Health Information Seeking Research Articles

Using co-design to understand consumer’s health information-seeking behaviours and design preferences for a new digital clinical dashboard in aged care

BackgroundLittle is known about the information needs of older people and their family caregivers, particularly around medication management. This is largely because this population are infrequently consulted in research. Health technologies such as digital dashboards can present comprehensive and timely data summaries to improve knowledge and guide decision-making.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to understand current information seeking-behaviours of aged care service users and their families, and their preferences for the presentation of these types of information to support the co-design of a digital aged care dashboard.MethodsAged care clients (community and residential aged care) and their family members were invited to participate in semi-structured, one-on-one interviews conducted over the telephone. The interviews explored how participants sought health information, how this information supported their clinical decision-making, and how they would want this information to be presented via a digital dashboard. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and independently analysed using an inductive content approach by three reviewers to identify prominent categories.ResultsAged care clients and family members sought health information from healthcare providers, aged care facilities and the Internet. Information regarding medications, medical conditions and an overview for family members were of particular importance to participants. Participants saw the usefulness of a digital dashboard displaying relevant information, and provided suggestions regarding presentation of this information. This included the use of large text, representative colours, symbols and graphs. Participants recommended being able to tailor the dashboard to individual end-users.ConclusionsBy engaging aged care clients and their families in research, it was found that they had positive views about a digital dashboard that presented clinical information and was readily accessible. Such a dashboard could complement their current practices of information-seeking. However, for the dashboard to be effective for this population, several suggestions for its design were raised. Understanding the information-seeking behaviours of aged care clients and their families, together with knowledge of the information that is important to them, and then subsequent incorporation of this information into a digital dashboard that reflects their design preferences, could lead to more informed decision-making in this population.

Paradox within the Healthcare System: An Intersectional Analysis of Health Seeking Experiences of Migrants in the U.S.

ABSTRACT This study examined the complexities surrounding migrants’ health-seeking behaviors in the United States. Using intersectionality as a guiding analytic, we conducted in-depth interviews with 15 visa-holding migrants from West African, East, and Southeast Asian countries to understand their experiences navigating healthcare in another country. Participants mentioned the convergence of three power systems: nativity/language of origin status, education status, and migration (legal) status. Based on participants’ experiences navigating these converging systems, we identified two paradoxes migrants’ experience when seeking health information: (1) the empowerment and disempowerment in the pursuit of health information and (2) the scarcity and sufficiency in the accessibility of health information. Our findings offer a more nuanced understanding of migrant health processes. In particular, we propose that more theorizing and practical interventions should consider intersectional tensions and paradoxes that emerge from individuals whose identities grant them both access and limitations when it comes to seeking healthcare information.

Unpacking cyberchondria: The roles of online health information seeking, health information overload, and health misperceptions

Unpacking cyberchondria: The roles of online health information seeking, health information overload, and health misperceptions

Improving processing fluency to encourage family health information seeking: The mediating role of communication efficacy.

Drawing from the metacognitive literature, this experimental study examines how the relative ease of retrieving information (i.e. processing fluency) impacts individuals' efficacy about engaging in family health discussions and interpersonal information seeking intention across two health topics: family organ donation status and family health history. Participants (N = 609) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions. Those in the easy retrieval task condition (versus a difficult or no task control), who were asked to recall information regarding two (versus six or zero) family members, reported greater processing fluency. Moreover, those who reported greater fluency also reported higher communication efficacy, and a greater intention to seek out family health information. Practically, this study highlights how metacognitive strategies may be used in healthcare settings to motivate patient information seeking. For example, it may be advantageous to start by collecting information for relatively few diseases/family members and slowly build a family history over time.

Traditional and Online Health Information Seeking Among Individuals With Limited English Proficiency in the United States: Cross-Sectional Study.

