Information-seeking Behavior Research Articles

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

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

Kemoterapi Alan Kanser Hastalarının Kanserle İlgili Çevrimiçi Bilgi Arama Niyetlerinin Belirleyicileri

Objective: In this research, we aimed to determine the factors affecting cancer patients' intention to seek cancer-related information online. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out in the context of the cross-section approach and relational survey model among the general survey models. Data were collected by a face-to-face survey from people treated at Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine, Oncology Department between April and November 2021. Total of 240 people voluntarily participated in the research, including 140 females (Age:47.10±10.78) and 100 males (Age:53.88±13.58) diagnosed with cancer in the 18-84 age range (Age:49.93±12.45). Results: As a result of the stepwise regression analysis, the factors of attitude, ISA, and ISQ had a statistically significant positive effect on the patient's intention to search for health information on the Internet, whereas facilitating conditions did not have a statistically significant effect. Conclusion: It is anticipated that the research results will provide guidance for understanding and successfully managing the information-seeking behaviours of cancer patients.

Determinants of English Language Proficiency: A Multifaceted Analysis

This study investigates the determinants of English language proficiency among students at Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM) in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standards. The determinant factors under examination encompass students' attitudes, prior English language knowledge, information-seeking behavior, satisfaction with English language learning, teachers' expertise, teacher readiness, teaching methodologies, familial support, environmental factors, and international exposure. Data were gathered through a survey administered to 469 PIM students, and the analysis employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. The findings revealed that five significant factors influence PIM students' English proficiency, namely their prior English language knowledge, inclination toward seeking knowledge, teachers' expertise, classroom environment, and practical language usage experiences. Additionally, the research demonstrated a noteworthy impact of students' Grade Point Average (GPA) and the time dedicated to learning English on their CEFR scores. This study contributes to the field by shedding light on the multifaceted factors influencing English language proficiency among PIM students, offering insights that can inform language education strategies and policies. It emphasizes the importance of prior knowledge, information-seeking behavior, teacher quality, classroom environment, and practical language application in enhancing English language skills. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-SIED2-020 Full Text: PDF

Consequences of curiosity for recognition memory in younger and older adults.

Older adults are more prone to false recognition than younger adults, particularly when new information is semantically related to old information. Curiosity, which guides information-seeking behavior and has beneficial effects on memory across the life span, may offer protection against false recognition, but this hypothesis has not been tested experimentally to date. The current study investigated the effect of curiosity on correct and false recognition in younger and older adults (total N = 102) using a trivia paradigm. On Day 1 of the study, participants encoded trivia questions and answers while rating their curiosity levels. On Day 2, participants completed a surprise old/new recognition test in which they saw the same trivia questions. Half of the questions were paired with old (correct) answers, and half were paired with new (incorrect) answers. New answers were either semantically related or unrelated to correct answers. For both age groups, curiosity at encoding was positively associated with correct recognition. For older adults, semantically related lures produced more false recognition than unrelated lures. However, this effect was mitigated by curiosity, such that older adults were less likely to endorse semantically related lures for high- versus low-curiosity questions. Overall, these results extend prior findings of curiosity-related memory benefits to the domain of recognition memory, and they provide novel evidence that curiosity may protect against false memory formation in older adults.

Unveiling the Impact of Short Videos: Consumption Behavior and Decision-Making in the Digital Age

The rapid proliferation of short videos has transformed the media landscape and profoundly impacted individuals' consumption behavior. This study explores the dynamic interplay between short videos and consumer preferences, shedding light on the evolving nature of media engagement and its implications for businesses and marketers. Through a questionnaire survey method, this research delves into the factors that drive people's engagement with short videos and their subsequent consumption choices. The data is then analyzed using R programming to uncover key insights into the effects of short videos on various aspects of consumer behavior. The findings suggest a significant correlation between short video exposure and increased product awareness, information-seeking behavior, and brand perception. The study identifies that short videos have the potential to influence purchase intent and decision-making processes. As individuals increasingly rely on digital platforms for information and entertainment, understanding the intricate relationship between short videos and consumption behavior becomes imperative. This research contributes to the growing body of literature by providing empirical evidence of the transformative impact of short videos on consumer decision-making.

Information seeking behavior of campus journalists in a developing country: An empirical study

The main purpose of the study is to investigate the information needs and seeking behavior of campus journalists from different universities in Bangladesh. Data were collected from the participants using a convenience sampling technique. A total of 244 campus journalists participated in this survey. The study found that campus journalists primarily sought information to write news, covering university prosperity, hall or residence-related issues, the university's political issues, and cultural activities. They used a variety of media tools to enhance their reporting and cross-checked facts to ensure the authenticity of the news they received. The results also showed that the campus journalists mainly collected news by visiting the place physically and listening to witnesses’ stories. Lack of training, lack of authority's cooperation, and insufficient time were found as significant barriers to seeking information. Furthermore, the study found significant differences in the motivations for seeking information among journalists from different age groups and levels of experience.

