scholarly journals Health Information Seeking Partially Mediated the Association between Socioeconomic Status and Self-Rated Health among Hong Kong Chinese

PLoS ONE ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. e82720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Ping Wang ◽  
Xin Wang ◽  
Tai Hing Lam ◽  
Kasisomayajula Viswanath ◽  
Sophia S. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Hong Kong Chinese ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Self Rated Health

scholarly journals Digital inequalities in health information seeking behaviors and experiences in the age of web 2.0: A population-based study in Hong Kong

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0249400
Author(s):  
Ningyuan Guo ◽  
Ziqiu Guo ◽  
Shengzhi Zhao ◽  
Sai Yin Ho ◽  
Daniel Yee Tak Fong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Web 2.0 ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Hong Kong Chinese ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Chinese Adults ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviors

Background Inequalities in health information seeking behaviors (HISBs) using mass media and internet websites (web 1.0) are well documented. Little is known about web 2.0 such as social networking sites (SNS) and instant messaging (IM) and experiences of HISBs. Methods We surveyed representative Hong Kong Chinese adults (N = 10143, 54.9% female; 72.3% aged 25–64 years) on frequency of HISBs using traditional sources, internet websites, SNS (e.g., Facebook, Twitter), and IM (e.g., WhatsApp, WeChat) and experiences measured using Information Seeking Experience Scale. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for HISBs and experiences by sociodemographic and health-related characteristics were yielded using multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance estimators. aPRs for experiences by HISBs using internet websites, SNS, and IM adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics were also yielded. Results Being female, higher educational attainment, not smoking, and being physically active were associated with HISBs using any source (all P<0.05). Older age had decreased aPRs for HISBs using traditional sources (P for trend = 0.03), internet websites (P for trend<0.001), and SNS (P for trend<0.001) but not for IM (aged 45–64 years: aPR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.07, 2.03). Lower educational attainment and income were associated with negative experiences including feelings of effort and difficulties in understanding the information (all P for trend<0.05). Older age had increased aPRs for difficulties in understanding the information (P for trend = 0.003). Compared with internet websites, HISBs using IM was associated with feelings of frustration (aPR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.08, 1.79), difficulties in understanding the information (aPR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.12, 1.65), and quality concern (aPR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.08, 1.32). Conclusions We identified correlates of web-based health information seeking and experiences in Hong Kong Chinese adults. Providing greater access to and improved information environment of web 2.0 to the target groups may help address digital inequalities.

scholarly journals The Digital Divide and Seeking Health Information on Smartphones in Asia: A Profile of Users (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohui Wang ◽  
Jingyuan Shi ◽  
Kwan Min Lee
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Technological Factors ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Health Related

BACKGROUND Although recent developments in mobile health (mHealth) have elevated the importance of assessing the extent to which smartphones empower individuals to seek information online, research in Asian countries investigating the behavior of seeking health information on smartphones has been rare. OBJECTIVE The twofold goal of our study was to provide a comprehensive profile of mobile health information seekers in 10 Asian countries and to examine the individual- and country-level digital divide in mobile health information seeking in Asia. METHODS With survey data from 10 Asian countries (N = 9,086), we ran multilevel regression models to assess the effects of sociodemographic factors, technological factors, and country-level disparity on using smartphones to seek health information. RESULTS Respondents who were women (β = .14, p < .001), parents (β = .16, p < .001), employed (β = .07, p = .009), of higher social status (β = .10, p < .001), and/or from countries with less health expenditure (β = .20, p = .002) were more likely to use smartphones to seek health information. Technological factors, especially the technology innovativeness (β = .11, p < .001) and frequency of smartphone use (β = .41, p < .001), were important factors of such information-seeking behavior. CONCLUSIONS Among smartphone users in Asia, health information seeking varies according to individuals’ socioeconomic status, their concerns with the quality of online information, their innovativeness towards technology, and the government’s health-related expenditure in their respective countries. Although smartphones widen the digital divide among individuals with different socioeconomic status, they also bridge the divide between countries with varying health expenditures. Especially in developing areas, smartphones appear to be a particularly useful complement to seeking health-related information.

scholarly journals How, When and Why People Seek Health Information Online: Qualitative Study in Hong Kong (Preprint)

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna TW Chu ◽  
Man Ping Wang ◽  
Chen Shen ◽  
Kasisomayajula Viswanath ◽  
Tai Hing Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
The World ◽  
Professional Health

