scholarly journals Patient Questions and Physician Responses in a Chinese Health Q&A Website: Content Analysis (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziying Hong ◽  
Zhaohua Deng ◽  
Richard Evans ◽  
Haiyan Wu
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Text Format ◽  
Question And Answer ◽  
Health Question

BACKGROUND Since the turn of this century, the internet has become an invaluable resource for people seeking health information and answers to health-related queries. Health question and answer websites have grown in popularity in recent years as a means for patients to obtain health information from medical professionals. For patients suffering from chronic illnesses, it is vital that health care providers become better acquainted with patients’ information needs and learn how they express them in text format. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to: (1) explore whether patients can accurately and adequately express their information needs on health question and answer websites, (2) identify what types of problems are of most concern to those suffering from chronic illnesses, and (3) determine the relationship between question characteristics and the number of answers received. METHODS Questions were collected from a leading Chinese health question and answer website called “All questions will be answered” in January 2018. We focused on questions relating to diabetes and hepatitis, including those that were free and those that were financially rewarded. Content analysis was completed on a total of 7068 (diabetes) and 6685 (hepatitis) textual questions. Correlations between the characteristics of questions (number of words per question, value of reward) and the number of answers received were evaluated using linear regression analysis. RESULTS The majority of patients are able to accurately express their problem in text format, while some patients may require minor social support. The questions posted were related to three main topics: (1) prevention and examination, (2) diagnosis, and (3) treatment. Patients with diabetes were most concerned with the treatment received, whereas patients with hepatitis focused on the diagnosis results. The number of words per question and the value of the reward were negatively correlated with the number of answers. The number of words per question and the value of the reward were negatively correlated with the number of answers. CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable insights into the ability of patients suffering from chronic illnesses to make an understandable request on health question and answer websites. Health topics relating to diabetes and hepatitis were classified to address the health information needs of chronically ill patients. Furthermore, identification of the factors affecting the number of answers received per question can help users of these websites to better frame their questions to obtain more valuable answers.

scholarly journals Patient Questions and Physician Responses in a Chinese Health Q&A Website: Content Analysis

10.2196/13071 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. e13071
Author(s):  
Ziying Hong ◽  
Zhaohua Deng ◽  
Richard Evans ◽  
Haiyan Wu
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Text Format ◽  
Question And Answer ◽  
Health Question

Background Since the turn of this century, the internet has become an invaluable resource for people seeking health information and answers to health-related queries. Health question and answer websites have grown in popularity in recent years as a means for patients to obtain health information from medical professionals. For patients suffering from chronic illnesses, it is vital that health care providers become better acquainted with patients’ information needs and learn how they express them in text format. Objective The aims of this study were to: (1) explore whether patients can accurately and adequately express their information needs on health question and answer websites, (2) identify what types of problems are of most concern to those suffering from chronic illnesses, and (3) determine the relationship between question characteristics and the number of answers received. Methods Questions were collected from a leading Chinese health question and answer website called “All questions will be answered” in January 2018. We focused on questions relating to diabetes and hepatitis, including those that were free and those that were financially rewarded. Content analysis was completed on a total of 7068 (diabetes) and 6685 (hepatitis) textual questions. Correlations between the characteristics of questions (number of words per question, value of reward) and the number of answers received were evaluated using linear regression analysis. Results The majority of patients are able to accurately express their problem in text format, while some patients may require minor social support. The questions posted were related to three main topics: (1) prevention and examination, (2) diagnosis, and (3) treatment. Patients with diabetes were most concerned with the treatment received, whereas patients with hepatitis focused on the diagnosis results. The number of words per question and the value of the reward were negatively correlated with the number of answers. The number of words per question and the value of the reward were negatively correlated with the number of answers. Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into the ability of patients suffering from chronic illnesses to make an understandable request on health question and answer websites. Health topics relating to diabetes and hepatitis were classified to address the health information needs of chronically ill patients. Furthermore, identification of the factors affecting the number of answers received per question can help users of these websites to better frame their questions to obtain more valuable answers.

Designing Health Information Delivery Systems for Puerto Rican Women

2001 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 680-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth E. Davis ◽  
Daniele D. Flannery
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rican ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Puerto Rican Women ◽  
Health Information Sources

Although health information is important to the prevention of much illness, the health information needs of Puerto Rican women remain unaddressed, according to the results of this phenomenological study. Through audiotaped interviews, 21women evaluated various sources of health information. Analysis of the data revealed which health information sources they considered trustworthy and nontrustworthy. Health care providers were found to be one of the least helpful sources, as personal interactions were often hurried and inattentive to women’s needs. Yet, the women were able to present a vivid portrait of a culturally sensitive community environment conducive to the presentation of health information. Implications include the importance of including cultural values in any health information setting, as well as the importance of building cultural bridges between health educators and Puerto Rican women. More research is needed to examine community efforts to enhance health information sources for this population of women.