We investigate how individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) seek, access, and evaluate traditional and online sources they rely on for health information. Retrospective cross-sectional survey analysis from the United States. Pooled Health Information National Trends Survey surveys (2013-2019). The sample was comprised 15,316 respondents; 236/15,316 (1.54%) completed the survey in Spanish and 1727/14,734 (11.72%) had LEP (did not speak English "very well"). The sample was nationally representative across demographic categories. Independent and dependent variables were self-reported using validated measures. Multivariable logistic regression models using jackknife replicate weights for population estimates. Adults with LEP were less confident in their capacity to access health information (aOR = 0.59, CI: 0.47-0.75) and had less trust in health information from medical professionals (aOR = 0.57,CI: 0.46-0.72) than English proficient (EP) adults. Although LEP and EP adults were both most likely to use the internet as their first source of information, LEP adults were more likely than EP adults to consult health professionals, print sources like books, news or brochures, family and friends, television and radio. Spanish language survey respondents were more likely to trust health information from government agencies (aOR = 1.99, CI: 1.09-3.62) and watch health-related videos on the internet than respondents who took the survey in English (aOR = 2.51, CI: 1.23-5.12). Our results show how language barriers may contribute to health disparities experienced by linguistic minorities. Government agencies and health care organizations need to promote health information dissemination in underserved communities and may need to embrace the use of alternative information sources such as television, radio, and the internet to reach LEP populations.

AI at everyone’s fingertips? Identifying the predictors of health information seeking intentions using AI

ABSTRACT The advent of AI tools has the potential to transform how health information is sought, which increases the need for insights into why individuals turn to AI. The study, guided by channel-specific predictors covered by the Planned Risk Information Seeking Model, additionally considers trust and risk perceptions toward AI, and examines the predictors of one’s AI-seeking intention. The results of an online survey (N = 1,121) indicated that attitudes toward seeking, seeking-related norms, and perceived seeking control were significant predictors of individuals’ intention to seek health information from AI. In contrast, trust and risk perceptions were of minor relevance.

Intersectionality in Health Communication: How Health Communication Influences the Association Between Intersectional Discrimination and Health Information Seeking

With an intersectional orientation, we examine associations between discrimination, health communication, and information-seeking intention about HIV prevention in the context of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among cisgender women through an online survey (N = 341). We elaborate on the idea that intersectional discrimination is a social determinant of health by considering the context with differing power relations—day-to-day life and the healthcare field—based on Bourdieu’s field theory, and explore moderating roles of health communication in this relationship according to the structural influence model of communication (SIM). The relationships between intersectional discrimination and intention show different patterns by the context in which intersectional experiences are considered, and the relationships are moderated differently by the mode of health communication. We discuss how to conduct intersectionality-informed health communication research without sacrificing intersectionality’s foundational foci.

Second Opinion Seeking in Paediatric Oncology: Motivations and Predictors.

This study investigated the prevalence, methods and factors leading carers of childhood cancer patients to seek second opinions. A prospective, questionnaire-based study was conducted among families attending oncology clinics at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick. Participants were asked whether they had sought a second opinion for their child and if so, their motivations. Factors including cancer diagnosis, carer demographics and online health seeking behaviours were evaluated in association with second opinions. A separate online questionnaire invited paediatric oncologists worldwide to indicate the frequency of, and their approach to, second opinion requests via email. Fourteen out of 126 carers (11.1%) sought a second opinion from another oncologist to confirm diagnoses (64.3%), explore treatment options (64.3%) or receive additional information (57.1%). A brain cancer diagnosis was the most significant predictor for second opinion seeking in univariate (p=0.009) and multivariate analyses (p=0.015). Among carers who reported using the internet for health information seeking (n=98), second opinions were independently associated with social media use (p=0.014) and frequent health-related searches (p=0.027). Most paediatric oncologists (71/89, 79.8%) had received second opinion requests via email, with 21.3% (19/89) reporting that these occur at least weekly. Surveyed oncologists provided a second opinion for some (59.2%) or all (33.8%) requests they received, with 68.5% supporting guideline development for second opinions in paediatric oncology. Second opinions are regularly sought by carers of childhood cancer patients, with many paediatric oncologists approached over email. International guidelines may be warranted to assist paediatric oncologists and families in navigating these requests.