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

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

Information Seeking Behaviour of the Farmers of Haryana for the Adoption of Newly Released Wheat Varieties

Agriculture, with its allied sectors, is unquestionably the largest livelihood provider in India. Wheat is a prominent crop of India from the point of view of food security. It is a grass widely cultivated for its seed, a cereal grain which is a worldwide staple food. Despite recent industrial developments, Haryana is primarily an agricultural state, with approximately seventy per cent of residents engaged in agriculture, and it ranks second in the country in terms of food grain production. The study was conducted in Hisar, Sirsa and Fatehabad districts of Haryana state as maximum FLD’s were disseminated in these areas. A well-structured questionnaire was distributed among the farmers for data collections. Purposive statistical measures such as percentages and frequency distribution were employed for data analysis. A total of 180 respondents were selected from six villages i.e. 30 respondents from each village where maximum seeds of newly released wheat varieties of CCSHAU were selected purposively. Communication profile of the respondents was measured in terms of source of information and credibility of sources was measured. majority of the respondents used localite information sources, which was followed by cosmopolites and also found that cosmopolite sources were more credible to gather information regarding wheat varieties released by CCSHAU. Kisan Call Centre was least used for information but their credibility was very high.

Information needs and information-seeking behavior of visual artists: a systematic review of the literature

PurposeInformation makes an important contribution to the promotion of the creativity of visual artists. This work aims to explore relevant research through a systematic review of the literature and discuss the impact of information on visual artists' creativity.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was conducted through Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses method. The authors searched and retrieved 1,320 papers from which, after evaluation, 41 papers have been analyzed.FindingsTwo thematic categories were identified for visual artists' information needs: (1) the need for professional development and (2) the need for creative techniques and materials. In terms of information sources visual artists employ, the authors have also identified seven broad categories: (1) conventional resources (galleries, museums, etc.), (2) professional scholar sources, (3) digital art websites, (4) informal information online and colleagues, (5) libraries, (6) personal collections and (7) professional scholar social networks. In addition, the study proceeded to classify the obstacles faced by visual artists in their search for visual information into two general categories: (1) environmental barriers and (2) digital literacy barriers.Originality/valueAlthough the investigation of the information needs satisfaction of visual artists as well as the evaluation of their information behavior patterns and information literacy competences is essential, it is understudied. This paper summarizes the relevant literature in a concrete and systematic way providing evidences to be considered in a variety of situations, i.e. developing lifelong learning programs, managing visual art library collections, library services development for artists, etc.

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

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

Rats did not show evidence of prospective information-seeking: a pilot study.

Information-seeking behavior often features in research on metacognition in non-human animals; some species seek more information when they do not know the location of a food reward. Rats are known to do this in situations of uncertainty, but it is still unclear if they seek information prospectively for solving a later problem. In this study, we investigated rats' information-seeking responses in two areas that presented different cognitive challenges (N = 4). In one area, a memory task was presented in which rats could access a cue for a food reward during the information-seeking phase of a trial, but the cue was removed before the subsequent test phase. In the other area, a discrimination task presented a cue that was available in both the information-seeking and the test phases, so that it was not necessary to seek information prospectively. The memory and discrimination test trials were given in quasi-random order (Experiment 1). Rats explored in the memory task area no more than in the discrimination task area during the information-seeking phase, even after extensive training. When they were exposed exclusively to the memory task over multiple sessions (Experiment 2), they developed a strategy of exploring the available object cues. In Experiment 3, rats were found to stay longer in an area, which had an object than in other, less potentially informative areas; they were sensitive to the presence of information. Although these results did not support the existence of prospective information-seeking in rats, they do not necessarily imply that rats lack related abilities. This consideration is due to the constraints of the small sample size and the limited scope of the testing environment. Accumulating not only positive but also negative evidence would further understanding of the factors influencing metacognitive responses in non-human animals.