BACKGROUND The Internet has become an established source for health information. The number of individuals using the Internet to search for health information, ranging from healthy lifestyle advice to treatment and diseases, continues to grow. Scholars have emphasized the need to give greater voice and influence to health consumers. Hong Kong, being one of the most technologically advanced and connected cities in the world, has one of the highest Internet penetration rates in the world. Given the dearth of research in an Asian context, Hong Kong is an excellent platform to study individuals’ perceptions (eg, benefits and limitations on seeking health information online and how the information is used) on health information seeking. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper was to study individuals’ perceptions on health information seeking and to document their Internet information–seeking behaviors. METHODS Five focus groups (n=49) were conducted from November 2015 to January 2016 with individuals across different age groups (18 years or above). Focus group contents were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. RESULTS Older (55+ years) and less educated respondents were less likely to use the Internet to search for health information. Among individuals who obtained health information via the Internet, regardless of the severity of the health issue, the Internet was always the first source for information. Limited doctor consultation time and barriers to accessing professional health services were the main reasons for using the Internet. Convenience and coverage were regarded as the main advantages, whereas credibility and trustworthiness of health information were noted as limitations. The use of Web-based health information varied among individuals; hence, the implications on the doctor-patient relationship were mixed. CONCLUSIONS The prevalent and increasing use of the Internet for health information seeking suggests the need for health care professionals to understand how it can be optimally utilized to improve health outcomes. Strategies for communicating and disseminating credible health information in a form that users can understand and use are essential. Due to the rapid technological and related behavioral changes, online health information seeking and its effects need to be closely monitored.

scholarly journals Social Determinants of Health Information Seeking among Chinese Adults in Hong Kong

PLoS ONE ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. e73049 ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Ping Wang ◽  
Kasisomayajula Viswanath ◽  
Tai Hing Lam ◽  
Xin Wang ◽  
Sophia S. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Social Determinants Of Health ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Determinants Of Health ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Chinese Adults

scholarly journals Online Health Information Seeking and eHealth Literacy Among Patients Attending a Primary Care Clinic in Hong Kong: A Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Ka-Ki Wong ◽  
Man-Kuen Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Online Health Information Seeking

BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that patients’ online health information seeking affects their medical consultations and patient-doctor relationships. An up-to-date picture of patients’ online health information-seeking behaviors can inform and prepare frontline health care professionals to collaborate, facilitate, or empower their patients to access and manage health information found online. OBJECTIVE This study explores the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of online health information-seeking behaviors among primary care patients in Hong Kong, and the relations between online health information seeking and electronic health (eHealth) literacy. METHODS Patients attending a university primary care clinic in Hong Kong were asked to complete a questionnaire survey on their demographic backgrounds; health status; frequency and pattern of online health information seeking; contents, sources, and reasons for online health information seeking; and their eHealth literacy. eHealth literacy was measured by the validated eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Regression analyses explored various demographic and behavioral predictors to online health information seeking, and predictors to eHealth literacy. RESULTS In all, 97.32% (1162/1194) respondents used the internet, of which 87.44% (1016/1162) had used the internet to find health information. Most respondents (65.97%, 665/1008) searched once monthly or more. Few (26.88%, 271/1008) asked their doctor about health information found online, but most doctors (56.1%, 152/271) showed little or no interest at all. The most sought topic was symptom (81.59%, 829/1016), the top reason was noticing new symptoms or change in health (70.08%, 712/1016), the most popular source was online encyclopedia (69.98%, 711/1016), and the top reason for choosing a source was convenience (55.41%, 563/1016). Poisson regression analysis identified high eHEALS score, fair or poor self-rated health, having a chronic medical condition, and using the internet several times a day as significant predictors of online health information seeking. Multiple regression analysis identified lower age, better self-rated health, more frequent internet use, more frequent online health information seeking, and more types of health information sought as significant predictors to higher eHealth literacy. CONCLUSIONS Online health information seeking is prevalent among primary care patients in Hong Kong, but only a minority shared the information with doctors. Websites were chosen more for convenience than for accuracy or authoritativeness. Doctors should recognize patients’ online health information-seeking behavior, and facilitate and empower them to search for high-quality online health information.

Older adults and internet health information seeking

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamer El-Attar ◽  
Jarvis Gray ◽  
Sankaran N. Nair ◽  
Raymond Ownby ◽  
Sara J. Czaja
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Internet Health Information
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