Source Of Health Information Research Articles

Psychometric validation of the Chinese digital health literacy instrument among Chinese older adults who have internet use experience.

In this digital age, the Internet has become a major source of health information, and electronic health (eHealth) literacy becomes increasingly important for older individuals to properly use the extensive eHealth resources for self-care. A valid and reliable tool for assessing older people's eHealth literacy would help healthcare workers identify those disadvantaged groups in digital health and provide relevant health education. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of DHLI in assessing eHealth literacy among older adults in China. A web-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 277 Chinese older adults from September to November 2021. Two weeks after the first completion, 62 of them answered the C-DHLI again. The reliability (e.g. internal consistency and test-retest reliability), factorial structure and validity (i.e. content validity and convergent validity) of the C-DHLI were evaluated based on the survey data. The results demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.94) and test-retest reliability (total intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.94) of the C-DHLI. Principal component analysis revealed that the 18 items of C-DHLI loaded on three factors, accounting for 74.69% of the total variance; CFA supported its three-factor structure with good model fits. Convergent validity was examined by the significant associations between C-DHLI and C-eHEALS (r = 0.61), health literacy (r = 0.56), and whether having used the Internet for health information (ρ = 0.43) (ps <.001). A cut-off score of 45 was recommended for determining higher and lower literacy using the C-DHLI, with the area under curve of 0.82 (95% CI = 0.77-0.88). The C-DHLI showed good psychometric performance in assessing eHealth literacy among Chinese older adults. The findings can support healthcare professionals to effectively measure eHealth literacy among older adults and conduct tailored eHealth interventions or training.

The preferred IT sources and tools of Iranian people for accessing health information

IntroductionPeople need health information to maintain their health. Despite the variety of sources and tools for providing health information, there is little evidence about Iranian people's preferences in using these sources and tools. The objective of this study was to identify the preferred health information sources, tools, and methods for presenting health information in these tools.MethodsThis national survey was conducted among a sample of 4000 Iranian people between April and September 2021. The data was collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire (α = 0.86) consisting of four sections: participants' demographic information, current sources of obtaining health information, preferred information technology (IT) tools for accessing health information, and the method of presenting this information. Linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between demographic factors and other questions.ResultsThe participants received health information mostly from the "Internet" (3.62), "family or friends" (3.43), "social networks" (3.41), "specific websites" (3.41), and "mobile apps" (3.27). "Social networks" (3.67), Internet "websites" (3.56), and "mobile apps" (3.50) were the most suitable tools for receiving health information. The participants preferred the presentation of health information in the form of "Images" (3.85), "educational videos" (3.69), and "texts" (3.53). Age, education, and marital status had a significant relationship with most of the preferred information sources, tools, and information presentation methods (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe results of this study showed that Iranian people are more active information seekers than passive ones compared to a decade ago. The preferred sources and tools identified in this research can be used by healthcare planners and policy-makers in Iran and other developing countries to design and develop IT interventions that meet people's needs. Improving access to the Internet, social networks, and mobile apps and providing health information via images, educational videos, and texts on these platforms enhance access to the information people need.

Whom Do I Ask? First-Time Postpartum Mothers in a Developing Economy

Abstract Background There is seemingly no clear path to obtain the relevant information during postpartum as there is limited understanding of the information-seeking behaviour of postpartum women in recent times and difficulty in getting adequate healthcare information in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, numerous studies exist on information needs and information-seeking behaviour in the health sector, but none emphasized both the health information needs and information-seeking behaviour of postpartum women. Aim This study aimed to investigate the health information needs and the information-seeking behaviour of first-time postpartum mothers in the Sunyani Municipal Hospital in Ghana. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional survey which used a quantitative research approach and a convenience sampling technique to sample 139 first-time mothers using a questionnaire that is based on a scientific understanding of how people find and use information. Findings It was revealed that the majority of first-time mothers had experienced the need for health information and had adequate knowledge about health issues but inadequate or moderate knowledge of postpartum health issues. Their most preferred source of health information is the healthcare professional due to their trust in them, and first-time mothers also consulted other informal sources without proper evaluation. Conclusion The state of becoming a mother comes with its challenges, and as such, timely and accurate health information is needed to help curb these challenges. Through training and education, government and authorities can help protect postpartum mothers from harm.

