What users seek and share in online diabetes communities: examining similarities and differences in expressions and themes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhizhen Yao ◽  
Bin Zhang ◽  
Zhenni Ni ◽  
Feicheng Ma
Keyword(s):  
Information Sharing ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Network Analyses ◽  
Similarities And Differences

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate user health information seeking and sharing patterns and content in an online diabetes community and explore the similarities and differences in the ways and themes they expressed.Design/methodology/approachMultiple methods are applied to analyze the expressions and themes that users seek and share based on large-scale text data in an online diabetes community. First, a text classifier using deep learning method is performed based on the expression category this study developed. Second, statistical and social network analyses are used to measure the popularity and compare differences between expressions. Third, topic modeling, manual coding and similarity analysis are used to mining topics and thematic similarity between seeking and sharing threads.FindingsThere are four different ways users seek and share in online health communities (OHCs) including informational seeking, situational seeking, objective information sharing and experiential information sharing. The results indicate that threads with self-disclosure could receive more replies and attract more users to contribute. This study also examines the 10 topics that were discussed for information seeking and 14 topics for information sharing. They shared three discussion themes: self-management, medication and symptoms. Information about symptoms can be largely matched between seeking and sharing threads while there is less overlap in self-management and medication categories.Originality/valueBeing different from previous studies that mainly describe one type of health information behavior, this paper analyzes user health information seeking and sharing behaviors in OHCs and investigates whether there is a correspondence or discrepancy between expressions and information users spontaneously seek and share in OHCs.

scholarly journals Health Information Seeking, Receipt, and Use in Diabetes Self-Management

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 334-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. Longo ◽  
S. L. Schubert ◽  
B. A. Wright ◽  
J. LeMaster ◽  
C. D. Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Health Information Seeking

Understanding online health information consumers' search as a learning process

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 859-881
Author(s):  
Yijin Chen ◽  
Yiming Zhao ◽  
Ziyun Wang
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Query Sequence ◽  
Query Reformulation ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conceptual Changes ◽  
Health Consumers ◽  
Information Consumers

PurposeThis study considers online searching by health information consumers as a learning process. We focus on search sequences, query reformulation, and conceptual changes.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative user study (30 participants; three health information seeking tasks) investigated mobile searching behavior. Recorded screen activity, questionnaires, and in-depth personal interview data were collected and analyzed.Findings(1) Search platform sequences of health information consumers in search as a learning process were exacted and their features were highlighted. (2) Query sequence and reformulation pattern of health information consumers were exacted and discussed. (3) The types and degree of conceptual changes of health consumers were reflected by their query reformulation behavior and differ from different health information search tasks. (4) Characteristics of health consumers' search as learning process were revealed.Research limitations/implications(1) A novel perspective of consumer health information studies was proposed by exacting search platform sequence, query sequence and linking them with conceptual changes during the search as learning process. (2) Conceptual changes in the searching as a learning process are regarded as a measure of search outcome in this study, in which terms extracted from queries were used to reflect conceptual changes in consumers' mind. (3) Our findings provide evidences that types of health information seeking tasks do have significant influences on the search as a learning process.Practical ImplicationsThe findings of this study can lead to the fit-to-needs of the search platforms, provide advice for information architecture of search list of search platforms, and guide the design of knowledge graph of health information systems.Originality/valuePotential relationships between information-seeking behavior and conceptual changes in search as a learning process relative to health information were revealed.

Refugee and immigrant health information needs

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-171
Author(s):  
Margaret Zimmerman ◽  
Heather Beam
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Information Requirements ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Immigrant And Refugee ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviors

Purpose The purpose of this article is to provide insight into the HISB of this group. Immigrants and refugees are at a heightened risk for negative health outcomes upon resettlement. However, little scholarship reports on the health information-seeking behaviors and information needs of this population. Design/methodology/approach This study reports the findings of a study into the health information-seeking behaviors of 85 immigrant and refugee women. Women were asked to fill out a survey in their native language with both multiple choice and open-ended questions that requested information on what health information they required the most, which means they used to get it and paired this with demographic information. Findings In their own words, the participants reported information requirements regarding dental care, nutrition, general, reproductive and child health, as well as assistance in navigating the healthcare system. However, they believed that medical professionals are the most reliable sources of information and that they frequently turned to less credible sources such as friends and family or the internet. This may be because of their self-reported barriers of language and cost, as wells difficulty in understanding how to obtain information in the USA. What sources the participants used and what their informational needs were was influenced by their age, education and time living in the USA. Some comparisons are made with a group of local women in a similar study conducted concurrently by the author. Originality/value The research presented in this study provides a clearer understanding of the health information requirements and behaviors of refugee and immigrant women.