scholarly journals LGBTQ+ health research guides at North American health sciences libraries: a survey and content analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 109 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregg A. Stevens ◽  
Francisco J. Fajardo
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
Lgbtq Health

Objectives: Current literature recommends online research guides as an easy and effective tool to promote LGBTQ+ health information to both health care providers and the public. This cross-sectional study was designed to determine how extensive LGBTQ+ health guides are among hospital and academic libraries and which features are most prevalent.Methods: In order to locate LGBTQ+ health guides for content analysis, we searched for guides on the websites of libraries belonging to the Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries (AAHSL) and the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL). Additionally, we searched the Springshare interface for LibGuides with the word “health” and either “LGBT” or “transgender.” Content analysis was performed to identify major characteristics of the located guides, including target audience and the information type provided.Results: LGBTQ+ research guides were identified for 74 libraries. Of these, 5 were hospital libraries, and the rest were academic libraries. Of 158 AAHSL member libraries, 48 (30.4%) had LGBTQ+ guides on their websites. Nearly all guides (95.9%) provided general LGBTQ+ health information, and a large majority (87.8%) also had information resources for transgender health. Smaller percentages of guides contained information on HIV/AIDS (48.6%) and women’s health (16.2%).Conclusions: Even though literature recommends creating LGBTQ+ health guides, most health sciences libraries are missing an opportunity by not developing and maintaining these guides. Further research may be needed to determine the usage and usefulness of existing guides and to better identify barriers preventing libraries from creating guides.

Development of health literacy in persons and caregivers living with dementia: A qualitative directed content analysis

Dementia ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 147130122110496
Author(s):  
Michelle Kimzey ◽  
Carol J. Howe ◽  
Chelsea Martin ◽  
Jim McLarty ◽  
Ramona Baucham
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Directed Content Analysis

Background Persons living with dementia and their caregivers need health information to understand and manage daily life. Previous studies focused on the associations of health literacy and cognitive impairment with less exploring if and how individuals develop health literacy during the course of the disease. Purpose This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore the development of health literacy competencies among persons living with dementia and their caregivers. Methods Directed content analysis of six focus groups conducted in the community setting (15 persons living with dementia and 28 caregivers) was completed, using predetermined categories from the Integrated Model of Health Literacy: access, understand, appraise, and apply health information. Findings Participants described developing health literacy competencies over time, moving from a dependence on health care providers to becoming their own experts. Although health care providers were involved in the diagnosis and medication management, most participants admitted that they provided very little information on how to manage their daily life with dementia and often failed to inform them of community resources. Conclusion Participants seemed to find dementia resources on their own for both education and support, often stumbling upon them by accident. Health care providers should promote the health literacy competencies of their patients and caregivers by more intentionally providing dementia health and community resource information.

Accessibility of women to health information in Tanzania

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 415-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Benard ◽  
Monica Samwel Chipungahelo
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Types Of Information

Purpose The aim of this study is to examine accessibility of health information to women in Tanzania with reference to the Morogoro region. The specific objectives of the study were: first, to identify the health information needs of women; second, to determine the accessibility of the needed health information to women in the study area; and third, to determine the preferred sources of information used by women in accessing health information in the study area. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive survey method – cross-sectional design – was used. Semi-structured questionnaires with both open- and close-ended questions were used to collect data from four wards of Morogoro Municipal Council, Tanzania. Key informant interviews were conducted with 12 women from four wards, 3 women were selected from each ward. Findings The findings also indicated that there was a significant relationship between wards and accessibility to certain types of information which were concerning hypertension, family planning, malaria and typhoid. Although information on diabetes and hypertension had lower percentages of accessibility in all four wards, the study findings revealed that medical doctors, pharmacy shops and family were the main sources of information used by women to access health information. Radio and television were rated as preferred sources of information required by women, whereas internet, local herb hawkers and mobile phones were rated as non-preferable. It is therefore recommended that the government through health-care providers and medical librarians should be proactive in creating awareness and disseminate health information on non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes to women. Practical implications This paper provides practical recommendations on how to improve accessibility of health information in the communities. Social implications The paper has an implication of improving accessibility of health information to women in the communities. Originality/value The paper provides appropriate knowledge that is needed in improving access to health information in Tanzanian communities and in other developing countries communities.

Access and Use of Information by Primary Health Care Providers in Rural Uganda

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Maria G. N. Musoke
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Primary Health Care Providers ◽  
Information Models

This article summarises findings from a qualitative study conducted in rural Uganda, East Africa. The main aim of the study was to investigate the accessibility and use of health information in the lower echelons of Primary Health Care (PHC). Women, as PHC providers in an African family, were the focus as well as health workers. An interview schedule that consisted of open questions and one relating to health information critical incidents were used. A holistic inductive paradigm was adopted with a grounded theory analysis. The findings highlight a model of information behaviour that was driven by the value and impact of information unlike previous information models, which have been driven by information needs. The value and effect of information on PHC was as experienced and reported by the interviewees. Implications of the study and areas for further research are highlighted.

