Patterns Of Health Information Seeking Research Articles

Determinants of Primary School Teachers’ Health Literacy in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania: A Reflection on Access to Health Information

Background. Teachers have the potential of promoting health knowledge and consequently health-literacy (HL) enhancement. Cognizant of this, interventions geared toward influencing and strengthening school teachers’ HL have remained important. However, for such interventions to be effective, understanding what determines teachers’ HL is inevitable. Purpose. This article analyses the determinants of primary school teachers’ HL by analyzing what prompts their health information-seeking patterns. Methods. A cross-sectional research involving 189 randomly sampled primary school teachers was conducted in 2021 in Morogoro Municipality whereby data were collected through a structured questionnaire survey and analyzed using IBM-SPSS. A score index gauged HL while frequencies and percentages measured other variables. Results. All teachers had high HL with a mean HL (standard deviation) of 8.10062. Only 43.4% searched for HI, 20.1% of those who searched for HI were influenced by health-related problems encountered, 12.2% searched for HI to broaden their knowledge on health-related issues, and 7.4% were prompted by health risks around. Also, 3.7% of the teachers acceded that health-seeking information is influenced by an interest in searching HI for self-health management. About 36.0%, 32.3%, and 31.7% of the teachers agree that the provision of health education, interest to read issues related to HL, and addressing issues related to HL influence teachers’ HL. Conclusion. Teachers have been searching for HI due to different concerns, though there is a need to further enhance such efforts. Recommendation. The government, communities, and development partners should enhance HI seeking to promote teachers’ HL for a healthier society.

Health information seeking patterns among medical and non-medical university students in Egypt

The researchers conducted the study to define university students’ current patterns of health information resources use, compare, and assess the resources medical and non-medical university students use when exercising health information seeking (HIS), and to assess their perceptions and behaviors regarding adoption of online tools. This is an exploratory cross- sectional study conducted among a convenience sample of 336 university students via an online survey comprised of the following: demographics, perspectives of health information seeking, and experiences and problems towards HIS. More than two thirds of the sampled students stated that they sought health information. Their most curious subject was lack of physical activity. Searching the internet and using social media were the most used ways to obtain health information. Ease of access and reliability of source were the most affecting sources while searching. Medical students prefer reliable websites in the health domain with high level of quality and credibility. While non-medical students access health information more through social media. Workshops could be organized for medical students to convey to them the proper criteria for selecting credible health websites sources. As regards non-medical students, reliable easily accessible health information sources that could be reached through social media.

Development of an Online Telepharmacy Service in the Philippines and Analysis of Its Usage During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: To augment traditional sources of health information at a time of reduced accessibility, a free online telepharmacy service was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: This study details the process of developing and operating an online telepharmacy service, analyzes its usage, and assesses users’ health information-seeking patterns. Methods: The service utilized various platforms for receiving and processing queries, communication, and promotion. Submissions received from March 20 to May 31, 2020 were processed for analysis. Parameters analyzed were time patterns of query submission, response time, service feedback, user and patient demographics, and subjects of inquiry. Results: A total of 271 queries were analyzed. Query frequency decreased over time, consistent with relaxation of quarantine restrictions and increasing availability of information. Peak hours of query influx were outside typical business hours. The majority of users were from the general public (93.8%) and preferred to receive responses through text (61.2%). The majority of users from the general public belonged to the 15- to 25-year-old age group (41.1%) and sought information for oneself. Most submissions mentioned COVID-related topics. From the general public, there was greatest interest in drug indications and vitamins, supplements, and herbal products, and from healthcare professionals, in drug procurement. Users who provided feedback (n = 12) all expressed satisfaction with the service and the information they received. Conclusion: Transition to the “new normal” entails adopting alternative platforms to augment traditional sources of health information. An online telepharmacy service may be utilized to provide and clarify medication information as part of primary care.

Health Information Seeking Behaviors on Social Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among American Social Networking Site Users: Survey Study.