The health information seeking and usage behavior intention of Chinese consumers through mobile phones

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 405-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaohua Deng ◽  
Shan Liu ◽  
Oliver Hinz
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Behavior Intention ◽  
Usage Behavior ◽  
Health Information Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Purpose – Although the health information seeking behavior of consumers through the internet has received great attention, limited attempt has been made to integrate both the health information seeking behavior and the usage behavior in a mobile online context. The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that influence consumer mobile health information seeking (MHIS) and usage behavior based on information quality, perceived value, personal health value, and trust. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted to collect data. A two-step approach of structure equation modeling based was used to test the measurement model and hypothesis model. Findings – Information quality, perceived value, and trust were found to have positive effects on both the intention to seek and to use health information, and that the intention to seek affects the intention to use. Among the three components of perceived value, the utilitarian and epistemic values were found to have significant effects on intention to seek. In addition, the current health status of health consumers moderates the relationships between MHIS and usage intention and their determinants. Originality/value – Studies have primarily focussed on online health information seeking behavior, whereas a few of these studies have examined the seeking behavior intention and the usage behavior intention in a general model. The results indicate that health information usage behavior intention is closely related to the seeking behavior intention in the mobile context, which enriches the research on the relationship between information seeking and its outcomes. Furthermore, this study highlights the impact of information quality, perceived value, and trust on the intention to seek, and the impacts of information quality and trust on the intention to use, which have been overlooked in previous studies on MHIS.

scholarly journals Exploring the Characteristics and Preferences for Online Support Groups: Mixed Method Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Louise Plinsinga ◽  
Manuela Besomi ◽  
Liam Maclachlan ◽  
Luciano Melo ◽  
Sarah Robbins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Information Seeking Behavior ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Health Information Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior

BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, disabling, and prevalent disorder. As there is no cure for OA, long-term self-management is paramount. Support groups (SGs) can facilitate self-management among people living with OA. Understanding preferences in design and features of SGs, including online SGs (OSGs), among people with OA can inform future development of SG interventions for this condition. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate health care– and health information–seeking behavior, digital literacy, and preferences for the design of SGs in people with OA. The study also explored the perceived barriers and enablers to being involved in OSGs. METHODS An online survey study was conducted with a mixed method design (quantitative and qualitative). Individuals aged ≥45 years with knee, hip, or back pain for ≥3 months were recruited from an extant patient database of the Institute of Bone and Joint Research via email invitations. Quantitative elements of the survey included questions about sociodemographic background; health care– and health information–seeking behavior; digital literacy; and previous participation in, and preferences for, SGs and OSGs. Respondents were classified into 2 groups (Yes-SG and No-SG) based on previous participation or interest in an SG. Group differences were assessed with Chi-square tests (significance level set at 5%). Responses to free-text questions relating to preferences regarding OSG engagement were analyzed qualitatively using an inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 415 people with OA completed the survey (300/415, 72.3% females; 252/415, 61.0% lived in a major city). The Yes-SG group included 307 (307/415, 73.9%) participants. Between the Yes-SG and No-SG groups, there were no differences in sociodemographic characteristics, health care– and health information–seeking behavior, and digital literacy. An online format was preferred by 126/259 (48.7%) of the Yes-SG group. Trained peer facilitators were preferred, and trustworthiness of advice and information were highly prioritized by the respondents. Qualitative analysis for OSG participation revealed 5 main themes. Lack of time and motivation were the main barriers identified. The main enablers were related to accessibility, enjoyment of the experience, and the content of the discussed information. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the preferences in design features and content of SGs and OSGs and may assist in the further development of such groups.