Integrating Domain-Specific Resources: Advancing AI for Foot and Ankle Surgery

Large language models like ChatGPT offer significant potential for applications in medicine, including patient education and clinical support. This study evaluates the performance of ChatGPT-4, ChatGPT-4 augmented with retrieval-augmented generation, and Gemini AI in responding to clinical vignette questions about Hallux Rigidus, a condition requiring specialized knowledge in foot and ankle surgery. The ChatGPT-4 + RAG model, enhanced with the 2024 ACFAS clinical consensus statements, demonstrated the highest agreement with surveyor majority responses (83.26%) compared to ChatGPT-4 (59.54%) and Gemini AI (53.02%). All models provided clinically appropriate responses to most questions, with the ChatGPT-4 + RAG model excelling in accuracy, despite the rationale for answers being deemed most difficult to read. These findings highlight the limitations of generic AI models, which may propagate misinformation if used by patients seeking health information. By incorporating domain-specific resources, the RAG-augmented model showed enhanced reliability and contextual accuracy, suggesting their potential as tools for both clinical decision-making and patient education. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating verified medical resources to advance AI in healthcare, addressing critical gaps in existing capabilities while minimizing risks of misinformation.

Evolution of online health-related information seeking in France from 2010 to 2023

Abstract Background Given the rapid ongoing progression of the internet and increase in health information available online since 2010, it is important to understand how these changes impact online health information-seeking behaviour of the population and the way of managing one’s health. This study aims to describe the evolution of the use of internet to seek health-related information as well as the characteristics of online health information seekers. Methods We used data from the French nationally representative surveys Health Barometers. It is a cross-sectional repeated survey of random representative samples of the French population conducted by the French national public health agency since 1992 using computer-assisted telephone interviewing. It serves to measure the evolution of key indicators regarding health-related behaviors, attitudes, and opinions in the general population and includes individuals aged 18-75 years old selected through randomly generated phone numbers. In the 2010, 2014, 2017 and 2023 editions, the same question was asked about the internet use as a source of health information. Evolutions over time were assessed using chi-square tests. Associations with sociodemographic characteristics and health status were evaluated using logistic regression models. Results Although internet access increased steadily during this period, from 72.8% in 2010 to 95.2% in 2023, the use of the internet as a source of health information rose between 2010 and 2014 (from 37.3% to 67.9%), decreased significantly in 2017 (60.3%) and rose again in 2023 at 65.3 %. The study describes the characteristics of the online health information-seekers trough time. Conclusions The past decade was marked by a breakthrough of the use of internet in the general population and the use of internet to seek health information. The analysis of the digital health information-seekers serves the public health authorities in their mission to provide accessible information on public health. Key messages • This study aims to describe the evolution of Online Health-Related Information Seeking in France from 2010 to 2023 and the characteristics of digital health information-seekers. • The analysis of the digital health information-seekers serves the public health authorities in their mission to provide accessible information on public health.

Health information seeking and health literacy in midwife-led care and the modern information environment

Abstract Background This review reports on how midwives are affected by the modern digital information environment, including health misinformation, and how their knowledge or competencies assist them in navigating this for themselves and their clients, especially those who are more vulnerable and experience inequities in healthcare. Methods Leveraging a PRISMA-based systematic review, the project identifies the facilitators and barriers that the modern digital information environment poses to midwives and the care they provide to their clients. The search strategy of the peer-reviewed literature examines articles related to midwives and misinformation, social media, information environment, digital health, health information, migrant women and other related keywords that surface in searches. The timeframe from which published articles will be identified for possible inclusion are from Jan 1, 2020 to March 31, 2024. Results Both midwives and the clients they care for experience challenges in navigating the digital information environment and addressing health-related misinformation on reproductive health and pregnancy-related topics. Conclusions Midwives should receive strengthened training on digital literacy to improve the care they provide to clients and help their clients navigate a confusing and rapidly evolving information environment. Through digital and in-person interactions with their clients, midwives can improve their clients’ digital information, and health literacies.

