Online Health Information-seeking Behavior Research Articles

European national health plans and the monitoring of online searches for information on diabetes mellitus in different European healthcare systems.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious non-communicable disease (NCD) and relies on the patient being aware of their condition, proactive, and having adequate medical care. European countries healthcare models are aware of the impact of these variables. This study evaluates the impact of online health information seeking behavior (OHISB) during World Diabetes Mellitus Day (WDMD) in European countries from 2014 to 2019 by grouping countries according to the changes in citizens' search behavior, diabetes mellitus prevalence, the existence of National Health Plans (NHP), and their respective healthcare systems. We extracted data from Global Burden of Disease, Google Trends (GT), Public Health European Commission, European Coalition for Diabetes, and the Spanish Ministry of Health. First, we used the broken-line models to analyze significant changes in search trends (GT) in European Union member countries in the 30-day intervals before and after the WDMD (November 14) from 2014 to 2019. Then the results obtained were used in the second phase to group these countries by factor analysis of mixed data (FAMD) using the prevalence of DM, the existence of NHP, and health models in each country. The calculations were processed using R software (gtrendsR, segmented, Factoextra, and FactoMineR). We established changes in search trends before and after WDMD, highlighting unevenness among European countries. However, significant changes were mostly observed among countries with NHP. These changes in search trends, in addition to being significant, were reiterated over time and occurred especially in countries belonging to the Beveridge Model (Portugal, Spain, and Sweden) and with NHPs in place. Greater awareness of diabetes mellitus among the population and continuous improvements in NHP can improve the patients' quality of life, thus impacting in disease management and healthcare expenditure.

The associations among cognitive social factors, eHealth literacy and health-promoting behaviors in Chinese adolescents.

The internet is a critical source of health information. It is important to understand online health information seeking related factors among college students, as modifications in this have the potentials to enhance their health-promoting behaviors in their transition into early adulthood. This study assessed the associations among cognitive social factors, eHealth literacy, online health information seeking and health-promoting behaviors; and examined the potential mediation effect of online health information seeking and eHealth literacy on the association between cognitive social factors and health-promoting behaviors. A cross-sectional, Internet-based survey was conducted in a sample of Chinese college students (n = 289) during April to June 2018. The structural model fitted the data well: X2/df = 2.27; CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.07 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.08); SRMR = 0.07 and the results showed that performance expectancy and health motivation were significantly and positively associated with health-promoting behaviors indirectly through eHealth literacy, adjusting for other cognitive social factors, frequency of online health information seeking and background factors. eHealth literacy is a strong mediator of the association between cognitive social factors (performance expectancy and health motivation) and health-promoting behaviors. Implications and potential interventions to promote eHealth literacy and health-promoting behaviors are discussed.

Does the Use of Social Media Affect Online Health Information-Seeking Behaviors among Underserved African Americans in Rural Alabama?

This study aimed (1) to investigate levels of technology device access and social media use among African Americans in rural Alabama, (2) to examine the prevalence of online health information-seeking behaviors, and (3) to identify associations of technology device access and social media use with online health information-seeking behaviors. A convenience sample of 185 African Americans aged 18 and older was recruited from a rural county in Alabama. Multilinear regression was conducted to examine the associations. Nearly 60% of participants had access to the internet, smartphone, and tablets/computers. The prevalence of online health information-seeking behaviors was low. Technology device access was not associated with online health information-seeking behaviors, while more social networking sites were associated with more online health information-seeking behaviors. Public health interventions are needed to promote internet use for health purposes among rural African Americans. Offline health information services should also target those lacking internet access.

Digital Health Literacy during COVID-19: gender differences from a Florentine University experience

