Health Information-seeking Behavior Research Articles

Health information-seeking behavior in patients with coronary artery disease: Activating methods.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) has a high mortality rate worldwide, and continuous health behavior practice and careful management are required owing to risks such as rapid changes in symptoms and emergency hospitalization. The utilization of health-related information is an important factor for long-term disease management in patients with CAD. For this purpose, an understanding of health information-seeking behavior is needed first. This study analyzed data from the 2021 Korea Medical Panel Survey, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to confirm the factors influencing the health information-seeking behavior of patients with CAD. The health information-seeking behavior of patients with CAD differed according to demographic characteristics, and differences in preferred information use were confirmed. Finally, it was identified that insufficient levels of health literacy were a major reason for CAD patients not engaging in health information-seeking behaviors (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.09-0.33; p < 0.001). This study suggests that to improve health information-seeking behaviors, the application of education and intervention programs to increase the level of health literacy is necessary.

The Health Information Seeking Behavior of Punjabi Elders During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada.

Health Information Seeking Behavior (HISB) refers to the behavior and strategies used to attain, clarify, or confirm health information. The uptake of health information depends on system-level and individual-level factors. The purpose of the present study is to understand the sources from which Punjabi elders obtain COVID-19 vaccine-related information and their information seeking behavior. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 391 Punjabi elders aged 50+ years in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ontario. The survey questions included the need for COVID-19 vaccine information, the type of information sought, sources of information, and barriers to seeking information. Descriptive analysis was conducted using frequencies and percentages, and logistic regression was performed to understand the associations between participants' sociodemographic characteristics and HISB. The results suggested that Punjabi elders are more likely to use informal sources and less likely to seek information from health professionals and government health and wellness websites. The results also suggested that most participants do not cross-check their information with other sources and are more likely to cross-check the information with family/friends, compared to credible care providers, across all demographics. Ultimately, there may be a need for stakeholders to collaborate to regulate the accuracy and type of health-information that is disseminated through media, and to tailor health communication to the health information seeking behavior of this population.

Health information-seeking behaviour, intimate partner violence, and sexual risk-taking among MSM in Bali, Indonesia

Health information-seeking behaviour, intimate partner violence, and sexual risk-taking among MSM in Bali, Indonesia

Uses of Internet for Obtaining and Sharing MIH-Related Information.

The Internet's increasing prevalence, along with the user-friendly nature of smartphones and the ease of access to virtual spaces, creates a vast and practical domain for digital communication. In this context, obtaining online information plays a crucial role in promoting health and preventing disease, facilitating individual and collaborative decision-making between patients and dental professionals. Digital information resources play a crucial role in providing guidance, support, and knowledge to the public and health care experts on molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH). This chapter explores various dimensions related to MIH digital information, including a diverse array of digital platforms and the multifaceted landscape of health information-seeking behaviors. This chapter emphasizes the importance of accurate and reliable information dissemination in the digital era. It also sheds light on how understanding the dynamics of digital communication and health information-seeking behavior can improve accessibility and information quality for individuals facing the challenges of MIH.

Experiences of Non-Nursing College Students in Accessing Health Information Online

Background: With the rapid growth of information and communication technology, the Internet has become a prevalent platform for seeking health information globally, with the Philippines ranking 10th in Internet usage. Hence, understanding the experiences of college students in accessing and evaluating such information is crucial. Objective: This study aimed to explore the lived experience of non-nursing college students with their health information-seeking behaviour and perceptions of source credibility on the internet. Methods: This study used a qualitative research design utilizing a phenomenological approach. Semi-structured interviews were used with sixteen (16) non-nursing participants through a purposive sampling technique. Colaizzi's method was employed for data analysis with the aid of in vivo software. Results: The following were the emergent themes: (1) experiences and behaviours related to seeking health information online; (2) challenges and preferences in seeking health information online; (3) the impact of online health information on healthcare decisions; and (4) the credibility of online health information sources. Conclusion: The study's findings highlight the convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of online platforms as significant factors driving the use of the Internet for health information among non-nursing college students. However, they face challenges like information overload, conflicting sources, accuracy concerns, technical language barriers, and the risks of self-diagnosis. Hence, the study emphasised the need to enhance information filtering, promote information literacy, ensure localised information, and improve accessibility and clarity.