BackgroundIn recent years, medical journals have emphasized the increasingly critical role that social media plays in the dissemination of public health information and disease prevention guidelines. However, platforms such as Facebook and Twitter continue to pose unique challenges for clinical health care providers and public health officials alike. In order to effectively communicate during public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it is increasingly critical for health care providers and public health officials to understand how patients gather health-related information on the internet and adjudicate the merits of such information.ObjectiveWith that goal in mind, we conducted a survey of 1003 US-based adults to better understand how health consumers have used social media to learn and stay informed about the COVID-19 pandemic, the extent to which they have relied on credible scientific information sources, and how they have gone about fact-checking pandemic-related information.MethodsA web-based survey was conducted with a sample that was purchased through an industry-leading market research provider. The results were reported with a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of 3. Participants included 1003 US-based adults (aged ≥18 years). Participants were selected via a stratified quota sampling approach to ensure that the sample was representative of the US population. Balanced quotas were determined (by region of the country) for gender, age, race, and ethnicity.ResultsThe results showed a heavy reliance on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic; more than three-quarters of respondents (762/1003, 76%) reported that they have relied on social media at least “a little,” and 59.2% (594/1003) of respondents indicated that they read information about COVID-19 on social media at least once per week. According to the findings, most social media users (638/1003, 63.6%) were unlikely to fact-check what they see on the internet with a health professional, despite the high levels of mistrust in the accuracy of COVID-19–related information on social media. We also found a greater likelihood of undergoing vaccination among those following more credible scientific sources on social media during the pandemic (χ216=50.790; φ=0.258; P<.001).ConclusionsThe findings suggest that health professionals will need to be both strategic and proactive when engaging with health consumers on social media if they hope to counteract the deleterious effects of misinformation and disinformation. Effective training, institutional support, and proactive collaboration can help health professionals adapt to the evolving patterns of health information seeking.

Trust but verify: Patterns of obtaining health information and the role of physician trust in decision-making amongst patients with metastatic breast cancer.

218 Background: Increasing emphasis on patient-centered care has led to shared decision making, which better aligns medical decisions with patient preferences for care. In its 2004 report, Health Literacy: A Prescription to End Confusion, the US Institute of Medicine defines health literacy as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. However, little is known about the confluent role of patient health information seeking patterns and physician trust in the decision-making process. Therefore, we assessed perspectives of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients and health care professionals regarding how health information seeking and physician trust influence decision making. Methods: Qualitative interviews with 26 MBC patients and 6 community oncologists, as well as 3 separate focus groups involving lay navigators, nurses, and academic oncologists, were recorded and transcribed. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using a content analysis approach that included a constant comparative method to generate themes from the transcribed textual data. Results: Five prominent themes emerged from these responses. (1) Patients’ primary source of treatment information were physicians. (2) Patients differed in their approach to seeking further health information regarding the discussed treatment options (e.g. internet websites, family and friends, support groups). (3) Patients trusted their physician’s recommendations to achieve their goals of care. (4) Oncologists were cognizant of their fundamental role in facilitating informed decision making (5) Patient and physician discordant perspectives on shared decision making were apparent. Conclusions: Patient procurement of health information and their capacity to use it effectively to make informed decisions in conjunction with their trust in physicians, may play an important role in shared decision making.

Factors associated with mobile health information seeking among Singaporean women

ABSTRACTThis study examined effects of age and social psychological factors on women’s willingness to be mobile health information seekers. A national survey of 1,878 Singaporean women was conducted to obtain information on women’s mobile phone usage, experiences of health information seeking, and appraisals of using mobile phones to seek health information. Results showed that young, middle-aged, and older women exhibited distinct mobile phone usage behaviors, health information-seeking patterns, and assessments of mobile health information seeking. Factors that accounted for their mobile information-seeking intention also varied. Data reported in this study provide insights into mobile health interventions in the future.

Understanding Digital Technology Access and Use Among New York State Residents to Enhance Dissemination of Health Information.

BackgroundMany state and local health departments, as well as community organizations, have been using new technologies to disseminate health information to targeted populations. Yet little data exist that show access and use patterns, as well as preferences for receiving health information, at the state level.ObjectiveThis study was designed to obtain information about media and technology use, and health information seeking patterns, from a sample of New York State (NYS) residents.MethodsA cross-sectional telephone survey (with mobile phones and landlines) was developed to assess media and technology access, use patterns, and preferences for receiving health information among a sample of 1350 residents in NYS. The survey used random digit dialing methodology. A weighted analysis was conducted utilizing Stata/SE software.ResultsData suggest that NYS residents have a high level of computer and Internet use; 82% have at least one working computer at home, and 85% use the Internet at least sometimes. Mobile phone use is also high; 90% indicated having a mobile phone, and of those 63% have a smartphone. When asked about preferences for receiving health information from an organization, many people preferred websites (49%); preferences for other sources varied by demographic characteristics.ConclusionsFindings suggest that the Internet and other technologies are viable ways to reach NYS residents, but agencies and organizations should still consider using traditional methods of communication in some cases, and determine appropriate channels based on the population of interest.