Abstract Gender appears to be a strong predictor of online health information-seeking behaviour (OHISB). Gender differences in OHISB have been studied in different countries with different results, but no studies investigated gender-specific behaviour among University students during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought with it a consequential infodemic. We sought to investigate any gender differences in OHISB in the period between the first and the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire promoted by the COVID-HL network was administered to 2996 students of all the courses at the University of Florence. It included existing validated scales adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and newly developed scales. Gender differences were tested using the χ2 test or the Mann-Whitney U test, where appropriate. Male students reported a higher score in DHL than females (p < 0.001). However, female students reported using more often different sources for online information seeking (p < 0.05, except for YouTube), searching more corona-related topics (p < 0.05, except for economic and social consequences) and considering ‘‘very important'’ each item in the ‘‘Importance of internet information search'’ section (p < 0.05). Furthermore, female students are more likely to be ‘‘often dissatisfied'’ or ‘‘partly satisfied'’ with information about COVID-19 (p < 0.001) and to search more often for information for themselves and other people. Our study confirmed that gender could affect the way students search for health information on the Internet. Since students, in particular females, have been affected by stress and anxiety during the pandemic, these findings could help institutions to promote gender-specific education programmes to improve students’ DHL and their mental health outcomes, as well as to provide health information that fit specific gender needs. Key messages • Gender influences how university students search on the Internet for health information. • This should guide institutions to better address educational programmes to improve their Digital Health Literacy.

The Relationships Between Social Media and Human Papillomavirus Awareness and Knowledge: Cross-sectional Study.

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. HPV can infect both females and males, and it can cause many cancers, including anal, cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers. HPV vaccination rates are lower than vaccination rates within other national vaccination programs, despite its importance. Research literature indicates that people obtain health-related information from internet sources and social media; however, the association between such health-seeking behavior on social media and HPV-related behaviors has not been consistently demonstrated in the literature.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the association between social media usage and HPV knowledge and HPV awareness.MethodsThis study analyzed public health data collected through the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) conducted by the US National Cancer Institute. The analysis used data collected in 2020; in total, 2948 responses were included in the analysis. Six HPV-related questions were used to identify HPV awareness, HPV vaccine awareness, and HPV knowledge about HPV-related cancers. Four questions about social media usage and one question about online health information–seeking behavior were used to analyze the associations between social media usage and HPV-related behaviors. Initially, six logistic regressions were conducted using replicate weights. Based on the results, significant factors were included in a second set of regression analyses that also included demographic variables.ResultsAbout half of the respondents were aware of HPV (68.40%), the HPV vaccine (64.04%), and the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer (48.00%). However, fewer respondents were knowledgeable about the relationships between HPV and penile cancer (19.18%), anal cancer (18.33%), and oral cancer (19.86%). Although social media usage is associated with HPV awareness, HPV vaccine awareness, and knowledge of cervical cancer, these associations were not significant after adjusting for demographic variables. Those less likely to report HPV awareness and knowledge included older participants, males, those with a household income of less than US $20,000, those with a formal education equal to or less than high school, or those who resided in a household where adults are not fluent in English.ConclusionsAfter adjusting for demographic variables, social media use was not related to HPV knowledge and awareness, and survey respondents were generally not aware that HPV can lead to specific types of cancer, other than cervical cancer. These results suggest that perhaps a lack of high-quality information on social media may impede HPV awareness and knowledge. Efforts to educate the public about HPV via social media might be improved by using techniques like storytelling or infographics, especially targeting vulnerable populations, such as older participants, males, those with low incomes, those with less formal education, or those who reside in the United States but are not fluent in English.

Predictive Factors for Online Health Information-Seeking Behavior among Adults in the Russian Federation.

The internet is fast becoming one of the key instruments for seeking health-related information. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with internet use for health information among adults in the Russian Federation and to identify factors that explain its variation. The data were collected from the online survey conducted in Russian Federation on Aug-Sep 2020. A bivariate chi-square test was used to identify factors for further analysis. The binomial logistic regression model was fitted to the data to determine the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Overall, 1319 adults' survey submissions were analyzed. The binomial regression model showed women (OR 1.507, 95% CI 1.152-1.972), those with higher education level (OR 2.688, 95% CI 1.380-5.234), avid Internet users (3-4 h per day OR 2.187, 95% CI 1.383-3.460; 5+ h per day OR 2.361, 95% CI 1.475-3.781) are more likely to seek the health information on the Internet. Older participants (35-49 yr OR .701, 95% CI .498-.988; 50+ yr OR .624, 95% CI .430-.907) and those who live in rural areas (OR .469, 95% CI .308-.712) are less likely to use the internet for health information. It is important to promote health information-seeking behavior among men, older, less educated individuals, and those who live in rural areas. The improvement of digital skills and infrastructure may engage those who experience difficulties accessing health information over the internet.