Information-seeking Behavior of Iranian Young Adults (18-28 Years Old) Regarding HPV on Social Media: A Preventive Approach to HPV.

Health information-seeking behavior refers to individuals' targeted actions to satisfy their health information needs and search for relevant disease-related information. Nowadays, social media platforms provide a great opportunity for meeting health information needs and delivering preventive education regarding human papillomavirus (HPV). The purpose of this study is the information-seeking behavior of Iranian young adults (18-28 years old) regarding HPV on social media, a preventive approach to HPV. The present descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2023 among Iranian boys and girls aged 18-28 years. A multistage cluster sampling method was used to select 3840 participants. The data collection tool was Longo's Health Information-Seeking Behavior Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS software. The results showed that Iranian youth aged 18-28 were more inclined to seek information on social media about the transmission routes and preventive measures for HPV. The primary informational need regarding transmission was "I want to know the main route of HPV transmission is through vaginal and anal intercourse?", and regarding prevention, it was "Can condoms prevent HPV infection?" Additionally, the findings indicated that young individuals sought information about HPV after their first sexual encounter. Most of the information needs of the youth were fulfilled through YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp, mainly in video format. Approximately 85.10% of the youth were satisfied with the information obtained from social media. The results revealed a significant and positive relationship between the health information needs of young adults (18-28 years old) in the area of HPV and personal factors. Gender, age, marital status, education level, history of HPV infection, and engaging is unprotected extramarital sex were identified as significant influential factors on the level of information needs of young individuals, especially regarding HPV preventive measures (P < 0.05). Health authorities and disease control and prevention centers need to harness the potential of social media in meeting the informational needs of youth and providing education and awareness, especially concerning the transmission and prevention of HPV.

Perceptions and Information-Seeking Behavior Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination Among Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease in 2023: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

People living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face an increased risk of severe outcomes such as hospitalization or death from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccination is a vital approach to mitigate the risk and severity of infection in patients with CKD. Limited information exists regarding the factors that shape COVID-19 vaccine uptake, including health information-seeking behavior and perceptions, within the CKD population. The objectives were to describe among CKD patients, (1) health information-seeking behavior on COVID-19, (2) their capacity to comprehend and trust COVID-19 information from different sources, and (3) their perceptions concerning COVID-19 infection and vaccination. Cross-sectional web-based survey administered in British Columbia and Ontario from February 17, 2023, to April 17, 2023. Chronic kidney disease G3b-5D patients and kidney transplant recipients (CKD G1T-5T) enrolled in a longitudinal COVID-19 vaccine serology study. The survey consisted of a questionnaire that included demographic and clinical data, perceived susceptibility of contracting COVID-19, the ability to collect, understand, and trust information on COVID-19, as well as perceptions regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data with values expressed as count (%) and chi square tests were performed with a significance level set at P ≤ .05. A content analysis was performed on one open-ended response regarding respondents' questions surrounding COVID-19 infection and vaccination. Among the 902 patients who received the survey via email, 201 completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of 22%. The median age was 64 years old (IQR 53-74), 48% were male, 51% were university educated, 32% were on kidney replacement therapies, and 57% had received ≥5 COVID-19 vaccine doses. 65% of respondents reported that they had sought out COVID-19-related information in the last 12 months, with 91% and 84% expressing having understood and trusted the information they received, respectively. Those with a higher number of COVID-19 vaccine doses were associated with having sought out (P =.017), comprehended (P < .001), and trusted (P =. 005) COVID-19-related information. Female sex was associated with expressing more concern about contracting COVID-19 (P = .011). Most respondents strongly agreed to statements regarding the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. Respondents' questions about COVID-19 infection and vaccination centered on 4 major themes: COVID-19 vaccination strategy, vaccine effectiveness, vaccine safety, and the impact of COVID-19 infection and vaccination on kidney health. This survey was administered within the Canadian health care context to patients with CKD who had at least 1 COVID-19 vaccine dose. Race/ethnicity of participants was not captured. In this survey of individuals with CKD, COVID-19 information-seeking behavior was high and almost all respondents understood and trusted the information they received. Perceptions toward the COVID-19 vaccine and booster were mostly favorable.

