Health Information Seeking Experience Research Articles

Women's Health Information-Seeking Experiences and Preferences for Health Communications on FDA-Regulated Products: A Qualitative Study in Urban Area.

A key part of any effort to ensure informed health care decision-making among the public is access to reliable and relevant health-related information. We conducted focus groups with women from three generations across the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area to explore their information-seeking motivations, perceptions, challenges, and preferences regarding three FDA-regulated products: drugs, vaccines, and medical devices. The youngest generation discussed seeking health information for their children; the other two sought information for their own needs. All participants noted that finding health information appropriate to their reading level was a challenge, as was identifying reliable sources of information. All generations identified in-person and live interactions as their preferred method of communication and health care providers as their preferred source for information. All three generations recognized the usefulness of websites, and the two older generations acknowledged the advantages of brochures. Our findings suggest approaches the FDA could consider to improve communications: (a) supporting in-person and live health information interactions; (b) leveraging the agency's standing with the public to highlight it as a leading source of validated health information; (c) increasing the FDA website's visibility in internet searches and making its navigation easier; and (d) using multi-pronged approaches and media for various audiences.

Health information-seeking experience in people with head and neck neoplasms undergoing treatment: a qualitative study.

To describe the health information-seeking experience and its influencing factors of people with head and neck neoplasms undergoing treatment. This was a descriptive phenomenology study. Participants were recruited by purposive sampling. The semistructured interviews and all observation results were recorded. The data were analysed using Colaizzi's method. Fourteen participants were selected. We identified four themes that illustrate factors that influence the health information-seeking behaviour of participants: patients' awareness of health information needs, patients' competence, doctor-patient communication, and online advertising interference. We also determined the value of different types of information and patients' information needs and sources. These findings can help professionals understand patients' behaviours and think about how to deliver practical information support in a network environment to guide patients in continuous information seeking while taking specific factors into account.

We’re here too: child health information-seeking experiences and preferences of Red River Métis families – a qualitative study

BackgroundRed River Métis families need access to meaningful and appropriate resources when their children are sick. At the invitation of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) to partner in this research, our aim was to understand Red River Métis parents’ experiences and preferences for seeking child health information when their child is acutely ill, to inform the adaptation of existing parent resources.MethodsA qualitative descriptive approach underpinned by a participatory paradigm guided this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 Red River Métis parents and Elders via Zoom or telephone. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to explore patterns and themes across the data.ResultsAnalysis generated four themes: (1) We’re here too; (2) We are not all the same; (3) Finding trustworthy information; and (4) Information needs to be widely available. Red River Métis pride was prominent in the results. Parents provided tangible ways to modify existing parent resources, including adding information on how to access Elders, healers and/or traditional medicines and showing different family structures, transport, living situations, Métis names, and incorporating Métis languages. While most parents reported looking for child health information online, they also stressed the need to provide multiple options, including information sheets, recognizing that parents seek information in different contexts. Parents also emphasized the importance of accessible, safe spaces to find child health information, including local schools, community centres, healthcare organizations and the MMF.ConclusionThere is a lack of child health information created specifically for Red River Métis families. The development of this information can support their information needs and preferences and the ongoing efforts to revitalize Red River Métis culture and language. Study findings will inform the adaptation and dissemination of existing child health resources to ensure they reflect Red River Métis parents’ information needs and preferences. This research is a critical step in addressing an identified need for Red River Métis families to have culturally relevant and meaningful child health resources, and in the pursuit of equitable care for all children in Canada.Trial RegistrationN/A.

Online health information-seeking experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown among social media users in four countries

Online health information-seeking experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown among social media users in four countries

Stroke Survivors and Their Family Caregivers' Experiences of Health Information Seeking: A Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACTBackground: Stroke is a significant and unpredictable event that affects physical and mental functions. A useful approach to returning to a normal life is to seek out health information. This study aimed to explore the experiences from health information seeking in the stroke survivors and their family caregivers.Methods: This study was carried out using qualitative content analysis. Participants included five stroke survivors and fifteen family caregivers who were selected purposively from the Rofideh Rehabilitation Center and private physiotherapy centers in Tehran. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using Graneheim and Lundman’s method manually in Word software. Sampling was carried out in 2021.Results: Two main categories were extracted 1): adapting and learning resulting from awareness including optimization of living environment and disease management, and 2) fear and inquietude on the information way including confused and insolvent in receiving information, and doubts about the accuracy of information.Conclusion: The health information seeking created adaptability and relative stability in some stroke survivors and their family caregivers. However, in others, there was still a sense of anxiety and uncertainty. Thus, understanding health information seeking experiences helps health policymakers and administrators to provide information and training based on evidence and individual needs of the client and family.