Online Fitness Information-Seeking Behavior’s Prevalence Among Californian Arts Schools’ Adolescents

Engagement in online health information-seeking behavior has the potential to improve patient-physician relationships. Previous research suggested online fitness information-seeking behavior is generally the most prevalent online health information-seeking behavior amongst Californian adolescents aged 13 to 18 years, making it the most vital online health information-seeking behavior to monitor. Further research into online fitness information-seeking behavior’s prevalence amongst specific demographics within Californian adolescents was necessary because previous research showed patient experiences improve when physicians treat patients as unique individuals. One such unexamined demographic was those who received an arts education; this research focused on this gap. After the implementation of an online, quantitative, and cross-sectional survey research method, responses from 155 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years attending one Californian arts school were divided into 4 areas: percent engagement in online fitness information-seeking behavior, relative prevalence of this behavior, perceived importance of fitness, and health literacy. By analyzing the 4 areas with descriptive and inferential statistics and then synthesizing the results into a single understanding, it was concluded there may be a high prevalence of online fitness information-seeking behavior amongst the inquired population. The conclusion also noted the potential for a moderate prevalence instead. This new understanding has implications for beginning to form the foundation of a context physicians can utilize with California’s arts-educated, adolescent patients in order to better treat them as individuals. Further research with larger, more random, and more representative samples was recommended.

Online Health Information Seeking Behavior and Thriving Quotient in the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Mental Toughness

Accurate and dependable health information has been shown to support students’ thriving capacity and overall well-being, especially during a pandemic, when students’ well-being is critical. The issue is unclear as to what truly supports the established link between students’ ability to thrive in the event of a COVID-19 pandemic. This study looks at the correlation between online health information seeking behavior (OHSIB) and thriving quotient (TQ) and the role of a positive construct known as mental toughness (MT). Researchers enrolled 830 males and females from universities in the Philippines. Online Health Seeking Information Behavior (OHSIB-12), the modified and adapted Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-18), and the Thriving Quotient (TQ-30) were used as accurate and legitimate research instruments. We discovered meager levels of MT and TQ subcomponents and a high level of OHSIB in most university students. Correlation analyses revealed a positive relationship between online health information seeking behavior, mental toughness, and the thriving quotient. Mediation analysis revealed a significant mediation effect, but only on a partial scale. Developing a healthy online information search can assist students in making healthier choices, which in turn helps them feel better, thrive in an uncertain world, and achieve academic success. Mental toughness is also critical for students to access reliable health information online and thus achieve their goals even in the event of a pandemic. Proper guidance from education and health authorities was recommended for students’ OHSIB. The implications of the findings for future research were discussed.

Public knowledge and information sources for clinical trials among adults in the USA: evidence from a Health Information National Trends Survey in 2020

Lack of clinical trial awareness has been identified as a barrier to clinical trial recruitment. Identifying factors associated with clinical trial knowledge could inform ongoing efforts to improve diversity in clinical trials. Using data from the Health Information National Trends Survey, 2020, we examined the knowledge of clinical trials, associated characteristics, sources of clinical trial information and motives to participate in clinical trials among the general population in the USA. Of 3,772 US adults, 41.3% reported not knowing about clinical trials. Prevalence of having no knowledge of clinical trials was higher among Hispanic adults (51.8%) and non-Hispanic Black adults (41.8%) compared with non-Hispanic White adults (37.4%; p=0.013). Other significant predictors of knowledge about clinical trials included higher education, online health information-seeking behaviour and patient portal access. Most respondents (73.2%) reported that healthcare providers were the most trusted source of information. Helping other people (71.6%) was the primary motivation for clinical trial participation, followed by financial compensation (12.5%) and receiving better treatment (5.1%). There is a gap in knowledge about clinical trials among the US population. Development of multimodal approaches, including online and offline information broadcasting, is needed to improve knowledge and clinical trial recruitment in diverse populations.

Healthy lifestyle during pregnancy: Uncovering the role of online health information seeking experience

In the new era, many people seek their health-related information through the Internet due to the increasing access to this technology. Searching online health information can affect the health behavior. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between online health information-seeking behavior and a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy in a sample of Iranian pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women admitted to health centers of Eghlid city, Fars province, Iran in 2019. A total of 193 women participated in the study. The required data were gathered using two validated questionnaires to measure the online health information-seeking behavior and the healthy lifestyle practices of the participants. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient using SPSS version 22. Online health information experience and its subscales showed no statistical correlation with a healthy lifestyle. Age and education did not correlate with online health information-seeking behavior. Age had a statistical correlation with a healthy lifestyle, but education had the same correlation only with some subscales of a healthy lifestyle. The findings were surprising, suggesting that online health information-seeking behavior does not affect the lifestyle of pregnant women. These finding and probable explanations are discussed, but due to the limited literature on the subject, further studies are recommended to be conducted.