Analisis Laporan Keuangan Sebagai Penilaian Kinerja Keuangan PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk

&#x0D; Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk is one of the largest companies in Indonesia in the food industry with its business units engaged in food management. The rapid development of PT Indofood Sukses Makmur's business activities certainly requires investors and creditors as a source of funding. Both need to analyze the company's financial statements as a reference source of company financial health information. Based on the financial reports of PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk for the period 2018 to 2022 there has been an increase in fluctuations even though in 2020 to 2021 Indonesia was hit by the covid 19 pandemic. This type of research is quantitative descriptive research with data sources of PT Indofood Sukses Makmur's financial reports as of December 31 of the year 2018 to 2022. The first result, the assessment of the financial performance of PT Indofood Sukses Makmur based on analysis of liquidity ratios using the current ratio, obtained that the value of the current ratio from 2018 to 2022 experienced fluctuating conditions but was still in the very good category, namely above number 1. Second, the results solvency ratio analysis using the Debt to Asset ratio (DAR), it was found that the DAR values ​​from 2018 to 2022 were in the very good category, namely proficient under number 1. Third, profitability ratio analysis using the Return of Equity (ROE) ratio, it was found that the ROE value from 2018 to 2022 experiencing fluctuating conditions but still in the efficient category.&#x0D;

Use of the socio-ecological model to explore trusted sources of COVID-19 information in Black and Latinx communities in Michigan

ABSTRACT Background Identifying trusted sources of health information and exploring what makes these sources trustworthy is an important aspect of public health. This exploration requires embracing the cultural differences in minoritized communities, which are often treated as homogeneous. This qualitative study identifies and analyze the sources of trusted COVID-19 information among Black and Latinx communities in Michigan and assesses the rationale underlying this trust. Methods Interviews were conducted with 24 Black and 16 Latinx participants (n = 40) in four Michigan counties significantly impacted by COVID-19. The socio-ecological model was applied as an analytical framework for understanding the entities considered trusted sources of information. Within each level of the model, the dimensions of trustworthiness most salient for participants were identified. Results We found that sources of information came from all levels of the model, including interpersonal (COVID-19 survivors, church representatives, friends, relatives), organizational (employers, healthcare providers, traditional news reports), social media (hybrid source), community (members and groups), and public policy (county health department, federal and state government). Furthermore, participants determined whether they could trust information about COVID-19 by cross-referencing multiple resources. We identified competence, confidence, communication, and system trust as the dimensions of trustworthiness most often reported by participants. Conclusions Our research suggests public health communications should engage in cross-referencing practices, providing information from sources at all levels of interaction, cultural competency, and awareness of historical/structural inequities. These efforts would be further strengthened by attending to needs for both factual information as well as care and personal connection.

The COVID‐19 Pandemic's Impact on Credibility of Health Sources Among Undergraduate Students

ABSTRACTThe following poster reports the preliminary results of a comparison between a 2017 survey on health information and the same survey administered in 2023. The primary research question is: How did the COVID‐19 pandemic impact undergraduate students' judgement of credibility in health information sources? Recent research has shown that student health information seeking has changed around the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, the research has not noted whether the pandemic has had a lasting impact on credibility of sources during health information seeking at the presumptive tail end of the pandemic in 2023. The original study in 2017 surveyed the undergraduate population of McGill University. The same survey was readministered in 2023, with COVID‐19 specific questions added. The preliminary analysis suggests that the COVID‐19 pandemic impacted students' judgement of credibility in health information sources. There were negative changes in the perceived credibility of family/friends, well‐known websites, wiki, blogs/forums, and social media for both everyday life health and COVID‐19 information from 2017 to 2023. Conversely, government/university, scholarly books/journals, and TV/radio all saw increases in perceived credibility for both everyday life health and COVID‐19 information.