Associations of online health information seeking with health behaviors of cancer survivors.

To examine the effects of online health information seeking (OHIS) behavior on five health behaviors (regular physical activity, less sedentary, calorie checking, no alcohol consumption, and no smoking) among adult cancer survivors in the United States. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with adult cancer survivors (≥18 years old) from Cycles 2, 3, and 4 of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). The respondents self-reported OHIS, and the data on the five health behaviors were pooled to perform descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses using Stata 17.0. Of the 1245 adult cancer survivors, approximately 74% reported OHIS behavior for themselves within the previous year of the survey. We found that OHIS was significantly and positively associated with the level of physical activity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.53, p = .002) and calorie checking (OR = 1.64, p = .001), but not with sedentary behavior, smoking, and alcohol consumption after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, body mass index (BMI), marital status, depression, and general health. Findings from this study suggest that most cancer survivors used various forms of digital tools and platforms to seek health information. The study also demonstrated an independent impact of OHIS behavior on physical activity and calorie checking. Healthcare professionals may need to encourage and guide cancer survivors to seek credible eHealth information and further utilize digital health tools as a platform for care delivery, promoting health behaviors and preventing adverse health outcomes among cancer survivors.

Adolescents' online health information seeking: Trust, e-health literacy, parental influence, and AI-generated credibility

Adolescents increasingly turn to online sources for health information, raising concerns about the credibility of information and its impact on their behaviors. This study explores the factors shaping adolescents' online health information seeking (OHIS) behaviors. The study surveyed 381 adolescents to assess trust in online health information, eHealth literacy, parental behaviors, and AI-generated credibility scores. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze data and test hypotheses based on the Social Cognitive Theory. Trust in online health information positively influenced disease-related OHIS behaviors (β = 0.24, p &lt; 0.05) and fitness-related OHIS behaviors (β = 0.18, p &lt; 0.05). Higher eHealth literacy correlated with increased disease-related OHIS behaviors (β = 0.32, p &lt; 0.05) and fitness-related OHIS behaviors (β = 0.28, p &lt; 0.05). Parental OHIS behaviors influenced adolescents' disease-related OHIS behaviors (β = 0.16, p &lt; 0.05) and fitness-related OHIS behaviors (β = 0.22, p &lt; 0.05). Parental OHIS mediation positively mediated these relationships (H7, H8). Higher AI-generated credibility scores associated with more disease-related OHIS behaviors (β = 0.20, p &lt; 0.05) and fitness-related OHIS behaviors (β = 0.15, p &lt; 0.05). Adolescents' eHealth literacy mediated these relationships (H11, H12). Trust, eHealth literacy, parental influence, and AI-generated credibility play vital roles in shaping adolescents' OHIS behaviors. Educators should prioritize enhancing eHealth literacy and promoting credible online sources to improve adolescents' health information seeking practices. This study contributes insights into the factors influencing adolescents' OHIS behaviors, emphasizing the role of parental mediation and AI-generated credibility scores. The findings inform the development of targeted health education interventions to encourage responsible online health information seeking among adolescents.

