The role of sexual identity in tobacco information–seeking behaviours and perceptions

Objective: To explore differences in tobacco information–seeking behaviours and perceptions between sexual minority and heterosexual (or ‘straight’) adults and to determine if these differences are mediated by tobacco use. Design: Cross-sectional national survey. Setting: Nationally representative probability-based surveys of adults 18 years of age or older in the US civilian non-institutionalised population. Methods: Data from respondents identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual (LGB; n = 156) or straight ( n = 4,964) in the US National Cancer Institute’s Health Information National Trends Survey Food and Drug Administration cycles 1 and 2 (HINTS-FDA 2015, 2017) were analysed. We compared the responses of sexual minority and straight respondents aged 18 years and older concerning tobacco information-seeking behaviours and perceptions. Results: Sexual minority respondents were more likely than their straight counterparts to seek out tobacco health information, to look for information about e-cigarettes and to use the Internet for health information searches. Some of these differences were mediated by tobacco use. Sexual minority respondents were similar to their straight counterparts regarding perceptions of trust and confidence in tobacco health information, as well as perceptions of the hazards of tobacco use. Conclusion: Because sexual minority adults have higher rates of tobacco use and higher rates of tobacco information seeking than others, tobacco health information campaigns should consider carefully tailoring the messages directed towards sexual minority populations.

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Understanding Health Information Seeking on the Internet Among Sexual Minority People: Cross-Sectional Analysis From the Health Information National Trends Survey

JMIR Public Health and Surveillance ◽

10.2196/publichealth.7526 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. e39 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Jennifer M Jabson ◽

Joanne G Patterson ◽

Charles Kamen

Keyword(s):

Health Information ◽

Sexual Minority ◽

Information Seeking ◽

The Internet ◽

Health Information Seeking ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cross Sectional Analysis ◽

National Trends ◽

Sectional Analysis ◽

Minority People

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Digital Health Engagement in the US Population: Insights From the 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey

American Journal of Public Health ◽

10.2105/ajph.2021.306282 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. e1-e4

Author(s):

Chelsea L. Ratcliff ◽

Melinda Krakow ◽

Alexandra Greenberg-Worisek ◽

Bradford W. Hesse

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Information ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Digital Health ◽

Smart Device ◽

P Value ◽

Care Providers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Us ◽

National Trends

Objectives. To examine prevalence and predictors of digital health engagement among the US population. Methods. We analyzed nationally representative cross-sectional data on 7 digital health engagement behaviors, as well as demographic and socioeconomic predictors, from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, cycle 2, collected in 2018; n = 2698–3504). We fitted multivariable logistic regression models using weighted survey responses to generate population estimates. Results. Digitally seeking health information (70.14%) was relatively common, whereas using health apps (39.53%) and using a digital device to track health metrics (35.37%) or health goal progress (38.99%) were less common. Digitally communicating with one’s health care providers (35.58%) was moderate, whereas sharing health data with providers (17.20%) and sharing health information on social media (14.02%) were uncommon. Being female, younger than 65 years, a college graduate, and a smart device owner positively predicted several digital health engagement behaviors (odds ratio range = 0.09–4.21; P value range < .001–.03). Conclusions. Many public health goals depend on a digitally engaged populace. These data highlight potential barriers to 7 key digital engagement behaviors that could be targeted for intervention. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print May 20, 2021: e1–e4. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306282 )

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Widespread Belief That Organic and Additive-Free Tobacco Products are Less Harmful Than Regular Tobacco Products: Results From the 2017 US Health Information National Trends Survey

Nicotine & Tobacco Research ◽

10.1093/ntr/ntz015 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (7) ◽

pp. 970-973 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jennifer L Pearson ◽

Meghan Moran ◽

Cristine D Delnevo ◽

Andrea C Villanti ◽

M Jane Lewis

Keyword(s):

Health Information ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Tobacco Product ◽

Tobacco Products ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

The Us ◽

Widespread Belief ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Never Smokers ◽