Health information needs of rural women in ilorin east local government area of Kwara State, Nigeria

The study assessed the health information needs of the rural women in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. The study used primary data. The primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. Multistage sampling technique was use to select respondents for the study. A total number of eighty rural women were selected for the study. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean and Likert type rating scale. The result of the study revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 37.7 years, their average income was 27,637.50 Naira. The result revealed that majority (98.8 %) of respondents’ source of health information were radio/television (98.8%), Neighbors and friends (92.5%), drug hawkers (90.0%), family members (77.5%), local chemist shops (75.3%) and Doctors/Nurses (67.5%). The common health challenges in the study area are typhoid fever (40.0%), malaria (43.8%) and (28.8%) miscarriages. Also, the result identified that First aid treatment with a mean score (2.21), Drug/Pharmaceutical care information (2.20) and infant’s health care (2.10) were areas where the respondents highly needs health information. The result also reveals that Illiteracy (2.51) and low level of income (2.08), communication barrier (1.93), poor electricity (1.91) and poor attitude of health personnel (1.91) were some of problems preventing rural women from getting health information. The study concluded that there is information need among rural women in the study area. The study therefore recommends that for government to achieve its vision of good health for all, there is need for targeted policies in the areas of health information needs of rural women and there should be provision of health facilities in the rural areas by the government and donor agencies.

Content and quality of YouTube regarding women's health: a scoping review.

This scoping review investigated the content and quality of YouTube videos on women's health. A literature search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC, and RISS databases was performed using the keywords "('youtube'/exp OR youtube OR 'social media'/ exp OR 'social media' OR (('social'/exp OR social) AND ('media'/exp OR media))) AND ('female health care' OR (('female'/exp OR female) AND ('health'/exp OR health) AND ('care'/exp OR care)))" from February 21 to 27, 2023. Peer-reviewed analytic studies in English or Korean that focused on women's health using YouTube were included. The review identified 21 articles that covered various themes related to women's health, such as breast cancer, urinary disease, sexual health, pelvic organ prolapse, the human papillomavirus vaccine, Papanikolaou smears, contraception, women's health information during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, obstetric epidural anesthesia, and placenta accreta. However, the overall quality of the content was low, inaccurate, unreliable, and misleading. This scoping review demonstrated that YouTube videos on women's health covered diverse topics, but the quality of the content needed improvement. More reliable and high-quality videos produced by academic institutes and healthcare professionals specializing in women's health are needed for social media to be usable as a reliable source of women's health information. The high number of views and shares received by the videos underscores the importance of providing accurate and reliable information on women's health.

Patient evaluation of gynaecological information provision and preferences.

To evaluate gynaecological patients' preferences and satisfaction regarding information provision, exploring enablers and barriers to information access. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. A total of 293 women accessing gynaecological services responded to the survey. Quantitative analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics. Content analysis was conducted on qualitative data. Health professionals were the most common and preferred sources of gynaecological health information. Enablers to information provision included positive communication strategies by health professionals, participants having prior knowledge and doing their own research. Despite its widespread availability, only 24.2% of women preferred the internet as an information source. Poor communication and inadequate information provision were identified as barriers to information access. Statistically significant associations were identified between location of residence, education level, year of birth, diagnostic group and health information preferences. Recommendations from women included improved communication strategies, system changes and provision of individualized information. Health professionals are central to women accessing information about gynaecological diagnoses. Areas for improvement include communication strategies, facilitating access to internet-based resources for information and consideration of women's preferences when providing health information. Consumer co-design of gynaecological health information and communication training for health professionals is recommended. Improved communication and facilitated use of internet-based resources may improve women's understanding of information. This study explored gynaecological patients' preferences and satisfaction regarding information provision, exploring enablers and barriers to information access. It was found that gynaecological patients preferred individualized information provided to them directly by health professionals and despite its widespread availability, the internet is an underutilized health information resource. These findings are applicable to health professionals and patients utilizing tertiary gynaecological health services in Australia but may be generalized if demographic data aligns with other jurisdictions. The STROBE reporting method was used in the preparation of the manuscript. No patient or public contribution.

Googling long-acting reversible contraception: A scoping review examining the information available online about intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants.