Associations and gender differences between OHI-seeking behaviors and eHealth literacy among Chinese university students.

to explore associations and gender differences between OHI-seeking (online health information seeking) behaviors and eHealth (electronic health) literacy among Chinese university students. Online questionnaires of eHealth literacy scale and OHI-seeking behaviors created in software Wenjunxing were used in this survey. Chi-squared tests, t-test, and Pearson correlation analysis were performed using SPSS for data analysis. Among 5,383 participants, 72.4% were girls, 77.5% lived in rural areas, 51.2% majored in liberal arts, 76.6% with low education parents. The average C-eHEALS scores of boys and girls were 26.53 ± 5.861 and 26.84 ± 5.816, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.084). The top three OHI-seeking behaviors for boys and girls, as well as for the C-eHEALS low and high groups, were "finding information about physical exercises" "reading or sharing health information via social media" "finding information about nutrition and diet", all of which had significant gender and eHealth literacy differences. Gender and eHealth literacy differences should be focused for intervention when developing and implementing eHealth intervention training for parents and adolescents in schools and communities.

Impact of global public health days on online health-information-seeking behavior related to substance use: An analysis of five-year data.

The United Nations Organizations observe various global public health days (GPHDs) (also known as world days) throughout the year. We aimed to assess the impact of GPSDs on online health information-seeking behavior related to substance use in the Indian context. We used the Google Trends data for this study using standard guidelines. We conducted a topic search for the query "Substance abuse" to capture online information-seeking behavior (OHISB) for substance use disorder-related searches. The data were analyzed using the Joinpoint Regression software. Joinpoint regression model analysis was conducted to determine the statistically significant daily percent change (DPC) in the RSV trend. We found that there were significant changes in OHISB for substance use-related disorders on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking over the last five years. The increase in the pattern of online search for substance use-related information was not observed around the World No Tobacco Day, World Mental Health Day, and World Suicide Prevention Day. Since most of these world health days are likely to continue to be observed in the coming years, it is important to regularly assess their impact as well as make the necessary modifications to make them more effective in achieving the desired objectives.

The predation relationship between online medical search and online medical consultation-empirical research based on Baidu platform data.

This study investigates the mutual influence between online medical search and online medical consultation. It focuses on understanding the health information needs that drive these health information-seeking behaviors by utilizing insights from behavioral big data. We used actual behavioral data from Chinese internet users on Baidu platform's "Epidemic Index" from November 26, 2022, to January 25, 2023. Data modeling was conducted to ensure the reliability of the model. Drawing on the logistic model, we constructed a foundational model to quantify the evolutionary patterns of online medical search and online medical consultation. An impact function was defined to measure their mutual influence. Additionally, a pattern detection experiment was conducted to determine the structure of the impact function with maximum commonality through data fitting. The analysis allowed us to build a mathematical model that quantifies the nonlinear correlation between online medical search and online medical consultation. Numerical analysis revealed a predation mechanism between online medical consultation and online medical search, highlighting the role of health information needs in this dynamic. This study offers a novel practical approach to better meet the public's health information needs by understanding the interplay between online medical search and consultation. Additionally, the modeling method used here is broadly applicable, providing a framework for quantifying nonlinear correlations among different behaviors when appropriate data is available.

Health Information Seeking Behaviour in University Students Sri Lanka

Health Information Seeking Behaviour (HISB) refers to the action individuals take to fulfil their health-related information needs. In today's information-rich world, understanding HISB has become crucial for developing effective strategies in information-seeking and health management. For university students, efficient HISB can alleviate health-related anxiety, enhance risk management, promote self-care, and empower informed decision-making, all of which can positively impact academic performance. The findings unveiled intriguing patterns in information source preferences, with 46.2% of students turning to the Internet as their primary source, 41% relying on interpersonal networks, and 13% consulting healthcare professionals. Notably, no students reported using mass media platforms for health information. Gender, year of study, degree program, physical activity, health literacy, self-efficacy, and perceived severity of health problems exhibited significant associations with the choice of information sources. For instance, male students preferred the Internet, while female students leaned towards consulting healthcare professionals and interpersonal networks. Second-year students primarily used the internet, while final-year students sought advice from family and friends. Those who work-activity turned to healthcare professionals, whereas sports-activity favoured the internet. Furthermore, students with low work activity showed reduced odds of using the internet. Interestingly, sports activity had a significant impact only among internet information seekers. Students with moderate health literacy were more inclined to consult family and friends. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the factors affecting HISB among university students, offering a nuanced understanding of their information-seeking behaviour. These findings have implications for health education and interventions promoting informed and responsible health-related decision-making among young adults.