P01-349-Female adolescents ‘health-information needs: a qualitative study

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 351-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Shahhosseini ◽  
M. Simbar ◽  
A. Ramezankhani
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Female Adolescents ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mazandaran Province

IntroductionAlthough much has been written about the health status of adolescents, little is known about adolescents’ perception of their own educational health needs. The purpose of this article is to describe the educational health needs of female adolescents to plan support services.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted in Mazandaran province, a province in the north of Iran. 67 female adolescents between 12–19 years of age participated in 8 focus group discussion. Inaddittion, semi structured interviews were done with 11 key informants including:5 parents,3 teachers and school counselors,2 obstetricians and one midwife. Participants were selected based on purposeful sampling and with maximum variety. All tape-recorded data was fully transcribed and thematic analysis was done.ResultsFindngs of this research around the adolescents’ health-information needs emphasized on 5 overarching themes including necessary for education, need for appropriate content, need for suitable methods, need for suitable sources and appropriate age for education.ConclusionThe results show that promotion of female adolescents’ knowledges about reproductive health and life skills is one of the most important health needs of them. Education of this issues via parents, schools and health care providers could promote the health status of adolescents.

Patients' Perceptions of Different Information Exchange Mechanisms: An Exploratory Study in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (04/05) ◽  
pp. 162-178
Author(s):  
Pouyan Esmaeilzadeh
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
The United States ◽  
Exchange Mechanism ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Security Risks ◽  
Direct Exchange

Abstract Background Patients may seek health care services from various providers during treatment. These providers could serve in a network (affiliated) or practice separately (unaffiliated). Thus, using secure and reliable health information exchange (HIE) mechanisms would be critical to transfer sensitive personal health information (PHI) across distances. Studying patients' perceptions and opinions about exchange mechanisms could help health care providers build more complete HIEs' databases and develop robust privacy policies, consent processes, and patient education programs. Objectives Due to the exploratory nature of this study, we aim to shed more light on public perspectives (benefits, concerns, and risks) associated with the four data exchange practices in the health care sector. Methods In this study, we compared public perceptions and expectations regarding four common types of exchange mechanisms used in the United States (i.e., traditional, direct, query-based, patient-mediated exchange mechanisms). Traditional is an exchange through fax, paper mailing, or phone calls, direct is a provider-to-provider exchange, query-based is sharing patient data with a central repository, and patient-mediated is an exchange mechanism in which patients can access data and monitor sharing. Data were collected from 1,624 subjects using an online survey to examine the benefits, risks, and concerns associated with the four exchange mechanisms from patients' perspectives. Results Findings indicate that several concerns and risks such as privacy concerns, security risks, trust issues, and psychological risks are raised. Besides, multiple benefits such as access to complete information, communication improvement, timely and convenient information sharing, cost-saving, and medical error reduction are highlighted by respondents. Through consideration of all risks and benefits associated with the four exchange mechanisms, the direct HIE mechanism was selected by respondents as the most preferred mechanism of information exchange among providers. More than half of the respondents (56.18%) stated that overall they favored direct exchange over the other mechanisms. 42.70% of respondents expected to be more likely to share their PHI with health care providers who implemented and utilized a direct exchange mechanism. 43.26% of respondents believed that they would support health care providers to leverage a direct HIE mechanism for sharing their PHI with other providers. The results exhibit that individuals expect greater benefits and fewer adverse effects from direct HIE among health care providers. Overall, the general public sentiment is more in favor of direct data transfer. Our results highlight that greater public trust in exchange mechanisms is required, and information privacy and security risks must be addressed before the widespread implementation of such mechanisms. Conclusion This exploratory study's findings could be interesting for health care providers and HIE policymakers to analyze how consumers perceive the current exchange mechanisms, what concerns should be addressed, and how the exchange mechanisms could be modified to meet consumers' needs.

A Scoping Review and Content Analysis of Common Depressive Symptoms of Young People

2021 ◽  
pp. 105984052110126
Author(s):  
Jia-Wen Guo ◽  
Brooks R. Keeshin ◽  
Mike Conway ◽  
Wendy W. Chapman ◽  
Katherine A. Sward
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Young People ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
School Nurses ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Depression Symptom ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Five Dimensions

School nurses are the most accessible health care providers for many young people including adolescents and young adults. Early identification of depression results in improved outcomes, but little information is available comprehensively describing depressive symptoms specific to this population. The aim of this study was to develop a taxonomy of depressive symptoms that were manifested and described by young people based on a scoping review and content analysis. Twenty-five journal articles that included narrative descriptions of depressive symptoms in young people were included. A total of 60 depressive symptoms were identified and categorized into five dimensions: behavioral ( n = 8), cognitive ( n = 14), emotional ( n = 15), interpersonal ( n = 13), and somatic ( n = 10). This comprehensive depression symptom taxonomy can help school nurses to identify young people who may experience depression and will support future research to better screen for depression.

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