National Trends

Abstract Significance US smokers of Natural American Spirit, a brand marketed as “organic” and “additive-free,” are more likely than other cigarette smokers to believe that their brand might be less harmful than other brands. This article (1) describes the prevalence of belief that “organic” and “additive-free” tobacco is less harmful than regular tobacco products in the US population and (2) describes the sociodemographic characteristics of adults who believe tobacco products with these descriptors are less harmful. Methods Data were drawn from the 2017 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), a nationally representative survey of US adults. Logistic regression models were used to examine correlates of the belief that “organic” or “additive-free” tobacco products are less harmful than regular tobacco products. Results Overall, 26.7% of US adults and 45.3% of adult smokers believe that “organic” tobacco products are less harmful than regular tobacco products. Similarly, 35.2% of US adults and 47.1% of smokers believe that “additive-free” tobacco products are less harmful. When examining gender, age, education, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and smoking status, only age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] ~0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97, 0.99 for both outcomes) and smoking status (current vs. never smokers, aOR ~1.78, 95% CI 1.03, 3.07 for both outcomes) were correlates of believing that “organic” or “additive-free” tobacco is less harmful than regular tobacco products. Conclusions Belief that “organic” and “additive-free” tobacco products are less harmful than other products is widespread. Younger adults and current smokers are most likely to be misinformed by “organic” or “additive-free” tobacco product descriptors. Implications Belief that “organic” and “additive-free” tobacco products are less harmful than other products is widespread among US adults and most prevalent among smokers. Removal of terms that incorrectly imply reduced harm may correct current and future consumers’ misperceptions about the brand.

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Cancer information seeking and scanning: Sources and patterns

Health Education Journal ◽

10.1177/0017896917717542 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 76 (7) ◽

pp. 853-868 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Laura LB Barnes ◽

Jam J Khojasteh ◽

Denna Wheeler

Keyword(s):

Health Information ◽

Information Search ◽

Information Seeking ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Cancer Information ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Search Patterns ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

National Trends

Objective: This study aimed to identify predominant search patterns in a recent search for health information and a potential search for strongly needed cancer information, to identify the commonly scanned sources of information that may represent stable elements of the information fields characteristic of these patterns, and to evaluate whether search patterns are the same for cancer patients and non-patients. Design: Analysis of Health Information National Trends Survey 4 Cycle 2 (HINTS 4.2) data, a nationally representative survey administered by the US National Cancer Institute. Methods: The search patterns of individuals responding to survey questions about a recent search for health information and a hypothetical search for strongly needed cancer information were identified by cross-classifying the first source of information to be consulted in both search contexts. Using a mixed-model repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), we evaluated the relationship between search patterns and scanned sources of cancer information. Results: Five predominant search patterns or groups were evident: Internet–doctor (29%), Internet–Internet (25%), doctor–doctor (16%), Internet–cancer organisation (6%) and print–doctor (6%) for recent search and for the hypothetical search for strongly needed information, respectively. Patterns did not vary by presence/absence of cancer diagnosis. Information search groups differed both demographically and in the sources of information scanned. Patterns were replicated in data from two additional HINTS surveys which differed in the wording of the focal questions. Conclusion: Differences among the patterns in various health-related attitudes and behaviours are identified. Implications for patient engagement in shared decision-making, particularly in the presence of rapid developments in health information technology, are discussed.

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Use of Digital Health Information for Health Information Seeking Among Men Living With Chronic Disease: Data From the Health Information National Trends Survey

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/1557988320901377 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 155798832090137 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ledric D. Sherman ◽

Megan S. Patterson ◽

Aditi Tomar ◽

Lisa T. Wigfall

Keyword(s):

Health Information ◽

Information Seeking ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Digital Health ◽

Diabetes Education ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Future Research ◽

Health Information Seeking ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

National Trends

Although diabetes education plays an important role in self-management for people living with diabetes, male health “help-seeking” lags far behind women. These gender-related “help-seeking” disparities often result in males being less engaged in their health care, which subsequently leads to poorer health outcomes among males. In this cross-sectional study, we used data from the 2017 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) to identify factors that may contribute to communication inequalities between males and females. A hierarchical {linear/logistic} regression model was used to examine factors associated with online health information seeking among males living with diabetes. The results suggest that education, income, age, identifying as Hispanic, being a smoker, using a device to track progress toward a health-related goal, and using device to seek health information were all related to eHealth sum scores. Future research should consider testing applications among various at-risk groups to determine if the technology itself is becoming a barrier to eHealth.

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Spontaneous self-affirmation is associated with psychological well-being: Evidence from a US national adult survey sample

Journal of Health Psychology ◽

10.1177/1359105316643595 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 95-102 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Amber S Emanuel ◽

Jennifer L Howell ◽

Jennifer M Taber ◽

Rebecca A Ferrer ◽

William MP Klein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Health Information ◽

Demographic Factors ◽

Well Being ◽

Subjective Health ◽

Personal Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Survey Sample ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

National Trends

Emerging evidence suggests that individuals spontaneously self-affirm, by reflecting on values and strengths, in response to daily threats. We examined the prevalence and demographic and well-being correlates of spontaneous self-affirmation in the general population. Participants ( n = 3185) completed the cross-sectional, nationally representative 2013 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 4, Cycle 3), and answered questions about spontaneous self-affirmation, demographic factors, well-being, and affect. The majority of the population reported spontaneously self-affirming. Black and Hispanic respondents reported engaging in more spontaneous self-affirmation. Engaging in spontaneous self-affirmation was related to greater happiness, hopefulness, optimism, subjective health, and personal health efficacy, and less anger and sadness.