The Information Needs and Seeking Behavior of Elderly Patients in Educational and Therapeutic Hospitals: Unveiling Barriers to Information Accessibility

Background: With the aging population on the rise, it becomes increasingly important for healthcare providers and policymakers to grasp the preferences of elderly patients when it comes to seeking health information. Such understanding can pave the way for tailored interventions aimed at enhancing health literacy and encouraging healthy behaviors among older adults. Objectives: This study sought to investigate the information needs and seeking behavior of elderly patients in educational and therapeutic hospitals while also identifying the barriers that hinder these patients’ access to relevant information sources. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 200 older adults who were hospitalized in educational and therapeutic hospitals in Sari, located in northern Iran, within 2018 to 2020. The data collection tool consisted of a researcher-made questionnaire with four sections: demographic information, health information needs, health information-seeking behavior (HISB), and barriers to finding information. The questionnaire’s reliability was validated, and the chi-square test was employed to explore the association between demographic variables and barriers to information retrieval. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 24). Results: The key demographic characteristics influencing HISB among older patients included age (70 - 79 years), gender (female), educational level (illiterate), and employment status (housewife). The primary health information needs of older patients encompassed staying updated with current health news, seeking information from nurses and allied healthcare staff, and encountering obstacles in accessing information due to a lack of internet literacy. The most pronounced associations between demographics and HISB among older patients were observed in educational level, employment status, and reliance on newspapers and magazines. Moreover, significant associations existed between age groups and seeking support from groups, family, relatives, and friends in addition to using brochures, books, internet resources, short message service (SMS), and radio/television. Conclusions: Elderly patients often encounter challenges in accessing health information due to their limited internet skills. To assist older adults in navigating and utilizing the Internet more effectively, it is crucial to identify trustworthy online sources and bolster their confidence in using the Internet. Healthcare professionals can contribute to the well-being of older adult patients by providing access to current health news, delivering educational programs tailored to individuals with lower levels of education, and offering alternative sources of information for patients who lack internet access.

INTERGENERATIONAL CONTACT AND THE BENEFITS FOR OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Intergenerational contact can be in a variety of forms, from day-to-day interaction between family members, such as filial piety expressed by the younger generation, to artificial contact in an on-line game context. No matter what form of intergenerational contact, it is believed that such contact should be beneficial for older adults for many reasons. For example, it can help to reduce feelings of loneliness, stress and provide a greater sense of purpose. It can also help to foster a greater appreciation for differences between generations and create stronger social connections with those of different ages. It can also boost mental health, physical health, and even reduce the risk of depression. In a group of 5 individual presentations, the authors showcased that intergenerational contact could promote life satisfaction in a 5-year-interval (Ayalon &amp; Dikla), reduce ageist attitudes toward older adults in an on-line game context (Xi, Chang, Zhang, &amp; Ayalon), foster positive self-perception of aging (Chang &amp; Zhang; and Tse), as well as enhance health information-seeking behaviors (Zhao, Song, &amp; Song). These results indicated that even from different cultural background (e.g., Chinese or Americans), a positive intergenerational contact, such as providing social support to aged parents, collaborating with partners from different age groups, and even offer kindness actions toward people of a different age group could indeed be beneficial. These studies provided theoretical insights for the intergenerational contact literature, and highlighted important practical implications for potential interventions to facilitate successful aging for older adults.

Health Information Seeking Behavior on Social Networking Sites and Self-Treatment: Pilot Survey Study.