Online health information-seeking behaviour: an empirical study of managerial-level employees in Sri Lanka

PurposeOver the past few years, the internet has expanded rapidly, and it has been considered a systematic way that consumers use to retrieve health-related information. However, the existing literature does not provide an articulated view of online health information-seeking behaviour through an in-depth understanding of users’ searching-related behaviour. The objectives of this study are to identify the factors affecting consumers’ health-related internet use and recognise the relationships between those specified and health-related internet use. Finally, the recommendations are made based on the findings.Design/methodology/approachAn amalgamated model of technology acceptance model and health belief model was used to hypothesise health-related internet use behaviour, which is then tested using a cross-sectional survey of 287 Sri Lankan managerial-level employees. The covariance-based structural equation modelling with AMOS was used to check the study hypotheses.FindingsFindings of this study depict five factors contributing to consumers’ health-related internet use as follows: perceived health risk towards chronic diseases consisting of perceived susceptibility and perceived severity; health consciousness; perceived usefulness of the internet; perceived ease of internet use; and attitude towards health-related internet use. As theorised, the internet’s perceived usefulness was positively and significantly related to consumers’ use of health-related internet and attitude towards health-related internet use. But as hypothesised, perceived ease of internet use did not directly affect consumers’ use of health-related internet. Further, findings reveal that health-related internet use is estimated by perceived health risk than health consciousness.Originality/valueFindings reveal that Sri Lankan managerial-level employees have a reactive health behaviour driven by the perceived health risk and the desire to seek online health information.

The Chain Mediating Effect of the Public's Online Health Information-Seeking Behavior on Doctor-Patient Interaction.

ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the influence mechanisms of online health information-seeking behavior (OHISB) on doctor-patient interactions from a psychological perspective, using theory as a guide, which can effectively guide the mode of doctor-patient interaction after search behavior in China.MethodsWe conducted a convenient web-based survey among members of the public who engage in searching behavior in China using a pretested structured questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was performed for path analysis and mediating effect testing.ResultsThe findings of the study show that (1) 4 control variables (education level, occupation, income, and diagnosed disease) had significant differences in online health information-seeking behavior; 7 control variables (age, gender, living area, education level, occupation, income, medical insurance) were significantly different in doctor-patient interaction behaviors. (2) perceived disease severity (95% CI: 0.003, 0.04, P < 0.001), perceived action benefits (95% CI: 0.059, 0.138, P < 0.001), and e-health literacy (95% CI: 0.061, 0.155, P < 0.001) were positive predictors between OHISB and doctor-patient interactions. (2) E-health literacy and perceived disease severity (95% CI: 0.001, 0.013, P < 0.05), and e-health literacy and perceived action benefits (95% CI: 0.082, 0.166, P < 0.001) play chain mediating roles between OHISB and doctor-patient interactions.ConclusionsE-health literacy, perceived disease severity, and perceived action benefits act as chain mediators between OHISB and doctor-patient interactions.

Online information and support seeking during COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan: implications for health promotion.

The lockdown that was deployed in Wuhan, China to combat the COVID-19 pandemic curbed the infection but also created great information challenges for people in social isolation. This resulted in surge in online health information seeking (OHIS) behaviors of the patients and their families. While the Internet has been widely used by Chinese public to access and search health information, there is relatively little research in the context of pandemic outbreaks, especially at the onset of a strong lockdown while many people were panicking. From a total of 10 908 ‘#COVID-19 Patient Seeking Help’ posts on Weibo in a period of 20 days when the lockdown policy was first initiated, we identified 1496 unique patients living in or with family in Wuhan, China. Using textual analysis, we explored OHIS behaviors at the onset of the pandemic. Many faced increased difficulties accessing offline healthcare services and such turned to social media for help and information. In particular, the findings highlight the following themes: ‘OHIS for medical treatment’, ‘OHIS to manage self-quarantine’, ‘OHIS for tangible support’ and ‘OHIS to navigate information discrepancy’. Overall, our findings provide important insights into health information seeking behaviors and the role of social media during a pandemic. Our findings also highlight the importance of considering people’s information need and challenges created due to the lockdown policies in the future pandemic communication and preparedness.

