboratory examination, health behavior, and self-efficacy information were collected before intervention, 3 months after intervention, and 2 years after intervention. The total score for self-efficacy in the intervention group increased from 96.12 ± 17.48 to 112.90 ± 14.58 after intervention and decreased after 2 years (106.98 ± 18.03; F = 6.64, P = .0014). The number of days of self-blood glucose monitoring in the intervention group was increased from 1 day per week to 2 days per week after intervention, and 2 days per week at 2-year follow-up (F = 8.02, P = .0003). The frequency of average number of aerobic exercises in the intervention group increased from 6 days per week to 7 days per week after intervention and was 7 days per week at 2-year follow-up (F = 3.63, P = .0269). Community-based self-management group intervention for patients with diabetes has long-term effects.

Research on consumers' health information consultation patterns

PurposeThis paper aims to identify consumers' health information consultation patterns by analyzing information sources to better understand consumers' health information needs and behavior in the context of multisource health information.Design/methodology/approachHaodaifu Online, an online health consultation (OHC) website in China, was used as a research data source, and 20,000 consultation cases were collected from the website with Python. After screening and cleaning, 1,601 consultation cases were included in this study. A content analysis-based mixed-methods research approach was applied to analyze these cases.FindingsThe results indicate that with the participation of OHC, there are 15 patterns of consumer health information consultation. Besides OHC, health information sources reported by consumers included medical institutions family/friends and the Internet. Consumers consult on a wide range of health issues including surgical conditions obstetrical and gynecological conditions and other 20 subjects. Consumers have multiple information needs when using OHC: getting prescriptions, diagnosing diseases, making appointments, understanding illnesses, confirming diagnoses and reviewing costs. Through further analysis it was found that consumers’ health information consultation patterns were also significantly different in health issues and health information needs.Originality/valueThis study broadens one’s understanding of consumer health information behavior, which contributes to the field of health information behavior, and also provides insight for OHC stakeholders to improve their services.

From information seeking to information avoidance: Understanding the health information behavior during a global health crisis

Individuals seek information for informed decision-making, and they consult a variety of information sources nowadays. However, studies show that information from multiple sources can lead to information overload, which then creates negative psychological and behavioral responses. Drawing on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework, we propose a model to understand the effect of information seeking, information sources, and information overload (Stimuli) on information anxiety (psychological organism), and consequent behavioral response, information avoidance during the global health crisis (COVID-19). The proposed model was tested using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for which data were collected from 321 Finnish adults using an online survey. People found to seek information from traditional sources such as mass media, print media, and online sources such as official websites and websites of newspapers and forums. Social media and personal networks were not the preferred sources. On the other hand, among different information sources, social media exposure has a significant relationship with information overload as well as information anxiety. Besides, information overload also predicted information anxiety, which further resulted in information avoidance.

An empirical investigation of precursors influencing social media health information behaviors and personal healthcare habits during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

PurposeDrawing upon the communicative ecology theory (CET), this study aims to identify the potential precursors of social media health information seeking intentions (ISI) and examine their effects on health information re-sharing behaviors and PHH during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe data is collected through an online survey conducted in two different universities situated in highly COVID-19-affected cities – Wuhan and Zhengzhou, China. The valid data consists of 230 useful responses from WeChat users and to analyze the final data set structural equation modeling (SEM) is used.FindingsThe results indicate that perceived health information credibility (PIC), trust on the medium (TRM) and peer influence (PI) significantly affect health ISI which further affects health information re-sharing behaviors (IRB) and personal health-care habits (PHH). Besides, the results also identify that PI has a direct, positive and significant effect on health IRB via social media during the COVID-19 pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsThis study investigates the health information intentional behavior precursors and their consequences via WeChat (taken as social media platform) during COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies may conduct research by examining online information behaviors on other social media platforms – Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc. – in health emergency situations.Practical implicationsThe health information producers and providers have to deal with communicative ecology sentiments elegantly in emergency situations such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. They need to do collective efforts by introducing new tools or social apps which deal with valuable, reliable and accurate health content and information generated by the pandemic experts and health professionals. In such a way, the social apps and tools (Information providers) will act as mediators between the health professionals (Information producers) and general social media users (information seekers). Such initiatives will ultimately bring forth positive effect on individuals’ PHH as a whole within a network, community, environment or nations during a health emergency – COVID-19 pandemic.Originality/valueThis research is one of the first studies to examine the potential precursors of social media health ISIs and their resultant effects on individual’s health IRB and PHH during the COVID-19 pandemic. As currently it is noticed, an incredible upsurge of health information via social media has intense impacts on personal health-care research and practice, particularly during health emergency situations such as COVID-19 pandemic conditions.

Contextual Health Information Behavior in the Daily Lives of People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Diary Study in Scotland

ABSTRACT Changes in lifestyle can have positive effects on treating type 2 diabetes (T2D), like sporting or healthy eating. Therefore, a person diagnosed with T2D is often advised to make healthy choices throughout the day, in addition to other interventions such as medication. To do this, he or she needs health information to support decision-making. Literature describes ample categorizations of types of (health) information behavior and theoretical models that explain the factors that drive people to search for, encounter or avoid information. However, there are few longitudinal studies about triggers and factors in daily life that affect health information behavior (HIB). This study was set up to identify triggers, actions and outcomes for active, passive and avoidant HIB situations in daily life among Scots with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) to identify points of attention for communication strategies. Twelve participants took part in a four-week diary study. Every day, participants received an online diary form to describe active, passive or avoidant HIB situations. Data collection resulted in 53 active, 120 passive and 25 avoidant diary entries. Seven active HIB contexts (e.g., experiencing symptoms, cooking dinner, sports training) and five passive HIB contexts (e.g., home, work, medical facility) were identified. Four motivations for avoidance were found (e.g., time constraints, no health trigger). These results can be used to supplement the theoretical models of health information behavior. Furthermore, health professionals can use these results to support their clients with T2D in the self-management of their health, by guiding them to trustworthy sources of health information and lowering barriers for searching health information.