The unintended consequences of inconsistent closure policies and mobility restrictions during epidemics

BackgroundControlling the spread of infectious diseases―even when safe, transmission-blocking vaccines are available―may require the effective use of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), e.g., mask wearing, testing, limits on group sizes, venue closure. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, many countries implemented NPIs inconsistently in space and time. This inconsistency was especially pronounced for policies in the United States of America (US) related to venue closure.MethodsHere, we investigate the impact of inconsistent policies associated with venue closure using mathematical modeling and high-resolution human mobility, Google search, and county-level SARS-CoV-2 incidence data from the USA. Specifically, we look at high-resolution location data and perform a US-county-level analysis of nearly 8 million SARS-CoV-2 cases and 150 million location visits, including 120 million church visitors across 184,677 churches, 14 million grocery visitors across 7662 grocery stores, and 13.5 million gym visitors across 5483 gyms.ResultsAnalyzing the interaction between venue closure and changing mobility using a mathematical model shows that, across a broad range of model parameters, inconsistent or partial closure can be worse in terms of disease transmission as compared to scenarios with no closures at all. Importantly, changes in mobility patterns due to epidemic control measures can lead to increase in the future number of cases. In the most severe cases, individuals traveling to neighboring jurisdictions with different closure policies can result in an outbreak that would otherwise have been contained. To motivate our mathematical models, we turn to mobility data and find that while stay-at-home orders and closures decreased contacts in most areas of the USA, some specific activities and venues saw an increase in attendance and an increase in the distance visitors traveled to attend. We support this finding using search query data, which clearly shows a shift in information seeking behavior concurrent with the changing mobility patterns.ConclusionsWhile coarse-grained observations are not sufficient to validate our models, taken together, they highlight the potential unintended consequences of inconsistent epidemic control policies related to venue closure and stress the importance of balancing the societal needs of a population with the risk of an outbreak growing into a large epidemic.

Educational Interests and Information-Seeking Behaviors of Utah Residents

With a limited body of literature examining residents’ preferences for Extension topic areas, this brief report examined the educational interests of Utah residents. It explores opportunities for future programming based on residents’ preferences for topic areas and their information-seeking behaviors. Data were gathered from Utah residents in May 2021 via an online Qualtrics survey (n = 668). Results showed the topics of highest interest to Utah residents were strengthening family relationships, emergency preparedness, mental health, food storage, and healthy couples’ relationships. Residents’ information-seeking behaviors were somewhat consistent with their interests; residents searched most frequently for information on mental health, strengthening family relationships, nutrition education, financial planning, and healthy couples’ relationships. Extension organizations are encouraged to learn more about residents’ interests and participation preferences to recruit and retain participants, given changing societal trends.

Impact of Sickle Cell Awareness Day on online health information seeking in Africa using Google Trends.

The United Nations Council Assembly recognized sickle cell disease (SCD) as a global public health problem due to its increasing burden, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. To raise awareness, a resolution was adopted, designating June 19th as SCD awareness day. However, the impact of this awareness day on online health information seeking behaviour (OHISB) in African countries is not well understood, especially in Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda where SCD prevalence is high. To assess the impact, the study used Google Trends data as a measure of OHISB for SCD. The analysis covered the 60 days before the awareness day, the awareness day itself, and the 60 days afterward. Time series analysis was conducted using joinpoint regression to identify significant changes in OHISB trends. The results indicated that the impact of the Sickle Cell Awareness Day on OHISB varied across African countries and did not consistently inspire significant changes in information seeking behaviour. This suggests the need for more targeted awareness campaigns to improve public knowledge of SCD in Africa. It also highlights the importance of revising the current awareness day or creating alternative health awareness initiatives that adopt a long-term approach and address the specific health needs of the African population. Furthermore, due to limitations in using Google Trends data in some African countries with insufficient data, future research should explore other sources of internet data or conduct surveys to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of the Sickle Cell Awareness Day on OHISB in Africa.

The role of social media in public health crises caused by infectious disease: a scoping review

ImportanceThe onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic highlighted the increasing role played by social media in the generation, dissemination and consumption of outbreak-related information.ObjectiveThe objective of the current review is...

Health information-seeking behavior of nursing students in Isfahan city about COVID-19 disease.

The proper planning to help the health information-seeking behavior (HISB), as well as promoting its quantitative and qualitative level among nursing students increases educational efficiency and enables provide appropriate services to patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate the HISB of nursing students in the process of obtaining information about the emerging disease of COVID-19 in Isfahan city. The present cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted in Isfahan´ s faculties of nursing and educational hospitals. The research sample included 448 students who met the inclusion criteria, using convenience sampling. Lenz's HISB questionnaire was used to collect information. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistical software version 20, using descriptive and inferential statistics, with confidence interval = 95%. The results indicate a statistically significant relationship between the age and marital status of students with the overall score of the HISB of nursing students (P < 0.05). Regarding the study, information was mostly obtained from "social media" (43.7%) although the participants more trusted in "health experts" (57.5%). The results of the present study indicated that the students often searched for "disease symptoms" (38.8%) and "epidemiological issues" (22.5%). "Internet sites and search engines" and "social media" provide quick access to information for users, which is one of the reasons for favoring these sources. However, they can be a platform for disseminating false and invalid information. Thus, other reliable sources such as the Ministry of Health and Medical Education should play a greater role in creating content on social media.