Social networking site use and social network-based health information seeking behavior have proliferated to the point that the lines between seeking health information from credible social network-based sources and the decision to seek medical care or attempt to treat oneself have become blurred. We contribute to emerging research on health information seeking behavior by investigating demographic factors, social media use for health information seeking purposes, and the relationship between health information seeking and occurrences of self-treatment. Data were collected from an online survey in which participants were asked to describe sociodemographic factors about themselves, social media use patterns, perceptions about their motivations for health information seeking on social media platforms, and whether or not they attempted self-treatment after their social media-related health information seeking. We conducted a binomial logistic regression with self-treatment as a dichotomous categorical dependent variable. Results indicate that significant predictors of self-treatment based on information obtained from social networking sites include race, exercise frequency, and degree of trust in the health-related information received. With an understanding of how sociodemographic factors might influence the decision to self-treat based on information obtained from social networking sites, health care providers can assist patients by educating them on credible social network-based sources of health information and discussing the importance of seeking medical advice from a health care provider.

Networks and knowledge: Women's empowerment, networks, and health information-seeking behavior in rural Guatemala

Women in rural communities, with low access to healthcare and education, often rely on community-based networks, which can be an important source of knowledge, support, and resources. These networks can help women overcome barriers such as illiteracy in learning about child health. This paper uses primary data from Highland Guatemala to describe women's participation in health information networks, particularly as it relates to their decision-making power within the household. This study combines a fixed effects model with an instrumental variables approach to estimate the relationship between a multidimensional measure of empowerment, the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI), and sources of health information. The findings suggest that increased bargaining power increases a woman's ability to participate in informal informational networks. The implication of this finding is that an increase in a woman's empowerment expands her social support network. The results also show that an increase in participation in more formal networks is what leads to greater child health knowledge, indicating that where and how women learn about child health matters.

Information behaviour and factors influencing family planning knowledge of Myanmar ethnic migrants: a qualitative study

The accessibility to quality family planning (FP) information and counselling for Myanmar ethnic migrants in Thailand is questionable. Inadequate knowledge and lack of informed choice to practice FP methods increase the risk of unmet needs and method failures in FP, which could result in unplanned pregnancies and induced abortions. This research aimed to understand the FP information behaviour of a Pa-O migrant group, as well as structural and agency influencing factors on FP knowledge acquisition in Chiang Mai. A qualitative research based on the Information Behaviour model and Structuration theory was conducted using participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. A non-probability sampling method was employed, and 31 respondents participated in the study. The study found that actively seeking FP information from formal sources to make an informed decision was not common among Pa-O migrants. Instead, there was more reliance on informal information sources for choosing FP methods. Cultural norms related to sex, marriage, and age hinder migrant health information-seeking behaviour from formal and informal information sources. Pa-O migrants were alienated from structural resources, limiting the opportunities to promote FP knowledge. The personal and situational factors that significantly influenced the agency of migrants were lack of awareness of the right to information, language barriers, and perceived communication barriers with health staff. Limited resources of migrant-friendly health education programmes adversely affect migrant FP information behaviour. Reproductive health education programmes, including quality FP counselling services, should be accessible for marginalised migrants to ensure that their choices of FP are well-informed.

Online information-seeking behavior of Iranian web users on Google about Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP): an infodemiology study

Backgrounds: Previous studies have indicated that users’ health information-seeking behavior can serve as a reflection of current health issues within a community. This study aimed to investigate the online information-seeking behavior of Iranian web users on Google about Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP).MethodsGoogle Trends (GTr) was utilized to collect big data from the internet searches conducted by Iranian web users. A focus group discussion was employed to identify users’ selected keywords when searching for HSP. Additionally, keywords related to the disease’s symptoms were selected based on recent clinical studies. All keywords were queried in GTr from January 1, 2012 to October 30, 2022. The outputs were saved in an Excel format and analyzed using SPSS.ResultsThe highest and lowest search rates of HSP were recorded in winter and summer, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between HSP search rates and the terms “joint pain” (P = 0.007), “vomiting” (P = 0.032), “hands and feet swelling” (P = 0.041) and “seizure” (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe findings were in accordance with clinical facts about HSP, such as its seasonal pattern and accompanying symptoms. It appears that the information-seeking behavior of Iranian users regarding HSP can provide valuable insights into the outbreak of this disease in Iran.

Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Health Information-seeking Behaviour During COVID-19 Among Chinese Students

Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Health Information-seeking Behaviour During COVID-19 Among Chinese Students