The internet is an important source of health information, however, the quality of information about long-acting reversible contraception (LARC, including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants) found online is largely unknown. A scoping review of webpages returned in a Google search was conducted. The first three pages of results were included if they were written in English and contained information about LARC. Results were critically reviewed and assessed using the DISCERN quality of health information tool. Of 778 results, 306 pages met the eligibility criteria. While most webpages provided key information about LARC, including location in the body, benefits, side effects and risks, the information provided varied considerably. Only half mentioned efficacy and many webpages did not provide information about the cost of insertion and removal, how and where to access the devices or how they work. Despite side effects being mentioned in more than three-quarters of webpages, the depth and specificity of these varied considerably and were often contradictory across different webpages. Most webpages provided medically accurate information to consumers; however, many did not include key information such as cost or how they work. Descriptions of side effects varied between webpages, and this may inhibit informed decision-making. SO WHAT?: Most people make decisions about what contraceptive method they might like to use before visiting a health care provider, and most will get this information from the internet. Providing comprehensive, medically accurate and consistent information about both IUDs and contraceptive implants is vital to support informed decision-making.

Bridging the gap in healthcare: creating an online health information prototype for individuals with intellectual disabilities to promote equity and knowledge transfer.

The prevalence of intellectual disabilities (ID) in Austria is estimated to be approximately 1% of the population. Growing awareness of the major challenges faced by individuals with ID, including difficulties in comprehending written health information, communication barriers with healthcare professionals, and limited inclusion in health education research, necessitates concerted efforts to address these issues. The utilization of guidelines promoting easy-to-read language, web accessibility, and usability can significantly enhance access to health information and improve health literacy among people with ID. The "LUCHS-Gesundheitsinformationen (Health Information)" project aimed to improve knowledge transfer of health information for people ID by creating a website prototype. Unstructured interviews were conducted with two focus groups (n = 20) people with ID and their caretakers to elicit relevant topics and ensure the quality, comprehensibility, and usability of a website prototype. A convenience sample of 20 adults employed in sheltered workshops of the Caritas Lower Austria West facility who met the inclusion criteria participated. The prototype addressed four main topics, namely nutrition, medical specialization, first aid, and patient information, offering comprehensive information using easy-to-read language and pictorial content. The website prototype followed web accessibility suggestions and incorporated external resources, such as brochures and emergency contact details, to enhance usability and provide a reliable source of health information for individuals with ID. The findings suggest that a website format is a feasible means of providing accessible online health information for people with ID. However, further research is warranted to explore the potential of digital health applications for individuals with ID, as inclusion in the Austrian register for digital health applications necessitates meeting multiple quality standards, thereby instilling trust among the target group.

Openness to change among COVID misinformation endorsers: Associations with social demographic characteristics and information source usage

RationaleMisinformation is a major concern for public health, with its presence and impact strongly felt in the COVID-19 pandemic. Misinformation correction has drawn strong research interest. In contrast, relatively little attention has been given to the likelihood of favorable behavioral change post correction (i.e., openness to change). ObjectiveThis study seeks to identify the characteristics of COVID misinformation endorsers who are open to adopt more self-protective behaviors after misinformation correction. MethodsCOVID misinformation endorsers (N = 1991) in a large, nationally representative survey (fielded in October and November 2021) were asked how likely they would adopt self-protective behaviors if a source they trusted debunked their prior misperceptions. Multiple linear regression estimated the relationships between openness to change and socio-demographics, health-related factors, and health information source usage patterns. ResultsLess than half of the misinformation endorsers in the sample (41.3%) indicated any openness to change. Openness to change was positively associated with minority status and negatively associated with leaning Republican in political affiliation, higher income, being currently unvaccinated or unsure about vaccination status, better health, and a greater number of misinformation items endorsed. Past-month use of government, community, and personal sources for health information positively predicted openness. The use of online media was negatively associated with openness. ConclusionsOpenness to change is not guaranteed after misinformation correction. Targeted interventions based on openness to change are needed to enhance the public health impact of misinformation correction efforts.