Infodemiology of autoimmune encephalitis, autoimmune seizures, and autoimmune epilepsy: An analysis of online search behavior using Google Trends

BackgroundPatients and their caregivers, including clinicians and educators, use web-based search engines to access healthcare-related information from the internet. Online search behavior analysis has been used to obtain insights on health information demand. ObjectivesWe aimed to describe the online search behavior for autoimmune encephalitis, autoimmune seizures, and autoimmune encephalitis (AE) worldwide over time through the analysis of search volumes made on Google. MethodsIn this infodemiological study, we retrieved search volume indices for the keyword “autoimmune encephalitis (search term)”, “autoimmune seizures (search term)”, and “autoimmune encephalitis (search term)” based on worldwide search data from January 01, 2004 to October 31, 2021, using Google Trends. We performed a descriptive analysis of search volume patterns, including related topics and queries. ResultsThere was a progressive increase in search volume numbers over time for the keyword “autoimmune encephalitis”, “autoimmune seizures”, and “autoimmune epilepsy” with no annual seasonal variation. Peak search volumes for these keywords were recorded in July 2018, February 2005, December 2012, respectively. The greatest search volume for “autoimmune encephalitis” was recorded in Singapore, followed by Australia, the United States of America, the Philippines, and New Zealand, whereas it was highest in the United States for “autoimmune seizures” and “autoimmune epilepsy”. The most searched topics were related to definition, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. All related topics and queries increased in volume by more than 5000-fold over time. ConclusionsThis study showed an uptrend in the online search interest on autoimmune encephalitis, autoimmune seizures, and autoimmune epilepsy over time, which may reflect the increased awareness of the condition by the public and the medical community. Information on online health information-seeking behavior may be obtained from Google Trends data despite its limitations.

Online Health Information Seeking Behaviours among Malaysian Breast Cancer Patients, Survivors and Caretakers: A Content Analysis

Exploring online health information seeking behaviour (HISB) among Malaysian breast cancer patients, survivors and caretakers is crucial in understanding the ways these people used, communicated and disseminated online health information related to breast cancer. HISB has been explored and approached from different viewpoints which include extensive studies on online platform. Nonetheless, such expositions are considered inadequate as studies on cancer related online HISB are still scarce especially among Malaysians. The methodology used in this study is qualitative content analysis. Adapting the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2021, the data was collected from 113 respondents via Survey Monkey platform. The users’ online health information searching behaviour with regards to cancer information were also investigated. Using content analysis to analyse the data, we identified three overarching themes in relation to online cancer-related information seeking behaviours among them. Three major themes identified are (i) internet as the primary source of cancer-related information, (ii) experience of seeking cancer-related information online and (iii) issue with seeking and sharing online cancer-related information. The findings of this study are of significance for the healthcare practitioners, public health experts and health communication researchers. Future studies should consider exploring how online health information seeking behaviour among these groups can contribute to engaging them to choose credible online cancer-related information and how these behaviours can help Malaysian health practitioners to offer, disseminate and fulfil the health information needs of these groups.

Adolescents' disease- and fitness-related online health information seeking behaviors: The roles of perceived trust in online health information, eHealth literacy, and parental factors

Online health information seeking (OHIS) behaviors are prevalent among adolescents, which might guide their behaviors in the health domain, and therefore substantially impact their overall health. This study examined adolescent and parental factors in the disease- and fitness-related OHIS behaviors of adolescents. Trust in online health information and eHealth literacy were examined as adolescent factors, whereas parental OHIS mediation and behaviors were examined as parental factors. Czech adolescents (N = 1530; 50% girls) aged 13–18 and their parents (64% women) participated in the study. The results showed that adolescents' eHealth literacy — but not their trust in online health information — was associated with OHIS behaviors. Adolescents whose parents reported a higher frequency of OHIS behaviors and who were more frequently involved in mediating their children's OHIS behaviors were more likely to seek health information online. Furthermore, parental OHIS mediation and parental fitness-related OHIS behaviors moderated the association between the perceived trust in online health information and the OHIS behaviors. The findings highlighted parents as significant role models in adolescents' OHIS behaviors.