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The Mediating Role of Patients’ Trust Between Online Health Information Seeking and Patients’ Uncertainty: a Cross-Sectional Online Survey in China (Preprint)

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/25275 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Wei Dong ◽

Xiangxi Lei ◽

Yongmei Liu

Keyword(s):

Health Information ◽

Information Seeking ◽

Online Survey ◽

Online Health Information ◽

Health Information Seeking ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mediating Role ◽

Online Health Information Seeking

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Examining Recent Trends in the Racial Disparity Gap in Tap Water Consumption: NHANES 2011–2018

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980021002603 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-20

Author(s):

Asher Y. Rosinger ◽

Anisha I. Patel ◽

Francesca Weaks

Keyword(s):

Water Consumption ◽

Tap Water ◽

Ethnic Disparities ◽

Prevalence Ratio ◽

Bottled Water ◽

Water Crisis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Us ◽

Recent Trends ◽

Nationally Representative

Abstract Objective As tap water distrust has grown in the US with greater levels among Black and Hispanic households, we aimed to examine recent trends in not drinking tap water including the period covering the US Flint Water Crisis and racial/ethnic disparities in these trends. Design Cross-sectional analysis. We used log-binomial regressions and marginal predicted probabilities examined US nationally-representative trends in tap and bottled water consumption overall and by race/ethnicity. Setting The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, 2011–2018. Participants Nationally-representative sample of 9,439 children aged 2-19 and 17,268 adults. Results Among US children and adults, respectively, in 2017-2018 there was a 63% (adjusted prevalence ratio [PR]:1.63, 95%CI: 1.25-2.12, p<0.001) and 40% (PR:1.40, 95%CI: 1.16-1.69, p=0.001) higher prevalence of not drinking tap water compared to 2013-2014 (pre-Flint Water Crisis). For Black children and adults, the probability of not drinking tap water increased significantly from 18.1% (95%CI: 13.4-22.8) and 24.6% (95%CI: 20.7-28.4) in 2013–14 to 29.3% (95%CI: 23.5-35.1) and 34.5% (95%CI: 29.4-39.6) in 2017–2018. Among Hispanic children and adults, not drinking tap water increased significantly from 24.5% (95%CI: 19.4-29.6) and 27.1% (95%CI: 23.0-31.2) in 2013-14 to 39.7% (95%CI: 32.7-46.8) and 38.1% (95%CI: 33.0-43.1) in 2017-2018. No significant increases were observed among Asian or white persons between 2013-14 and 2017-18. Similar trends were found in bottled water consumption. Conclusions This study found persistent disparities in the tap water consumption gap from 2011–2018. Black and Hispanics’ probability of not drinking tap water increased following the Flint Water Crisis.

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Patterns of Red and Processed Meat Consumption across North America: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Comparison of Dietary Recalls from Canada, Mexico, and the United States

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18010357 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 357

Author(s):

Sarah M. Frank ◽

Lindsay M. Jaacks ◽

Carolina Batis ◽

Lana Vanderlee ◽

Lindsey Smith Taillie

Keyword(s):

North America ◽

Meat Consumption ◽

The United States ◽

Processed Meat ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Us ◽

Total Meat ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Processed Meat Consumption ◽

Red And Processed Meat

Close economic ties encourage production and trade of meat between Canada, Mexico, and the US. Understanding the patterns of red and processed meat consumption in North America may inform policies designed to reduce meat consumption and bolster environmental and public health efforts across the continent. We used nationally-representative cross-sectional survey data to analyze consumption of unprocessed red meat; processed meat; and total red and processed meat. Generalized linear models were used to separately estimate probability of consumption and adjusted mean intake. Prevalence of total meat consumers was higher in the US (73.6, 95% CI: 72.3–74.8%) than in Canada (65.6, 63.9–67.2%) or Mexico (62.7, 58.1–67.2%). Men were more likely to consume unprocessed red, processed, and total meat, and had larger estimated intakes. In Mexico, high wealth individuals were more likely to consume all three categories of meat. In the US and Canada, those with high education were less likely to consume total and processed meat. Estimated mean intake of unprocessed red, processed, and total meat did not differ across sociodemographic strata. Overall consumption of red and processed meat remains high in North America. Policies to reduce meat consumption are appropriate for all three countries.

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