Characteristics of the health information seeking behavior of LGBTQ+ individuals: a systematic review on information types, information sources and influencing factors

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Romy Menghao Jia ◽  
Jia Tina Du ◽  
Yuxiang Chris Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Information Seeking Behavior ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Information Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior

PurposeLesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals' health information seeking is an important topic across multiple disciplines and areas. The aim of this systematic review is to create a holistic view of sexual and gender minority individuals' health information seeking reported in multidisciplinary studies, with regard to the types of health information LGBTQ+ individuals sought and information sources they used, as well as the factors influencing their health information seeking behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe review is based on the literature search in 10 major academic databases. A set of inclusion and exclusion criteria was applied to identify studies that provide evidence on LGBTQ+ individuals' health information seeking behavior. The studies were first screened by title and abstract to determine whether they met the inclusion criteria. The full texts of each relevant study were obtained to confirm whether the exclusion criteria were met. The reference lists of the included studies were manually scanned. The relevant information was then extracted from selected articles and analyzed using thematic content analysis.FindingsA seed set of 3,122 articles published between 1997 and 2020 was evaluated, and 46 total articles were considered for further analysis. The review results show that two major categories of health information sought by LGBTQ+ individuals were sexual and nonsexual, which were further classified into 17 specific types. In terms of health information sources, researchers have reported that online resources, interpersonal sources and traditional media were frequently used. Moreover, 25 factors affecting LGBTQ+ individuals' health information seeking were identified from the literature.Originality/valueThrough evidence-based understanding, this review preliminarily bridged the knowledge gap in understanding the status quo of studies on LGBTQ+ individuals' health information seeking and proposed the potential research directions that information science researchers could contribute to this important area.

Web-based health information seeking

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 933-944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annika Rantala ◽  
Heidi Enwald ◽  
Sandy Zinn
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Information ◽  
South African ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
African Students ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internet Penetration

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine differences of health information seeking among Finnish and South African university students. The focus is on weight management and on how students utilise various internet sources. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected with a web-based, structured survey by using convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s χ2 test were utilised in the analysis. Findings Overall, health information was more often encountered than sought on purpose. Passive information seeking was more common for South African students as almost a third of them report encountering it several times a week. As an information source, South African students opted for social networking sites more frequently than search engines, the latter being the first choice for Finnish students. Discussion boards were more popular among South African students, and, on the other hand, web-based health calculators among Finns. Research limitations/implications This is a small-scale comparative study. The results are not to be generalised, but may provide clues about the information seeking differences between Finland and South Africa. Practical implications Media literacy, digital literacy and health information literacy of young adults should be emphasised so that they would be able to evaluate information for reliability and accuracy in order to help them make appropriate decisions when confronted by health information online. Social implications The implications of the study are that health providers and professionals should be more prominent on social media sites, which are popular ways for young people to discover information. Originality/value Comparative studies are rare. This comparison is between Finland, where internet penetration is 94 per cent, and South Africa, where internet penetration is 54 per cent.

A systematic integrative review of cognitive biases in consumer health information seeking: emerging perspective of behavioral information research

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsangyao Chen
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Consumer Health Information ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Consumer Health ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Behavioral Decision ◽  
Decision Research

PurposeWith the growing interest in behavioral health and medical decision-making, this systematic integrative review aims to understand research on cognitive biases in the context of consumer health information seeking and where future research opportunities may reside.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a systematic review protocol, 40 empirical research articles, out of 1,127 journal research papers from 12 academic databases, from 1995 to 2019, are included for review.FindingsThe study of cognitive biases in consumer health information seeking is a nascent and fast-growing phenomenon, with variety in publication venues and research methods. Among the 16 biases investigated, optimistic bias and confirmation bias have attracted most attention (46.9%). Researchers are most interested in specific disease/illness (35%) and the health factors of consumer products (17.5%). For theoretical presence, about one-third of the reviewed articles have cited behavioral economist Daniel Kahneman, although most of the references are the early works of Kahneman.Research limitations/implicationsAs an emerging research area, there exists plenty of cognitive biases to be investigated in the context of health information seeking. In the meantime, the adoption of more recent theoretical insights such as nudge for debiasing may enrich this research area. Health communication scientists may find incorporating the behavioral decision research framework enriches the disciplinary inquiry of health information seeking, while information scientists could use it to commence the cognitive turn of information science evolution.Originality/valueThrough evidence-based understanding, this review shows the potential research directions that health communication scientists and information scientists could contribute to optimize health decisions through the adoption of behavioral decision research framework.

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