The effects of worry, risk perception, information-seeking experience, and trust in misinformation on COVID-19 fact-checking: a survey study in China

Health misinformation is a serious problem that can cause confusion and risk-taking behaviors, undermining public health efforts. Fact-checking has been highlighted as an effective tool for coping with the challenge of misinformation. However, few studies have examined the factors influencing individuals’ health fact-checking behaviors. Using the comprehensive model of information seeking, we conducted a two-wave panel survey in China during the COVID-19 pandemic and explored the underlying process that might hinder COVID-19 fact-checking. The results showed that risk perception and worry about COVID-19 triggered a negative COVID-19 information-seeking experience, which reduced COVID-19 fact-checking. Moreover, the propensity to trust COVID-19 misinformation played a moderating role, such that negative information-seeking experience had a stronger negative effect on fact-checking behaviors for people with a greater propensity to trust misinformation. This study demonstrates the dark side of cognitive and affective responses to risks and health information-seeking experiences. The findings offer important implications for future health communication initiatives to effectively promote health fact-checking behaviors.

Impact of language preference and health literacy on health information-seeking experiences among a low-income, multilingual cohort

ObjectiveWe examined the impact of language preference and health literacy on health information-seeking experiences in a multilingual, low-income cohort. MethodsWe administered a modified Health Information National Trends Survey in English, Spanish, and Chinese to a sample of San Francisco city/county residents. Using multivariable logistic regression analyses, we assessed how language and health literacy impact health information-seeking experiences (confidence, effort, frustration, quality concerns, and difficulty understanding information), adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, usual place of care, health status, information-seeking behaviors, and smartphone ownership. ResultsOf 1000 participants (487 English-speaking, 256 Spanish-speaking, 257 Chinese-speaking), 820 (82%) reported at least one negative health information-seeking experience. Chinese-language was associated with frustration (aOR = 2.56; 1.12–5.86). Difficulty understanding information was more likely in Spanish-language respondents (aOR = 3.58; 1.25–10.24). Participants with limited health literacy reported more effort (aOR = 1.97; 1.22–3.17), frustration (aOR = 2.09; 1.28–3.43), concern about quality (aOR = 2.72; 1.60–4.61), and difficulty understanding information (aOR = 2.53; 1.58–4.05). Language and literacy impacted confidence only in the interaction term between Chinese-speakers and health literacy. ConclusionWe found that negative health information-seeking experiences were common in non-English speaking populations those with limited health literacy. Practice implicationsHealth communication efforts should consider both language preference and health literacy to ensure accessibility for all patients.

The Correlation of Online Health Information-Seeking Experience With Health-Related Quality of Life: Cross-Sectional Study Among Non-English-Speaking Female Students in a Religious Community.

BackgroundGiven the increasing availability of the internet, it has become a common source of health information. However, the effect of this increased access on health needs to be further studied.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the correlation between online health information–seeking behavior and general health dimensions in a sample of high school students in Iran.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019. A total of 295 female students participated in the study. The data were collected using two validated questionnaires: the e-Health Impact Questionnaire and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients using SPSS version 23 (IBM Corp).ResultsThe participants moderately used online information in their health-related decisions, and they thought that the internet helped people in health-related decision making. They also thought that the internet could be used to share health experiences with others. Participants had moderate confidence in online health information and stated that the information provided by health websites was moderately understandable and reliable and moderately encouraged and motivated them to play an active role in their health promotion. Nevertheless, the results showed that online health information–seeking experience had no significant correlation with health-related quality of life.ConclusionsThis study provides insights into the effect of using internet information on the health of adolescents. It has important implications for researchers and policy makers to build appropriate policies to maximize the benefit of internet access for health.

The Correlation of Online Health Information Seeking Experience with the Health Related Quality of Life: A Cross-sectional Study among Iranian Female Students (Preprint)

The Correlation of Online Health Information Seeking Experience with the Health Related Quality of Life: A Cross-sectional Study among Iranian Female Students (Preprint)

Health Information-Seeking Behaviors of Family Caregivers: Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey.

BackgroundThe growing population of aging adults relies on informal caregivers to help meet their health care needs, get help with decision making, and gather health information.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine health information–seeking behaviors among caregivers and to identify caregiver characteristics that contribute to difficulty in seeking health information.MethodsData from the Health Information National Trends Survey 5, Cycle 1 (N=3181) were used to compare health information seeking of caregivers (n=391) with noncaregivers (n=2790).ResultsCaregivers sought health information for themselves and others using computers, smartphones, or other electronic means more frequently than noncaregivers. Caregivers born outside of the United States reported greater difficulty seeking health information (beta=.42; P=.02). Nonwhite caregivers (beta =−.33; P=.03), those with less education (beta =−.35; P=.02), those with private insurance (beta =−.37; P=.01), and those without a regular health care provider (beta =−.35; P=.01) had less confidence seeking health information. Caregivers with higher income had more confidence (beta =.12; P≤.001) seeking health information.ConclusionsThis study highlights the prevalence of electronic means to find health information among caregivers. Notable differences in difficulty and confidence in health information seeking exist between caregivers, indicating the need for more attention to the socioeconomic status and caregivers born outside of the United States. Findings can guide efforts to optimize caregivers’ health information–seeking experiences.