Towards the Development of an Intervention to Address Social Determinants of Non-Communicable Disease in Kerala, India: A Mixed Methods Study.

In India, cardiovascular disease (CVD), with hypertension as its foremost risk factor, has the highest prevalence rate of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and a rising mortality. Previous research has found a clustering of behavioural and social risks pertaining to NCDs, though the latter are infrequently addressed in public health interventions in India. This paper reaches toward the development of a social intervention to address social determinants of NCD relating to hypertension and diabetes. We used Theory of Change (ToC) as a theoretical approach to programme design. Mixed methods were used, including qualitative interviews with community members (n = 20), Accredited Social Health Activists (n = 6) and health professionals (n = 8), and a stakeholder workshop (n = 5 participants). The recruitment of participants from one local area in Kerala enabled us to map service provision and gain a holistic understanding of how to utilise the existing workforce to target social risk factors. The findings suggest that social interventions need to focus on ensuring health behaviour information reaches all parts of the community, and that those with more social risk factors are identified and supported to engage with treatment. Further research is required to test the resulting intervention model.

Understanding information behavior of diabetic patients: a case of the diabetic's institute Pakistan

PurposePakistan is a developing country where one of the rapidly growing diseases is diabetes. Well-informed diabetic patients are expected to improve the quality of life, self-care behaviors and better cooperation with the health care team. The present study is designed to investigate the information behavior of diabetic patients, and to investigate the role of one institution that is working for diabetes management, treatment, education and counseling in Pakistan i.e. Diabetic's Institute Pakistan (DIP).Design/methodology/approachThe “Embedded Design” based on the mixed methods research approach was adopted to carry out the current research. The study was mainly based on quantitative research design, quantitative data were collected through an adapted questionnaire, the supportive/supplementary qualitative data was collected through an in-depth interview of the medical director, observation record sheets and analysis of the available relevant documents i.e. prescription (prescription notepad with information), brochure and the website was applied.FindingsDiabetic patients want to know about how to control diabetes and mostly rely on humans particularly health professionals and interpersonal networks. The use of books, journals, seminars, libraries is comparatively low. It is an important finding that health-related information is mostly required in national language by Pakistani patients. Lack of computer literacy and information overload were among the barriers that were reported by diabetic patients.Practical implicationsHealth information seeking channels, formats and language preferences should be considered to design patients' cantered information services. Health information service providers i.e. government, health practitioners, health-related institutions and libraries should work in a liaison for creating health awareness. Identified barriers faced by diabetic patients are important to consider for designing health-related information services.Originality/valueInvestigating health information behavior is crucial particularly of the patients from developing countries. The study is first of its kind that is reported from Pakistan. The results of the study may help libraries, health professionals and diabetes-related organizations to design patient's centered policies and information-based services. These institutions may work together to create awareness and to help patients in managing their disease. The study findings are maybe helpful for other developing countries also.

The Alzheimer case: perceptions, knowledge and the acquisition of information about Alzheimer's disease by middle-aged and older adults in Flanders

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a major health concern as the world population ages. Yet, few studies have examined what the public over the age of 50 knows about AD. This qualitative study, based on 40 in-depth interviews, examines the knowledge of AD by Flemish people between 50 and 80 years old and their cross-source engagement with information sources. Building on AD media representations and theories on media complementarity and health information behaviour, we find that respondents mostly encounter AD information non-purposively via traditional mass media and interpersonal communication, while the internet is occasionally used to purposefully seek information. Novels, personal experiences/social proximity, public figures and particularly film stand out as channels and sources of AD information, suggesting that fictional narratives, personal experiences and being able to identify with others leave lasting impressions and help to communicate and disperse AD information. However, common misconceptions and gaps in knowledge persist, including AD being considered part of the normal ageing process and old age as well as confusing AD with Parkinson's disease. The biomedical perspective and the tragedy discourse prevail among the majority of respondents, who describe AD in terms of decline, loss and death and as ‘the beginning of the end’. Only a few, typically female respondents, appear aware of the role of individual health behaviour and lifestyle choices to prevent dementia or delay its onset. The misconceptions of AD and gaps in knowledge, as well as the fact that a third of all cases of dementia might be delayed or prevented by managing lifestyle and other risk factors, stress the importance of public educational programmes and the need to emphasise and raise awareness of preventative behaviour. Overall, the findings from this study can be of help to public health communicators and dementia-awareness campaigns, as well as AD training programmes for health-care professionals and family care-givers.

Psychological Wellbeing through Health Information Behavior: Effects of the elderly’s digitigal literacy

Psychological Wellbeing through Health Information Behavior: Effects of the elderly’s digitigal literacy

Health Metrics and Information Behavior: How Users Estimate and Use Self-Quantifying Activity and Health Information

Health Metrics and Information Behavior: How Users Estimate and Use Self-Quantifying Activity and Health Information