4.K. Scientific session: The realm of the information ecosystem and its public health impact

Abstract Workshop background As a field of science, study, practice, and policy, infodemic management has emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic but has since been emancipated and can be translated to any topic where information ecosystems play a vital role. In particular relevant to public health, infodemic managers have grown in the ranks of institutes of public health, academic institutions, UN agencies and civil society organizations, tackling outbreaks and public health issues as wide as mpox, Marburg, teen mental health, chronic diseases, seasonal influenza, Ebola and routine immunization. Aiming at improving public health strategies, they are responsible for exploring and investigating personal and organizational (health) information ecosystem, generating evidence, identifying patterns of communication and information flow, tackling the onset and distribution of circulating mis- and disinformation, better understanding information voids, and respond to citizen needs concerning information demands around emergencies. In this workshop, we will focus on several common challenges associated with implementing whole-of-society interventions and strategies for resilience to health misinformation. Solving these challenges, which often are too big just for the health system to solve, will sometimes require creativity, out-of-the-box thinking as well as cross-disciplinary perspectives and new partnerships. Infodemics are also a global challenge that can easily cross borders, which is why country-to-country discussions of experiences by participants is encouraged-while no previous infodemic management experience is required. Workshop objectives The workshop will be organized as a research symposium with five speakers from infodemic management, health information, and health literacy. They will provide a solid introduction to infodemic management from different perspectives and angles. (i) The first presentation will introduce a study on health information seeking and health literacy in midwife-led care and the modern information environment. (ii) The second presentation will discuss how fact-checking organizations can partner within public health for a healthier internet. (iii) The third presentation will focus on unravelling misinformation by investigating the associations between health literacy and resilience. (iv) The fourth presentation will present a novel web-platform for credible health information and tackling misinformation. (v) The fifth presentation focuses on the impact of misinformation on social media in the context of natural disasters. The format of this workshop will be 5x8-minute presentations, including Q&A with the audiences, followed by a 20-minute panel discussion, reflecting the relevance of the results to public health research, practice and policy. Key messages • Infodemic management seeks to quickly understand the public’s information and health needs improve future public health responses, especially during emergencies. • Whole-of-society approaches are needed to address and mitigate harms caused by infodemics by developing closer partnerships and understanding between health systems and the public.

Promoting health information and healthy behaviors: Results from a qualitative study

Abstract Background and aim Healthy living behaviors can prevent many chronic diseases. This study aimed to explore qualitative perceptions and behaviors about healthy lifestyles in a district’s residents. Methods This qualitative research was conducted through in-depth interviews with 24 participants aged 28 to 63 in Türkiye. Results Of the 24 participants, six were men. The themes were daily routines; health information-seeking behavior, beliefs, motivation for healthy living, dietary habits, daily movement, psychological relaxation, unhealthy behaviors, facilitators, and barriers. Individuals’ daily routines were shaped by caregiving duties or work. Health information was preferred from professionals, TV, family health history, and the Internet. Male participants lacked the need to seek health information. Also, some participants believed that diseases are unavoidable and incurable. People with growing children or a family member with a serious illness like cancer often report practicing healthy behaviors. Participants have different healthy eating patterns, including organic eating, home cooking, regular meals, more fruits and vegetables, increased water intake, avoiding late-night eating, and steering clear of packaged foods, salt, and sugar. Many participants walked regularly for physical and mental health; they also expressed avoiding negative people and engaging in hobbies and social activities to maintain psychological well-being. Smoking participants had attempted to quit smoking. Some participants said that adding salt to their food before tasting. Factors cited as hindering healthy behaviors included lack of time, financial constraints, and cultural reasons. Conclusions Despite awareness of healthy living, many participants struggle to implement it due to lack of motivation, busy work schedules, social and physical environments, and economic factors. Multisectoral collaboration to create environments that support healthy behaviors can improve public health.

From Online to Offline: How Different Sources of Online Health Information Seeking Affect Patient-Centered Communication in Chinese Older Adults? The Roles of Patient Activation and Patient–Provider Discussion of Online Health Information

ABSTRACT Despite the increasing prevalence of online health information seeking (OHIS) among older adults, its impact on patient-centered communication (PCC) outcomes remains unclear. Drawing from Street’s ecological framework of communication in medical encounters, the present study examined the mediation role of patient activation in the relationship between OHIS across three media channels – social media, search engines, and mobile health applications (mHealth apps) – and PCC. Furthermore, it examines the moderation effect of patient-provider discussions of online health information. A national survey of 916 older Chinese adults aged 60–78 was conducted. The findings indicate that OHIS across the three channels can indirectly enhance PCC through patient activation. Moreover, OHIS via mHealth apps is positively associated with PCC, while the relationship between OHIS via social media/search engines and PCC is not significant. The interaction between patients and healthcare providers regarding online health information positively moderated all indirect paths. Notably, a great proportion of older adults (77.7%) engaged in discussions about online health information with healthcare providers. These findings emphasize the importance of considering various media channels and highlight the pivotal role of patient activation in bridging the gap between OHIS and satisfactory healthcare interactions, especially in the Chinese context.