The role of social support and social networks in health information-seeking behavior among Korean Americans: a qualitative study.

IntroductionThis study used social network theory to explore the role of social support and social networks in health information–seeking behavior among Korean American (KA) adults.MethodsA descriptive qualitative study using a web-based online survey was conducted from January 2013 to April 2013 in the U.S. The survey included open-ended questions about health information–seeking experiences in personal social networks and their importance in KA adults. Themes emerging from a constant comparative analysis of the narrative comments by 129 of the 202 respondents were analyzed.ResultsThe sample consisted of 129 KA adults, 64.7% female, with a mean age of 33.2 (SD = 7.7). Friends, church members, and family members were the important network connections for KAs to obtain health information. KAs looked for a broad range of health information from social network members, from recommendations and reviews of hospitals/doctors to specific diseases or health conditions. These social networks were regarded as important for KAs because there were no language barriers, social network members had experiences similar to those of other KAs, they felt a sense of belonging with those in their networks, the network connections promoted increased understanding of different health care systems of the U.S. system, and communication with these network connections helped enhance feelings of being physically and mentally healthy.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the important role that social support and personal social networks perform in the dissemination of health information for a large ethnic population, KAs, who confront distinct cultural challenges when seeking health information in the U.S. Data from this study also illustrate the cultural factors that influence health information acquisition and access to social support for ethnic minorities. This study provides practical insights for professionals in health information services, namely, that social networks can be employed as a channel for disseminating health information to immigrants.

Health Information Seeking of Foreign-Born Population in U.S.

This study aimed to understand features of foreign-born population’s health information seeking behaviors, so that the results can provide evidences which can be utilized in designing health information dissemination. It was found that foreign-born population has less experience on health information seeking than U.S. born and more negative perceptions on health information seeking experiences. Among foreign-born population, it seems that underserved people have less experience of health information seeking, but when they need to find health information they go to doctors or health providers. The Internet is the most dominant source of health information among foreign-born population.

Numeracy, Information Seeking, and Self-Efficacy in Managing Health: An Analysis Using the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS)

This study examined the unique effects of numeracy on self-efficacy in managing health and on information-seeking experience, and explored the mediating role of information-seeking experience. The proposed model was tested using a national random-digit-dial sample (n = 4,092) of adults participating in the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey. Findings from multiple regression analyses revealed that higher numeracy was associated with higher self-efficacy in managing health and better (i.e., more positive) health information-seeking experience, and that better information-seeking experience partially mediated the association between higher numeracy and higher self-efficacy. Findings indicated that communication factors (e.g., information seeking) partially mediated the relationship between cognitive abilities (e.g., numeracy) and self-efficacy. Theoretical implications are discussed, along with practical implications for individuals, health care providers, and public health professionals.

An Innovative Mixed Methods Approach to Studying the Online Health Information Seeking Experiences of Adults With Chronic Health Conditions

This article presents an innovative sequential mixed methods approach to researching the experiences of U.K. adults with chronic health conditions seeking health information online. The use of multiple methods integrated within a single study ensured that the focus of the research was emergent and relevant and ultimately provided a more complete picture of the experience of online health information seeking through joint discussion. This was achieved by communicating both breadth and depth of data relating to the phenomenon. Findings indicate that if the study had used a single research method in isolation, something would have been lost or misunderstood regarding the phenomenon, thus demonstrating the value of each stage within the research design and of the integration of these findings.

The Louisiana Go Local Experience

Between 2006 and 2009, two health sciences librarians at Baton Rouge General Medical Center created and launched the Louisiana segment of the National Library of Medicine's Go Local program, whose ultimate goal was to improve the health information-seeking experience of the general public. Louisiana Go Local was successfully launched in October 2009, but in spring 2010 the national umbrella program was cancelled by the NLM. This article describes the three-year development of a statewide database of health services descriptions and contact information to assist nonexpert health information seekers in finding those health care providers located geographically closest to them.

Older Adults' Health Information Needs and the Effect of the Internet

Internet-based health information may be particularly beneficial for older adults as this segment of the population is likely to need healthcare information and services and often experiences problems accessing needed services and care. In order to effectively design e-health tools for seniors it is important to understand their health information needs and factors that enhance or impede their ability to use the Internet. Another important issue is to determine if in fact health information needs are satisfied to a greater extent between Internet users and non-users. This study explored these issues using six focus groups comprised of 35 adults aged 50+ ( M = 69.71 years) with varying levels of Internet-based health information-seeking experience. Results indicated that the adults who used the Internet were quite satisfied with finding information from this source; however non-users were also quite satisfied with the more traditional sources that they rely on for health information.