Health Information Seeking, Source Trust, and Culture: A Comparative Analysis of Health Information Trends and Needs Between Guam and the United States

The Guam population offers a unique glimpse into Americans of Pacific Island ancestry and their communication and information-seeking behaviors, experiences, and needs relevant to cancer. National surveys do not typically include the U.S. territories, so there are limited data on the health and cancer information–seeking behaviors of these populations, in which health disparities persist. To fill this information gap, we conducted a survey on health communication in Guam using a modified version of the Health Information National Trends Survey instrument supplemented with items measuring specific cultural factors and communication practices. The results of the survey (N = 511) revealed some differences in health and cancer information–seeking patterns in Guam and the mainland United States. Sociodemographic variables, including sex, age, education, income, and employment, were significantly associated with health and cancer information seeking and Internet use. Levels of trust in various information sources were differentiated in the Guam and mainland U.S. samples. Logistic regression models revealed differences in factors predicting health and cancer information seeking and Internet use. The results suggest that these health information–seeking patterns and factors should be taken into account when developing communication strategies for more effective prevention and control programs.

Media and Technology Use Among Hispanics/Latinos in New York: Implications for Health Communication Programs.

There is limited information about media and technology use, as well as health information-seeking patterns, specifically for Hispanics/Latinos at the state level. An understanding of access, usage patterns, and preferences for receiving health information is critical for state-level organizations to effectively reach and serve this growing population. A telephone survey was developed to assess media and technology access, use patterns, health-seeking information patterns, and preferences for receiving health information. The survey was conducted in New York state from August 8 to November 4, 2013, using random digit dialing. The overall sample of 1350 included 412 Hispanic/Latino adults who are the focus of this study. Most Hispanic/Latino respondents reported having at least one working computer at home (78%) and using the Internet (84%);almost all who had a computer reported having high-speed Internet service (90 %). Cell phone ownership was common (88%), and many had a smartphone (71%). Activities most likely to occur several times per day were sending text messages (61%), using phone apps (49%), using a search engine (40%), using email (34%), and using social networking sites (32%). The most preferred channels of receiving health information were websites, mail, and television. Older respondents were significantly less likely to have the technologies, engage in technology activities, and prefer newer forms of information dissemination (i.e., text messages). Education and income were important predictors in some cases. While most Hispanics/Latinos have access to various technologies, the reason for using those technologies and preferences for receiving health information most often varies by age and, sometimes, by education and income. Older adults tend to seek health information from traditional sources such as television and brochures, while younger adults favored newer technologies. Knowing preferences of the population can help ensure proper media channels are selected for dissemination of health information to Hispanic/Latino communities.

Parental health information seeking and re-exploration of the ‘digital divide’

To describe patterns of 'online' and 'offline' health information seeking in families with children under five years of age and living in five socially, economically and culturally disparate local authority (LA) wards in one inner-city area. Earlier work analysed data from the five LA wards merged as one data set. A 'digital divide' in health information seeking was identified between parents who actively sought information from both internet websites and from 14 other health information sources (online health information seekers), and those who acquired information from a more limited range of sources excluding the internet. Of the two groups, the online health information seekers had higher levels of computer ownership and, therefore, internet access within the home. Re-analysis of data (questionnaires n = 224; five focus groups; two interviews with service providers; two opportunistic conversations with service providers). Additional data were retrieved after the original data analysis and between 2005 and 2007. These data were from service user-led discussions (n = 30) held with parents in child health clinics, informal interviews (n = 11) with health visitors and semi-structured interviews (n = 2) with health visitors. Information was also retrieved from the Office for National Statistics data set. In the re-analysis, data were disaggregated at LA ward level in order to explore local influences on patterns of health information seeking. Multiple layers of influence upon parental health information seeking emerged and revealed a non-digital second divide, which was independent of computer ownership and home internet access. This divide was based on preference for use of certain health information sources, which might be either 'online' or 'offline'. A spatial patterning of both digital and preferential divides was identified with an association between each of these and features of the physical, social, cultural and psychosocial environment, one of which was perceived access to primary health care. Complex patterns of health information seeking relate to each of the 'divides'--digital and preferential. Patterns of health information seeking reflect differing perceptions of information availability and usefulness as experienced by parents within their local physical, social, cultural and psychosocial worlds. Access to primary care services is a key component of this local environment.

P04.20. Health informaton seeking, trust in information sources and use of complementary and alternative medicine

Purpose Patient engagement in health information seeking is associated with beneficial social, emotional, and health outcomes. We analyzed data from the 2008 Health Information National Trends Survey to characterize, and compare patterns of health information seeking and trust in sources of health information among persons who use complimentary and alternative (CAM) approaches to health and medicine and those who do not.

Health information seeking and its effect on the doctor-patient digital divide

A survey of 224 individuals using SureStart services (for young families) within an inner-London area was complemented by qualitative data from five focus groups of parents and general practitioners in the same area. Descriptive and multivariate statistics were used to identify and describe discrete geographical districts with differing patterns of health information seeking. A geographically defined group of 'information hungry'/'online' health seekers was identified. This group contrasted with those acquiring information through 'assimilation' ('offline' information seekers). Qualitative data revealed the processes underpinning these characteristics and professional attitudes towards the Internet as a source of health information.