The effect of cyberchondria on anxiety, depression and quality of life during COVID-19: the mediational role of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and Internet addiction

Since the global pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), online health information-seeking behaviors have notably increased. Cyberchondria can be a vulnerability factor for the worsening of anxiety-depressive symptoms and quality of life. The current study aims to understand the predictive effect of cyberchondria on health anxiety, anxiety, depression and quality of life considering the mediating effect of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and Internet addiction and the moderating effect of COVID anxiety. 572 Italian participants (66% female; Mean age = 34; SD = 15) took part in a cross-sectional online survey involving CSS-12, MOCQ-R, IAT, SHAI, HADS, WHOQoL-BREF and CAS. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms and Internet addiction were found to partially mediate the cyberchondria-health anxiety and the cyberchondria-anxiety links and to totally mediate the cyberchondria-depression and the cyberchondria-quality of life links. COVID anxiety was found to moderate the relationship between cyberchondria and anxiety. The findings suggest that compulsivity may have a key role in the explanation of the underlying mechanisms of cyberchondria. Healthcare practitioners should provide additional support for individuals with cyberchondria. As such, cyberchondria is a contributing factor to the exacerbation of anxiety-depressive disorders and may impact on the quality of life.

Information and communication technology use for seeking health information in Vietnamese living in rural areas

ABSTRACT The fast expansion of information and communication technology (ICT) use has provided easier access to online health information. However, studies focusing on rural Vietnam, where many health issues exist, are still sparse. This current study aimed to investigate the ICT use among rural Vietnamese and examine factors associated with online health information-seeking behaviors. In this cross-sectional study, 226 Vietnamese aged 25 to 70 were recruited from a rural town in Quang Tri Province in 2017. Predictors were selected based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model. Binary logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with online health information-seeking behavior. Results showed that less than half of participants used the Internet, had a smartphone, had a computer or tablet, and used mobile apps. Binary logistic regression results showed that females (OR = .22, CI = .05-.97) and being married (OR = .09, CI = .01-.59) were associated with lower likelihoods to seek health information online. People with annual checkups (OR = 2.89, CI = 1.13–7.41) and more ICT use (OR = 2.58, CI = 1.87–3.57) were more likely to seek health information online. These findings suggested that ICT use and annual checkups were the most important factors in predicting online health information-seeking behavior among rural Vietnamese. Future health and government initiatives should focus on advancing access to healthcare and digital applications among this population.

Web-based health education in medicine and surgery.

The Internet is transforming health care and has the potential to combine existing health information sources. The general public increasingly uses the Internet as a complementary resource for health information. With the rapid development of the Internet and broadband worldwide, the web has become a major means of health information dissemination and proactive use of the Internet for health promotion is possible. Health professionals need to be more responsive to the use of the Internet to deliver better healthcare for consumers. In this editorial comment, I tried to address the issue and even explore the navigational needs of consumers for finding online health information and identifying consumer barriers to online health information-seeking behavior.

Exploring the Online Health Information-Seeking Behavior in a Sample of Italian Women: The "SEI Donna" Study.

There is much discussion about the skills of people in understanding and managing online health information. The Italian survey “SEI Donna” aimed to investigate perceptions and use of the web in women regarding health issues considering their health literacy (HL) and healthcare skills. We used an online questionnaire to explore different aspects of online health-related information-seeking behavior. The study participants (n = 7027) were categorized into healthcare workers (HW), healthcare students (HS), and non-healthcare women (non-HW). Half the sample (52%) searched online for a second opinion after the medical examination without statistical difference among HW, HS, and non-HW. Women in the age range of 26–40 years (OR = 1.28, p < 0.001), having chronic illness (OR = 1.48; p < 0.001), and being moderately (OR = 1.58; p < 0.001) or not satisfied (OR = 2.04; p < 0.001) with healthcare professionals were more likely to use the Internet to seek medical insight. Overall, 34% of women had a functional HL, the same being higher in HW (64%) and in HS (43%) than the rest of the women (18%) (p < 0.0001). The suboptimal HL suggests the need to improve HL in the general population to be skilled in surfing the web and, at the same time, to reorganize health training to improve the HL of healthcare professionals, also enriching their communication skills.