Trust in nutrition information sources used by university students

This study explored university students’ information-seeking behaviours related to nutrition. The focus was on cognitive authority, specifically, the trust given to information sources. Research questions encompassed identifying university students’ nutrition needs, information sources usage, and the levels of trust in those sources. A questionnaire was completed by 138 students, and six students were interviewed. Overall, the Internet is the most used information source on nutrition, followed by family and friends. Trust in the information from the Internet in general and social media is relatively low. However, specific authors on social media are perceived as trustworthy. Interviews revealed that students evaluate specific online sources based on author expertise, systematically organised information, and other cues. Expert sources of information are highly trusted but, on average, not often used. Only students with health problems mostly rely on experts and professional literature. Students engaged in training and weight maintenance primarily follow social media, notably specific authors on YouTube and Instagram. Trust in information sources is correlated to their usage, especially for Instagram and other social media. These insights into university students’ information-seeking behaviours can inform experts involved in educating students on making informed choices based on information gained from trustworthy sources.

Information-seeking Strategies Used and Challenges Encountered by Art and Design Students in Uganda When Seeking Information

Access to relevant information is crucial for Art and Design students to meet their information needs and achieve their educational goals. This paper explores the information-seeking strategies used by Art and Design students in diplomaawarding institutions in Uganda, and the challenges they encounter when seeking information to meet their information needs. This is part of a doctoral study that investigated the information-seeking behaviour of Art and Design students in diploma-awarding institutions in Uganda. The study population comprised Art and Design students in the four Art and Design institutions, library heads in the same institutions, and directors at the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). Data was collected using questionnaire, interview and observation methods. Data was collected from February to August 2022. The study revealed that Art and Design students use various information-seeking strategies to locate and access information. Browsing online images, photographing activities in the environment, recording videos of activities in the environment, and consulting Art and Design librarians were the most used. The least used strategies included browsing art and design collections on library shelves, using keywords, and using Boolean operators. The study found that Art and Design students encountered varied challenges when seeking information. The key challenges were lack of Internet at the institutions, inadequate and outdated information materials in the library, slow Internet, high cost of Internet data, and lack or inadequate knowledge to evaluate the quality of information on the Internet. The key recommendations included the need for Art and Design institutions to invest heavily in ICT infrastructure, including Internet connectivity, and also to develop information literacy courses for the students; the need for the NCHE prioritise monitoring of the study institutions to ensure compliance with library standards; and the need for the Government of Uganda zero-rate the Internet in the study institutions.

Different mirrors: studying the effect of perceived risks and information-seeking behavior on the perceived cognitive image of Chinese and Russian millennial tourists

ABSTRACT The primary objective of this research is to investigate the impact of perceived risks (PR) on the formation of pre-travel cognitive destination image (CDI) among first-time Chinese and Russian millennial tourists in Iran. It aims to explore both the direct and indirect influence of perceived risks on the cognitive perception of the destination. A quantitative approach was employed, where a survey was conducted to collect data from a sample of 446 respondents who were visiting Iran. The data were analyzed using smart-PLS, a variance-based path modeling technique. The study’s findings indicated that political, technological, health, and socio-cultural risks had a direct impact on the CDI of both Chinese and Russian millennial tourists. Additionally, the research discovered that these risks indirectly influenced CDI through the mediating role of information-seeking behavior (ISB). However, differences emerged between the two groups concerning socio-cultural and economic risks. Specifically, for Chinese millennials, both economic and socio-cultural perceived risks directly and indirectly affected CDI. On the other hand, the hypotheses regarding Russian millennials were rejected, suggesting that economic and socio-cultural perceived risks did not have a significant direct or indirect impact on their CDI. These findings highlight the varying influences of perceived risks on the formation of CDI among Chinese and Russian millennial tourists, emphasizing the importance of considering cultural and economic factors in understanding their cognitive perceptions of a destination. The paper has implications for DMOs to make efforts to find sustainable solutions in designing policies to reduce tourists’ perceived risks and improving the cognitive image of Iran.

Market Information Seeking Behaviour of Rural Farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria

Market Information Seeking Behaviour of Rural Farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria