Information-seeking Behavior Research Articles

Developing a Tool for Assessing the Process of Seeking Health Information: Online Think-Aloud Method.

Nursing students can access massive amounts of online health data to drive cutting-edge evidence-based practice in clinical placement, to bridge the theory-practice gap. This activity requires investigation to identify the strategies nursing students apply to evaluate online health information. Online Think-Aloud sessions enabled 14 participants to express their cognitive processes in navigating various educational resources, including online journals and databases, and determining the reliability of sources, indicating their strategies for information-seeking, which helped to create this scoring system. Easy access and user convenience were clearly the instrumental factors in this behavior, which has troubling implications for the lack of use of higher-quality resources (e.g., from peer-reviewed academic journals). The identified challenges encountered during resource access included limited skills in the critical evaluation of information credibility and reliability, signaling a requirement for improved information literacy skills. Participants acknowledged the importance of evidence-based, high-quality information, but faced numerous barriers, such as restricted access to professional and specialty databases, and a lack of academic skills training. This paper develops and critiques a Performative Tool for assessing the process of seeking health information using an online Think-Aloud method, and explores factors and strategies contributing to evidence-based health information access and utilization in clinical practice, aiming to provide insight into individuals' information-seeking behaviors in online health contexts.

Health Technology Access and Peer Support Among Digitally Engaged People Experiencing Homelessness: Qualitative Study.

Although the effects of digital health are receiving wide scientific attention, very little is known about the characteristics of digitally engaged people experiencing homelessness, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. Our previous research revealed a considerable level of internet use in the homeless population of Budapest, Hungary, for general purposes (350/662, 52.9%) and medical purposes (229/664, 34.6%). Moreover, a digitally engaged subgroup was identified (129/662, 19.5%). The aim of this exploratory study was to map out the resources, attitudes, and behaviors of digitally engaged homeless individuals in relation to digital technology to set the basis for potential health policy interventions, which will enable better access to health services through strengthening of the digital components of the existing health care system. Between August 18, 2022, and October 27, 2022, a total of 12 in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted in 4 homeless shelters in Budapest, Hungary. Upon analysis by 3 independent evaluators, 2 interviews were excluded. The interviewees were chosen based on purposive sampling with predefined inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis of the transcripts was conducted. In the thematic analysis, 4 main themes (attitude, access, usage patterns, and solutions for usage problems) emerged. Health-related technology use mostly appeared in health information-seeking behavior. Online search for prescribed medications (5 interviews), active ingredients of medications (4 interviews), medicinal herbs believed to replace certain pills (2 interviews) or foods, and natural materials (1 interview) were mentioned. Moreover, mobile health app use (3 interviews) was reported. The intention to circumvent or check on mainstream health care solutions was mainly associated with previous negative experiences in the health care system. Several gaps in the daily use of technology were identified by the interviewees; however, more than half of the interviewees (6/10) turned out to be contact points for their peers for digital problem-solving or basic digital literacy skill enhancement in the homeless shelters. Furthermore, a lack of institutional support or special programs targeting senior clients was noted. Digitally engaged homeless individuals might become mediators between their peers and comprehensive digital health programs. They have the trust of their peers, can recognize and harness the benefits of digital technology, and are able to provide meaningful help in technology- and usage-related issues through experience. Digital health services have great promise in community shelters for managing and preventing health issues, and digitally engaged individuals might be important for the success of such services.

Information Seeking Behavior among the Final Years Students Department of LISAS at the University of Sindh Jamshoro, Pakistan

Information Seeking Behavior among the Final Years Students Department of LISAS at the University of Sindh Jamshoro, Pakistan

Decisional Conflict Among Patients Newly Diagnosed With Clinical T1 Renal Masses: A Prospective Study.

Because multiple management options exist for clinical T1 renal masses, patients may experience a state of uncertainty about the course of action to pursue (ie, decisional conflict). To better support patients, we examined patient, clinical, and decision-making factors associated with decisional conflict among patients newly diagnosed with clinical T1 renal masses suspicious for kidney cancer. From a prospective clinical trial, participants completed the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS), scored 0 to 100 with < 25 associated with implementing decisions, at 2 time points during the initial decision-making period. The trial further characterized patient demographics, health status, tumor burden, and patient-centered communication, while a subcohort completed additional questionnaires on decision-making. Associations of patient, clinical, and decision-making factors with DCS scores were evaluated using generalized estimating equations to account for repeated measures per patient. Of 274 enrollees, 250 completed a DCS survey; 74% had masses ≤ 4 cm in size, while 11% had high-complexity tumors. Model-based estimated mean DCS score across both time points was 17.6 (95% CI 16.0-19.3), though 50% reported a DCS score ≥ 25 at least once. On multivariable analysis, DCS scores increased with age (+2.64, 95% CI 1.04-4.23), high- vs low-complexity tumors (+6.50, 95% CI 0.35-12.65), and cystic vs solid masses (+9.78, 95% CI 5.27-14.28). Among decision-making factors, DCS scores decreased with higher self-efficacy (-3.31, 95% CI -5.77 to -0.86]) and information-seeking behavior (-4.44, 95% CI -7.32 to -1.56). DCS scores decreased with higher patient-centered communication scores (-8.89, 95% CI -11.85 to -5.94). In addition to patient and clinical factors, decision-making factors and patient-centered communication relate with decisional conflict, highlighting potential avenues to better support patient decision-making for clinical T1 renal masses.

Emerging Trends in Information-Seeking Behavior for Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Infodemiology Study Using Time Series and Content Analysis.

Alpha-gal syndrome is an emerging allergy characterized by an immune reaction to the carbohydrate molecule alpha-gal found in red meat. This unique food allergy is likely triggered by a tick bite. Cases of the allergy are on the rise, but prevalence estimates do not currently exist. Furthermore, varying symptoms and limited awareness of the allergy among health care providers contribute to delayed diagnosis, leading individuals to seek out their own information and potentially self-diagnose. The study aimed to (1) describe the volume and patterns of information-seeking related to alpha-gal, (2) explore correlations between alpha-gal and lone star ticks, and (3) identify specific areas of interest that individuals are searching for in relation to alpha-gal. Google Trends Supercharged-Glimpse, a new extension of Google Trends, provides estimates of the absolute volume of searches and related search queries. This extension was used to assess trends in searches for alpha-gal and lone star ticks (lone star tick, alpha gal, and meat allergy, as well as food allergy for comparison) in the United States. Time series analyses were used to examine search volume trends over time, and Spearman correlation matrices and choropleth maps were used to explore geographic and temporal correlations between alpha-gal and lone star tick searches. Content analysis was performed on related search queries to identify themes and subcategories that are of interest to information seekers. Time series analysis revealed a rapidly increasing trend in search volumes for alpha-gal beginning in 2015. After adjusting for long-term trends, seasonal trends, and media coverage, from 2015 to 2022, the predicted adjusted average annual percent change in search volume for alpha-gal was 33.78%. The estimated overall change in average search volume was 627%. In comparison, the average annual percent change was 9.23% for lone star tick, 7.34% for meat allergy, and 2.45% for food allergy during this time. Geographic analysis showed strong significant correlations between alpha-gal and lone star tick searches especially in recent years (ρ=0.80; P<.001), with primary overlap and highest search rates found in the southeastern region of the United States. Content analysis identified 10 themes of primary interest: diet, diagnosis or testing, treatment, medications or contraindications of medications, symptoms, tick related, specific sources of information and locations, general education information, alternative words for alpha-gal, and unrelated or other. The study provides insights into the changing information-seeking patterns for alpha-gal, indicating growing awareness and interest. Alpha-gal search volume is increasing at a rapid rate. Understanding specific questions and concerns can help health care providers and public health educators to tailor communication strategies. The Google Trends Supercharged-Glimpse tool offers enhanced features for analyzing information-seeking behavior and can be valuable for infodemiology research. Further research is needed to explore the evolving prevalence and impact of alpha-gal syndrome.

Information-seeking behaviour in patients exploring orthognathic surgery: A qualitative study.

To explore how orthognathic patients seek information during decision-making. Qualitative, cross-sectional study. A hospital in Cumbria, UK. Prospective orthognathic patients. Participants were purposively recruited from joint orthognathic clinics after the original consultation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via remote video call with nine participants aged 18-30 years. Data collection and reflexive thematic analysis occurred in parallel until thematic saturation was achieved. The central finding of this research was that patients were making informed decisions about orthognathic surgery. Four themes were identified to support this central finding including the following: (1) selective engagement with orthognathic information sources; (2) the central role of patient-specific information from professionals and peers; (3) Internet use to supplement standard information resources; and (4) concerns over information found online. The preferred source of information was verbal from the clinical team as it was trusted and person-specific. Past patients were identified as valued sources of information and establishing contact through digital social media networks was found to be a convenient alternative to face-to-face. Online information found was valued but concerns included information overload, problems establishing applicability and concerns over its credibility. Orthognathic patients were making informed decisions about their treatment. This study highlights the central role of the patient-clinician interaction in decision-making, especially in providing patient-specific information. Insight into the nuances of information-seeking behaviours will better inform clinical care. Since patients frequently access online information that is decision-relevant, encouraging patients to discuss online searches will support the shared decision-making process and alleviate any concerns with information found. During consultation, explaining the purpose of an information aid rather than expecting patients to read them separately, may further enhance its usefulness in decision-making. This study identified an unmet need for visual aids, such as real-time images of postoperative recovery. These findings can inform the design of future information resources.

The media-psychological model of environmental risk perception

The article presents the results of a theoretical analysis on the topic of media-psychological aspects of the perception of environmental risks and the presentation of the author's media psychological model of the impact of media messages on the perception of environmental risks. The presented model examines the processes and stages involved in the initial encounter with environmental risk messages in the media and the further outcomes of their processing which can manifest in information-seeking behaviour. According to the presented model, changes in risk perception are considered a series of stages initiated by attention to information and can continue when information-seeking behaviour is triggered. The main models relied on by the author of this study are the Limited Capacity Model of Motivated Mediated Message Processing to describe media message processing and the Risk Information Search and Processing Model to describe aspects of information-seeking behaviour. Several additional communication models dedicated to the consideration of information behaviour and processing of media messages were also used to describe the processes of mass media influence on the perception of environmental risks. Thus, dual models of information processing and persuasive communication are also considered, including the Heuristic-Systematic Model and the Elaboration Likelihood Model, as well as additional theories examining information-seeking behaviour: the Theory of Motivated Information Management and the Planned Risk Information Seeking Model

Online groups show how technology supports healthcare needs for patients and families: an illustrative model for COPD facebook groups

Introduction:This study examines how online technologies can support patients and their families address specific medical needs by creating an integrated theoretical framework based on the Health Belief Model, Social Exchange Theory, and Technology Acceptance Model.Methods:We obtained a total of 264 responses from an online survey posted in several COPD Facebook groups. After data preprocessing, we were left with 155 responses that met our inclusion criteria. Using the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM), we evaluate how individuals in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Facebook groups seek information.Results:This study examines the relationship between demographic variables, psychological attributes (including emotional support and self-worth), perceived disease severity, benefits and barriers, and the perceived utility and ease of internet use in the information-seeking behavior of COPD patients on Facebook.Discussion:The findings underscore the importance of ease of internet use and intuitive platform design as a critical determinant that positively affects user engagement and fosters active participation among online participants. These findings offer critical insights into how online communities help patients and families obtain broad support and enhance the adoption and acceptance of emerging healthcare technologies. This also shows the advantages that online platforms offer individuals managing chronic diseases. Given these insights, we urge healthcare providers to recognize the beneficial effects of online health communities on patient well-being and health outcomes. This understanding is essential for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance patient care, aiming to improve the quality of life for individuals with chronic diseases in an increasingly digital landscape.

Influence of emotions on coping behaviors in crisis: a computational analysis of the COVID-19 outbreak

Widespread public crises often give rise to the proliferation of sensationalized rumors and conspiracy theories, which can evoke a variety of public emotions. Despite the growing importance of research on the relationship between emotions and coping behaviors in crisis, a dearth of natural observation-based investigation has been limiting theory development. To address this gap, this study conducted computational research to study the U.S. public’s discrete emotions and coping behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak crisis, analyzing Twitter data, Google Trends data, and Google Community Mobility data. The results revealed that anger and fear were relatively more prominent emotions experienced by the public than other discrete emotions. Regarding the impacts of emotions on coping behaviors, it was found that the prevalence of low-certainty and retreat emotions was related to increased information-seeking and information-transmitting behaviors. Also, the prevalence of both high-certainty and low-certainty emotions during the COVID-19 outbreak was positively related to the public’s compliance with public health recommendations.

Examining the influence of community leaders and other community actors on immunisation practices in Australia: A national cross-sectional study

BackgroundVariation in COVID-19 vaccination coverage and increasing vaccine hesitancy are well documented, especially amongst ethnic minority populations and current channels of vaccine and communication have been found to be inadequate. It has been suggested that more be done to utilise community-led pathways to improve vaccine readiness in ethnic minority communities in Australia. The study aimed to explore receptiveness towards the role of different actors and methods of communication about immunisation. MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 1,227 adults in Australia was conducted to examine the roles of various actors in promoting vaccine uptake. Chi-square analyses and independent samples t-tests were used to identify significant associations between sociodemographic characteristics, vaccine practices, and vaccine information-seeking behaviours and (1) COVID-19 vaccine uptake (at least one dose) and (2) speaking a language other than English. ResultsAt the time of the survey, 93% of respondents had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. There were significant associations between COVID-19 vaccine uptake and: perceived capacity to locate accurate and timely vaccine information; receiving the COVID-19 vaccination information from a Nurse or Pharmacist; and receiving a vaccine recommendation by a GP. Additionally, respondents who spoke a language other than English reported were significantly more likely to have received information from family, friends, workplaces, local councils, religious centres, community leaders, and religious leaders than those who only spoke English. ConclusionSignificant variations in vaccine practices and vaccine information-seeking behaviours were found, especially in those who speak a language other than English. To enhance vaccine uptake and to address vaccine hesitancy in Australia, vaccine promotion strategies and health communication efforts require significant consideration of information accessibility and communication source preferences.

Adult age differences in noninstrumental information-seeking strategies.

We often seek information without any explicit incentives or goals (i.e., noninstrumental information seeking, often noted as a manifestation of curiosity). Does noninstrumental information-seeking change with age? We tried to answer the question by making a critical distinction between two information-seeking behaviors: diversive information seeking (i.e., information seeking for topics a person knows little about) and specific information seeking (i.e., information seeking to deepen a person's existing knowledge of a topic). Five hundred participants (age range: 12-79 years old) spontaneously read new facts about different topics. After reading each fact, participants were given the choice to read more facts about the current topic or return to the selection menu to learn about a new topic. We found that with increasing age, participants chose to explore more facts within a topic (i.e., increased specific information seeking) and switched less frequently to new topics (i.e., decreased diversive information seeking). These results indicate that while young people seek out a broader range of information, as people grow older, they develop a preference to deepen their existing knowledge. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Knowledge level and health information-seeking behavior of people with diabetes in rural areas: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

There is a lack of research on the current level of diabetes knowledge and health information-seeking behaviors among patients with diabetes in rural areas of China's economically underdeveloped regions during COVID-19, as well as a lack of up-to-date evidence on glycemic control and the incidence of complications among rural patients with diabetes. To investigate the prevalence of glycemic control and complications among patients with diabetes in rural areas, to explore the current status and correlation of diabetes knowledge level and health information-seeking behavior, and to analyze the factors affecting diabetes knowledge level. From January 2022 to July 2022, we conducted a screening on diabetic complications and a questionnaire survey among 2,178 patients with diabetes in 15 county hospitals in rural areas of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The patients' knowledge level and health information-seeking behavior were investigated. Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between diabetes knowledge and health information-seeking behavior. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test how demographic information and health information-seeking behavior influenced the level of diabetes knowledge. Of 2,178 patients with diabetes in rural areas, 1,684 (77.32%) had poor glycemic control, and the prevalence of diabetic complications was estimated to be 72.13%. Patients with diabetes had poor diabetes knowledge and health information-seeking behavior, and there is a strong positive correlation between them. Diabetes knowledge level was influenced by per capita household disposable income, occupational status, gender, age, ethnicity, family history of diabetes, insulin use, glycated hemoglobin, education level, number of complications and health information-seeking behavior. Patients with diabetes in rural areas have poor glycemic control and a high incidence of diabetic complications. Patients with diabetes in rural areas have poor knowledge and inadequate health information-seeking behavior. Systematic and standardized education should be provided to improve patients' diabetes knowledge and thus improve their self-management ability.

Assessing The Information-Seeking Behavior of Cianjur Earthquake Survivors: A Study of Information Needs and Access

In the midst of a disaster such as an earthquake, one of the most important things is the dissemination of the right information. Searching for the right information can affect the safety of one's life. Therefore, studies related to information seeking behavior during disasters can illustrate how a person searches for information in response to circumstances during a disaster. This study aims to determine how much the level of conformity of information seeking behavior carried out by victims of the Cianjur earthquake disaster with the disaster information seeking behavior model. This research uses quantitative methods with a case study approach in the Cianjur area. The population in this study were earthquake victims in Cianjur with productive age (15-57 years). The sample used was 100 respondents using accidental sampling technique. The hypothesis in this study is the level of information seeking behavior of earthquake victims in Cianjur in accordance with the disaster information seeking behavior model. The results of the study obtained a score on the first warning dimension of 2.39. The dimension of recipient characteristics amounted to 2.83 and message characteristics amounted to 3.59. The information source horizon dimension was 3.03 and the feedback dimension was 3.36. Based on these results, an average score of 3.04 was obtained. The score is in the interval 2.51 - 3.25, which indicates that the information seeking behavior of earthquake victims in Cianjur is at the "appropriate" level with the disaster information seeking behavior model.

An Analysis of the Relationship between Individual Psychological Variables and Information-seeking Behavior: Implications for Wearable Device Use and Fitness Activities

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to measure the relationship between individual psychological characteristics including self-esteem, privacy concern, positive emotion, and negative emotion and information-seeking behavior, as well as the relationship between information-seeking behavior and life satisfaction. Methods: Data for this study originated from Korea Media Panel Survey Statistics 2021. Respondents included 10,154 persons; for this study, data for 356 respondents aged ≥ 20 years who said 'I am using wearable device for fitness purpose' were analyzed. Results: Self-esteem, privacy concern, and negative emotion affected information-seeking behavior. Moreover, information-seeking behavior affected personal, relational, and community aspects of life satisfaction. Conclusion: These findings highlight that individual psychological characteristics are factors that affect behavior during information searching through media. Furthermore, information-seeking behavior is related to life satisfaction. This study emphasizes the importance of judgment, doubting, and confirmation behavior as influences on wearable fitness device users' quality-of-life in the changing digital environment.

إشعارات الهاتف المحمول كوسيط للمعلومات: دراسة إثنوجرافية للسلوك الإنساني للتفاعل مع المعلومات عبر الهاتف المحمول لدى طلاب التعليم العالي المصريين والألمان

This study explores the impact of mobile notifications on the information behavior and interaction attitudes of higher education students in Egypt and Germany. Using an ethnographic approach, the research investigates how mobile notifications serve as a crucial medium for information delivery, transforming user interaction with information. The study identifies significant challenges posed by the influx of notifications, such as information overload, distraction, and stress. It also examines the skills and strategies students employ to manage and prioritize notifications, emphasizing the need for improved mobile information literacy (MoIL). Interviews and observations reveal varied user engagement with notifications, highlighting the dual role of notifications as both end-point information containers and triggers for deeper information-seeking behavior. The findings suggest that while notifications enhance efficiency and immediacy in accessing information, they also necessitate new coping mechanisms to mitigate negative impacts. This research contributes to the field of information behavior by offering insights into the effective use of mobile notifications and proposing better notification system designs to foster enhanced information literacy in an increasingly connected world.

Mobile notifications as an information medium: an ethnographic study of mobile human-information interaction attitudes of Egyptian and German higher education students

This study explores the impact of mobile notifications on the information behavior and interaction attitudes of higher education students in Egypt and Germany. Using an ethnographic approach, the research investigates how mobile notifications serve as a crucial medium for information delivery, transforming user interaction with information. The study identifies significant challenges posed by the influx of notifications, such as information overload, distraction, and stress. It also examines the skills and strategies students employ to manage and prioritize notifications, emphasizing the need for improved mobile information literacy (MoIL). Interviews and observations reveal varied user engagement with notifications, highlighting the dual role of notifications as both end-point information containers and triggers for deeper information-seeking behavior. The findings suggest that while notifications enhance efficiency and immediacy in accessing information, they also necessitate new coping mechanisms to mitigate negative impacts. This research contributes to the field of information behavior by offering insights into the effective use of mobile notifications and proposing better notification system designs to foster enhanced information literacy in an increasingly connected world.

Impact of Advertising on Consumer Buying Behaviour

This study delves into the intricate relationship between advertising and consumer buying behavior, aiming to provide a nuanced understanding of the various mechanisms through which advertising influences purchasing decisions. Through a comprehensive review of relevant literature and empirical research, this paper explores the multifaceted impact of advertising on consumers' attitudes, preferences, and behaviors. The study examines how advertising serves as a potent tool for creating awareness, shaping brand perceptions, and eliciting emotional responses among consumers. It investigates the role of advertising in influencing consumer preferences by highlighting product features, benefits, and unique selling propositions. Furthermore, the study explores the persuasive techniques employed in advertisements, such as social proof, scarcity, and celebrity endorsements, and their effects on consumer decision-making processes. Moreover, the research investigates the significance of repetition and reinforcement in advertising, emphasizing the role of continuous exposure in maintaining brand salience and message retention in consumers' minds. It also explores the social and cultural influences embedded within advertising messages, examining how they shape consumer aspirations, values, and lifestyles. Additionally, the study considers the role of advertising as an information source for consumers, analyzing its impact on their information-seeking behavior and purchase decisions. Furthermore, it explores how advertising helps alleviate cognitive dissonance among consumers post-purchase, reaffirming their satisfaction and loyalty to the brand. Through its comprehensive analysis, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics between advertising and consumer buying behavior, offering insights that can inform marketing strategies and enhance the effectiveness of advertising campaigns in today's dynamic marketplace.

Impact Advertising on Consumer Buying Behaviour

This study delves into the intricate relationship between advertising and consumer buying behavior, aiming to provide a nuanced understanding of the various mechanisms through which advertising influences purchasing decisions. Through a comprehensive review of relevant literature and empirical research, this paper explores the multifaceted impact of advertising on consumers' attitudes, preferences, and behaviors. The study examines how advertising serves as a potent tool for creating awareness, shaping brand perceptions, and eliciting emotional responses among consumers. It investigates the role of advertising in influencing consumer preferences by highlighting product features, benefits, and unique selling propositions. Furthermore, the study explores the persuasive techniques employed in advertisements, such as social proof, scarcity, and celebrity endorsements, and their effects on consumer decision-making processes. Moreover, the research investigates the significance of repetition and reinforcement in advertising, emphasizing the role of continuous exposure in maintaining brand salience and message retention in consumers' minds. It also explores the social and cultural influences embedded within advertising messages, examining how they shape consumer aspirations, values, and lifestyles. Additionally, the study considers the role of advertising as an information source for consumers, analyzing its impact on their information-seeking behavior and purchase decisions. Furthermore, it explores how advertising helps alleviate cognitive dissonance among consumers post-purchase, reaffirming their satisfaction and loyalty to the brand. Through its comprehensive analysis, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics between advertising and consumer buying behavior, offering insights that can inform marketing strategies and enhance the effectiveness of advertising campaigns in today's dynamic marketplace.

How external and internal factors affect translators’ source preferences – survey results

ABSTRACT Existing studies on translators’ information-seeking behavior (ISB) have either investigated translators in general or a selected group of translators (e.g. legal translators). The aim of this study was to investigate whether there were differences in the source preferences of translators according to selected factors, such as age, experience, direction of translation, use of CAT tools, post-editing practice, working language, and translation speed. The data were collected through a survey of 226 Polish professional translators. In order to examine the possible differences, we compared the answers of the selected translator subgroups (divided according to the above factors) to one question: ‘On a scale of 1–5, how often do you use the following sources when translating?’ The results were tested for statistical significance. It was found that the authorless online sources were used more often by younger and less experienced translators. MT and CAT technologies do not relieve translators of information research (no drastic differences in the frequency of source use). Translation into the mother tongue generally requires more source consultation than translation into the L2. Translators using technology rely more on non-traditional information sources.

Online Health Information-Seeking Behaviour among People of African Descent in the United Kingdom: A Qualitative Study.

Effective public health interventions rely on understanding how individuals access, interpret, and utilise health information. Studying the health information-seeking behaviour (HISB) of a community can provide valuable insights to inform strategies that address community health needs and challenges. This study explored the online HISBs of People of African Descent (PoAD) in the United Kingdom (UK), a demographic that comprises four percent of the UK population and has a 92.8% active Internet usage rate. Data on the HISB were collected from 21 PoAD across various UK regions through online semi-structured interviews before being analysed using reflexive Thematic Analysis (TA). The participants ranged in age from 20 to 70 years and had a mean age of 42.8 (SD ± 11.4). Our analysis of the interview transcripts revealed five key themes: Internet usage and preferences, attitudes toward social media, barriers to seeking health information online, trust in online health information, and cultural influences on online HISB. Our findings indicate a proactive engagement among PoAD in seeking health information online that is underscored by a preference for professional sources over ethnic congruence. However, concerns about misinformation exist, and there are barriers to accessing health information online, including data privacy, unreliable information, and information relevance and overload. We also found that cultural factors and traditional beliefs impact the adoption of Internet-based interventions among PoAD, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive approaches. Preferences regarding the frequency and delivery of online health information varied among participants, with a majority preferring a weekly update. This study emphasises the critical need for accessible, culturally appropriate, secure, and reliable online health resources tailored to the needs and preferences of the PoAD.