An analysis of metaphor in COVID-19 TV news in English and Spanish

ABSTRACT Background Latinxs lack equitable access to science-based, accessible, trustworthy, and bilingual health information and rely heavily on TV news as a source of health information. This study examines how TV news media convey COVID-19 health- and safety-related information to the public, focusing on communications that target Latinxs in the US, a group disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Method To understand how information targets Latinxs, we analyzed conceptual metaphors used in Spanish and English descriptions of the COVID-19 pandemic using TV news archive. Metaphor is an integral part of daily communication that can help people explain what is abstract in terms of what is concrete. Our analysis focused on prominent COVID-19 metaphors in both languages: war, journey, and natural disaster. Results Similar to previous studies, we found that war metaphors were pervasive in English, for instance, as in ‘Diagnostic testing is the only weapon that allows you to fight COVID-19’ and ‘a 15-day battle with COVID-19.’ A new finding was that war metaphors were even more common in Spanish than in English. The journey metaphor had similar rates of use in both languages, while the natural disaster metaphors were more common in English than in Spanish. Conclusions Our work provides novel insights into how TV news reports use metaphor to convey information about COVID-19 to viewers in English and Spanish. We also offer implications on using culturally informed language and conclude with directions for future research to guide health communications serving linguistic minority communities such as Latinxs.

“I haven't even taken them to the doctors, because I have that fear of what to expect”: a qualitative description study exploring perceptions and experiences of early childhood healthcare among ethnically diverse caregivers in Aotearoa New Zealand

Equity underpins Aotearoa New Zealand's publicly funded healthcare system; however, ethnic inequality persists. This qualitative study explored the perceptions and experiences of ethnically diverse parents accessing health services for their children. A qualitative description methodology informed interviews and focus groups that were conducted with caregivers of preschool aged children who identified as being of Māori, Pacific, Asian and/or European ethnicity (n=145). Data were analysed following a reflexive thematic analytic approach. Five themes were constructed. Hierarchies of knowledge and trust Caregivers relied on multiple sources of health information and particularly trusted providers or other caregivers who had children. Relational versustransactional health encounters Caregivers were often disappointed that health providers did not build trusting relationships to support positive experiences. Bad mother vibe Mothers often felt judged by providers when accessing care and felt pressure to conform. The 'slow burn' of waiting Caregivers were often frustrated by how slow and fragmented the health system was, which was particularly distressing if their child was unwell or required referral. Navigating complexity Caregivers had to be proactive and assertive to ensure their child received care amidst the numerous barriers they faced, including discrimination and bias. While many commonalities were shared by ethnicity, unique to Indigenous Māori caregivers were the ongoing colonial traumas that impacted their ability to trust the healthcare system. A non-judgemental, competent, and culturally sensitive approach by healthcare professionals and services may help foster trusting relationships and positive health encounters. Strategies to improve trust, ease of access and navigation are needed to mitigate existing complexity, fragmentation, and counter-intuitive nature of the NZ healthcare system. Caregivers require more autonomy over decisions about their child's care and availability of services that reflect their cultural values. Policies are required to alleviate the indirect costs of accessing healthcare, prioritising of whānau/family-centred care, and addressing pervasive racism and bias within the system. Health Research Council of New Zealand (19/263) .

E-health literacy and associated factors among Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: age-group differences.

The purpose of this study was to compare the mean scores of e-health literacy, health information, social relationships, and psychological status between younger, middle-aged, and older Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the factors associated with e-health literacy as well as the moderating effect of age on the association between health information factors and e-health literacy. We used a cross-sectional survey of 2400 Korean adults aged 20 years or older residing in Seoul. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, chi-square test, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Findings demonstrated an age-group difference in the mean score of e-health literacy with the older group having lower e-health literacy than the other groups. Health information, social support, and COVID-19-related anxiety were associated with e-health literacy and a moderating effect of age on the association between sources of health information and e-health literacy was also identified among the three age subgroups. This study emphasizes the importance of identifying e-health-related risk factors leading to health disparities between age groups.