Online Health Information Seeking, eHealth Literacy, and Health Behaviors Among Chinese Internet Users: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

The internet has become an increasingly vital platform for health-related information, especially in upper-middle-income countries such as China. While previous research has suggested that online health information seeking (OHIS) can significantly impact individuals' engagement in health behaviors, most research focused on patient-centered health communication. This study aims to examine how OHIS influences health behavior engagement among Chinese internet users, focusing on the role of eHealth literacy and perceived information quality in influencing relationships. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in November 2021 among 10,000 Chinese internet users, using quota sampling based on sex, age, and urban and rural residence, in line with the 48th Statistical Report on Internet Development of China. Nonparametric tests were used to examine the differences in eHealth literacy across sociodemographic groups. Partial correlation analysis and stepwise linear regression were conducted to test the associations between key variables. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were conducted to test the hypotheses. Our study identified significant disparities in functional and critical eHealth literacy between urban and rural residents across age groups, income levels, education backgrounds, and health conditions (all P<.001). In terms of sex and regional differences, we found higher functional literacy among female users than male users, and critical literacy varied significantly across different regions. The proposed structural model showed excellent fit (χ2404=4183.6, χ2404=10.4,P<.001; root mean square error of approximation value of 0.031, 95% CI 0.030-.031; standardized root mean square residual value of 0.029; and comparative fit index value of 0.955), highlighting reciprocal associations between 2 types of eHealth literacy and OHIS. Participants' functional eHealth literacy, critical eHealth literacy, and OHIS have positive impacts on their health behavioral engagement. Perceived information quality was found to mediate the influence of OHIS on health behavior (b=0.003, 95% CI 0.002-0.003; P<.001). The study revealed the pathways linking sociodemographic factors, eHealth literacy, OHIS, and perceived information quality and how they together influenced health outcomes. The findings underscore the significance of enhancing eHealth literacy and improving information quality to promote better health outcomes among Chinese internet users.

The Online Health Information-Seeking Behaviors of People Who Have Experienced Stroke: Qualitative Interview Study.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. As health resources become digitized, it is important to understand how people who have experienced stroke engage with online health information. This understanding will aid in guiding the development and dissemination of online resources to support people after stroke. This study aims to explore the online health information-seeking behaviors of people who have experienced stroke and any related barriers or navigational needs. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit participants via email between March and November 2022. The sampling was done from an existing cohort of Australian stroke survivors who had previously participated in a randomized controlled trial of an online secondary prevention program. The cohort consisted of people with low levels of disability. Semistructured one-on-one interviews were conducted via phone or video calls. These calls were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed by 2 independent coders using a combined inductive-deductive approach. In the deductive analysis, responses were mapped to an online health information-seeking behavior framework. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze the remaining raw data that did not fit within the deductive theoretical framework. A sample of 15 relatively independent, high-functioning people who had experienced stroke from 4 Australian states, aged between 29 and 80 years, completed the interview. A broad range of online health information-seeking behaviors were identified, with most relating to participants wanting to be more informed about medical conditions and symptoms of their own or of a family member or a friend. Barriers included limited eHealth literacy and too much generalization of online information. Online resources were described to be more appealing and more accessible if they were high-quality, trustworthy, easy to use, and suggested by health care providers or trusted family members and friends. Across the interviews, there was an underlying theme of disconnection that appeared to impact not only the participants' online health information seeking, but their overall experience after stroke. These responses were grouped into 3 interrelated subthemes: disconnection from conventional stroke narratives and resources, disconnection from the continuing significance of stroke, and disconnection from long-term supports. People who have experienced stroke actively engage with the internet to search for health information with varying levels of confidence. The underlying theme of disconnection identified in the interviews highlights the need for a more comprehensive and sustained framework for support after stroke beyond the initial recovery phase. Future research should explore the development of tailored and relatable internet-based resources, improved communication and education about the diversity of stroke experiences and ongoing risks, and increased opportunities for long-term support.