What happens to the health-related quality of life of multiple sclerosis patients if they benefit from health literacy related to multiple sclerosis? A cross-sectional study in a developing country

Health literacy is an important pathway that provides insights into appraise of health information, the ability to search health information, knowledge of caring for the disease and successful practices in health conditions, and also opportunities for effective change in individual health. Health-related quality of life refers to the physical and mental health of an individual or group over time. Both heath literacy and health related quality of life are the priorities of WHO. This study aimed to determine the relationship between health literacy and health-related quality of life among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, refered to Fars MS society, Shiraz-Iran, a developing country. This is a descriptive- correlational study. Three hundred and nine persons with MS completed two forms: the Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders and Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale validated questionnaires. Health literacy was significantly related to health quality of life in MS patients. The dimensions of health literacy had a significant relationship with health quality of life, and the physical dimension was significantly correlated with health literacy. Among the demographic variables, “source of health information” was most related to heath literacy, and “age” was most related to health quality of life. Thus, holding training classes, communicating with other patients, effective communication with medical staff, using disease-related web facilities, finding correct information in the web environment, and using the facilities of hospital libraries can ensure quality of life of MS patients.

Persistent symptoms and conditions among children and adolescents hospitalised with COVID-19 illness: a qualitative study

ObjectivesThere is limited in-depth research exploring persistent symptoms and conditions among children and adolescents who contracted COVID-19 illness that required hospitalisation. The main objective of this study was to conduct...

“They said we’re all in it together, but we were kind of separated”: barriers to access, and suggestions for improving access to official information about COVID-19 vaccines for migrants in Australia

BackgroundVaccination is a cornerstone of public health measures to mitigate the burden of COVID-19 infection. Equitable access to information is necessary to ensure all members of society can make an informed decision about COVID-19 vaccines. We sought to investigate barriers that migrants living in Australia faced in accessing official information about COVID-19 vaccines and identify potential solutions.MethodsThis study used a descriptive qualitative study design. Seventeen adults living in Australia and born in the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Region participated in a semi-structured interview conducted via telephone. Participants were recruited using advertising through social media platforms. The interviews were conducted between December 2021 and February 2022. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. In this study official information was defined as information provided by Australian Health system.ResultsBarriers to accessing official information about COVID-19 vaccines were related to unmet language needs, methods of dissemination, and mistrust in official sources of information. To overcome barriers, participants suggested improving the quality and timeliness of language support, using diverse modes of dissemination, working with members of migrant communities, providing opportunities for two-way communication, communicating uncertainty, and building a broader foundation of trust.ConclusionInformation about COVID-19 vaccines during different stages of the vaccination program should be provided in migrants’ languages at the same time that it is available in English using a variety of methods for dissemination. The acceptability of official information can be improved by communicating uncertainty, acknowledging people’s concerns about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and providing opportunities for two-way communication. People’s trust in official sources of health information can be improved by working with migrant communities and recognising migrants’ contributions to society. The findings of this study may improve managing the response to COVID-19 and other health emergencies in Australia and in other similar societies.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, who did we trust? An eight-country cross-sectional study.

Trust is a key determinant of health, but has been undermined by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated infodemic. Using data from eight countries, we aimed to epidemiologically describe levels of trust in health, governments, news media organisations, and experts, and measure the impact of political orientation and COVID-19 information sources on participant's levels of trust. We simultaneously conducted a stratified randomised online cross-sectional study across eight countries on adults aged ≥18 years between 6 and 18 November 2020. We employed crude and adjusted weighted regression analyses. We included 9027 adults with a mean age of 47 years (range = 18-99), of whom 4667 (51.7%) were female. Trust in health experts ranked highest across all countries (mean (x̄) = 7.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 7.79-7.88), while trust in politicians ranked lowest (x̄ = 5.34; 95% CI = 5.28, 5.40). In adjusted analyses, political orientation and utilised information sources were significantly associated with trust. Individuals using higher levels of health information sources trusted health authorities more than those using lower levels (mean difference = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.14). Similarly, individuals using higher levels of government information sources (mean difference = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.43, 1.64) and those using higher levels of new media information sources (mean difference = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.28) had highest trust in governments/politicians and news media, respectively. However, there was little difference in trust in health, government, or news media between individuals using higher or lower levels of social media information sources. Trust is a key determinant of health, but has been politically fragile during this infodemic. High compliance with public health measures is key to combatting infectious diseases. In terms of people's trust, our findings suggest that politicians and governments worldwide should coordinate their response with health experts and authorities to maximise the success of public health measures.

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.