Vietnamese people’s behavior and future intention to purchase medicines and functional foods on the internet: a cross-sectional study

This study investigated Vietnamese people’s behavior and future intention to purchase medicines and functional foods online and their associated factors. From March to May 2023, a Google Form questionnaire was distributed via social networks and online platforms. Convenience and snowballing sampling methods were employed to recruit 1,305 Vietnamese people. In the past year, 50.3% of participants purchased at least one kind of medicine and/or functional foods online (medicines: 27.6%, functional foods: 45.1%). Among 656 buyers, nearly a third bought these products more than three times and only 5.9% felt dissatisfied with their previous experiences. This purchasing behavior was more prevalent among females, those married, having higher education levels, usually shopping online, having longer time of Internet use per day, and seeking health information on the Internet (p < 0.001). In addition, 77.5% of participants intended to purchase these products online in the future and 61.2% would introduce this kind of online purchase to other people. The purchase intention was significantly associated with the participants’ previous experiences, area, contracting chronic diseases, and using the Internet for self-medication, while factors associated with the introducing intention included their education level, occupation, and previous experiences in online purchases (p < 0.001).

Exploring the Impact of Information and Health Literacy on Health Management of Senior Adults with Hypertension

This research examines the relationship between information literacy and health issues in senior adults with age-related conditions such as hypertension. Utilizing Chatman's Theory of Life in the Round and drawing from data sourced from Reddit posts, surveys, and interviews, the study investigates the influence of higher education and literacy levels on the frequency of health-related inquiries among a marginalized group, seniors. It also identifies the digital divide as a notable barrier to accessing health information for specific senior individuals. The study underscores the significance of factors such as physical exercise, stress management, educational attainment, and a well-balanced diet in shaping seniors' management of hypertension. Additionally, it emphasizes the vital role of information and health literacy in empowering seniors to make informed decisions about their well-being and health.Furthermore, the study sheds light on seniors' proactive approach to seeking health information and recommends targeted interventions to ensure comprehensive access to health information for all seniors. These interventions are crucial in addressing the unique challenges this demographic faces. The findings from this dissertation provide valuable insights that could aid in designing valuable and practical guidelines and best practices for supporting the management of hypertension in seniors, contributing significantly to understanding how information literacy and health literacy can be harnessed to help seniors effectively manage their health.

How Do Health Information Scanning and Seeking Influence Excessive Alcohol Drinking Among Chinese Hypertensive Drinkers? A Moderated Mediation Analysis.

China has a longstanding tradition of alcohol consumption, yet excessive drinking poses significant health risks, particularly for individuals with cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension. While existing literature indicates that both health information scanning and seeking behaviors can impact health beliefs and actions, their effects on alcohol prevention remain understudied. Utilizing data from a national survey in China, this study investigates the influence of health information scanning and seeking on alcohol risk knowledge and the frequency of excessive drinking among hypertensive drinkers. Results demonstrate that both health information scanning (b = -.018, p < .05) and seeking (b = -.030, p < .001) are negatively associated with excessive alcohol consumption indirectly through heightened awareness of alcohol as a risk factor for cancer. However, health information scanning is positively linked to excessive drinking directly (b = .203, p < .01). Additionally, cancer information overload positively moderates the relationship between awareness of alcohol as a cancer risk factor and excessive drinking (b = .148, p < .001). Hypertensive drinkers who experience lower levels of cancer information overload are more inclined to reduce excessive alcohol consumption. These findings underscore the different roles of health information scanning and seeking on alcohol control. It is important to implement interventions aimed at encouraging active information seeking and mitigating information overload. Educational programs should be promoted to help high-risk groups accurately understand the risk of excessive drinking.

Setting the Social Media Stage, a Narrative Review: The Role of Theory and Research in Understanding Adolescent Online Sexual Health Information-Seeking

Setting the Social Media Stage, a Narrative Review: The Role of Theory and Research in Understanding Adolescent Online Sexual Health Information-Seeking