scholarly journals Classification of Use of Online Health Information Channels and Variation in Motivations for Channel Selection: A Risk Information Seeking and Processing Perspective (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Di Zhang ◽  
Hongchao Hu ◽  
Zhen Shi ◽  
Gang Han
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Risk Information ◽  
Subjective Norms ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Information Channel ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Information Channels

BACKGROUND The existing health education and communication research routinely measures internet use as a whole by, for example, evaluating how frequently people use the “internet” to search for health information. This fails to capture the complexity and diversity of online channel use in health information seeking. Measurement of generic internet use may cause too much error, and lends no support for media planning in a public health promotion campaign and scholarly research involving internet use. OBJECTIVE This study intended to present a thorough picture of patterns of people’s online health information channel use, and classify people’s use of various types of online health information channels. Under the framework of risk information seeking and processing (RISP), this study also analyzed the differences in motivations behind to offer further evidence to validate the classification scheme. METHODS This study sampled 542 Chinese respondents in Beijing to survey the usage of 13 commonly used online health information channels, and various socio-psychological factors associated with online health information seeking. RESULTS This study derived three categories of online health information channels: searching, browsing and scanning channels. From the perspective of RISP, the study further analyzed people’s motivations to use three types of online health information channels. Use of online searching channels is affect-driven and characterized by stronger need for cognition. Use of browsing channels is directly influenced by informational subjective norms and perceived current knowledge. Use of scanning channels is mainly influenced by informational subjective norms. CONCLUSIONS The results of the study suggest that health communication practitioners and scholars are supposed to measure the “internet”, “new media” or “online media” more precisely instead of simply asking the public about the frequency of internet use in health information acquisition. Future scholarly or formative research may consider measuring usage of internet health information channel by utilizing the three-category scheme discovered by this study.

scholarly journals Lifestyle Segmentation to Explain the Online Health Information–Seeking Behavior of Older Adults: Representative Telephone Survey

10.2196/15099 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. e15099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Winja Weber ◽  
Anne Reinhardt ◽  
Constanze Rossmann
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Information Seeking Behavior ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Sociodemographic Variables ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Health Related

Background As a result of demographic changes, the number of people aged 60 years and older has been increasing steadily. Therefore, older adults have become more important as a target group for health communication efforts. Various studies show that online health information sources have gained importance among younger adults, but we know little about the health-related internet use of senior citizens in general and in particular about the variables explaining their online health-related information–seeking behavior. Media use studies indicate that in addition to sociodemographic variables, lifestyle factors might play a role in this context. Objective The aim of this study was to examine older people’s health-related internet use. Our study focused on the explanatory potential of lifestyle types over and above sociodemographic variables to predict older adults’ internet use for health information. Methods A telephone survey was conducted with a random sample of German adults aged 60 years and older (n=701) that was quota-allocated by gender, age, educational status, and degree of urbanity of their place of residence. Results The results revealed that participants used the internet infrequently (mean 1.82 [SD 1.07]), and medical personnel (mean 2.89 [SD 1.11]), family and friends (mean 2.86 [SD 1.21]), and health brochures (mean 2.85 [SD 1.21]) were their main sources of health information. A hierarchical cluster analysis based on values, interests, and leisure time activities revealed three different lifestyle types for adults aged over 60 years: the Sociable Adventurer, the Average Family Person, and the Uninterested Inactive. After adding these types as second-step predictors in a hierarchical regression model with sociodemographic variables (step 1), the explained variance increased significantly (R2=.02, P=.001), indicating that the Average Family Person and the Sociable Adventurer use the internet more often for health information than the Uninterested Inactive, over and above their sociodemographic attributes. Conclusions Our findings indicate that the internet still plays only a minor role in the health information–seeking behavior of older German adults. Nevertheless, there are subgroups including younger, more active, down-to-earth and family-oriented males that may be reached with online health information. Our findings suggest that lifestyle types should be taken into account when predicting health-related internet use behavior.

scholarly journals Lifestyle Segmentation to Explain the Online Health Information–Seeking Behavior of Older Adults: Representative Telephone Survey (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Winja Weber ◽  
Anne Reinhardt ◽  
Constanze Rossmann
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Information Seeking Behavior ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Sociodemographic Variables ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Health Related

BACKGROUND As a result of demographic changes, the number of people aged 60 years and older has been increasing steadily. Therefore, older adults have become more important as a target group for health communication efforts. Various studies show that online health information sources have gained importance among younger adults, but we know little about the health-related internet use of senior citizens in general and in particular about the variables explaining their online health-related information–seeking behavior. Media use studies indicate that in addition to sociodemographic variables, lifestyle factors might play a role in this context. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine older people’s health-related internet use. Our study focused on the explanatory potential of lifestyle types over and above sociodemographic variables to predict older adults’ internet use for health information. METHODS A telephone survey was conducted with a random sample of German adults aged 60 years and older (n=701) that was quota-allocated by gender, age, educational status, and degree of urbanity of their place of residence. RESULTS The results revealed that participants used the internet infrequently (mean 1.82 [SD 1.07]), and medical personnel (mean 2.89 [SD 1.11]), family and friends (mean 2.86 [SD 1.21]), and health brochures (mean 2.85 [SD 1.21]) were their main sources of health information. A hierarchical cluster analysis based on values, interests, and leisure time activities revealed three different lifestyle types for adults aged over 60 years: the Sociable Adventurer, the Average Family Person, and the Uninterested Inactive. After adding these types as second-step predictors in a hierarchical regression model with sociodemographic variables (step 1), the explained variance increased significantly (<i>R</i><sup>2</sup>=.02, <i>P</i>=.001), indicating that the Average Family Person and the Sociable Adventurer use the internet more often for health information than the Uninterested Inactive, over and above their sociodemographic attributes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the internet still plays only a minor role in the health information–seeking behavior of older German adults. Nevertheless, there are subgroups including younger, more active, down-to-earth and family-oriented males that may be reached with online health information. Our findings suggest that lifestyle types should be taken into account when predicting health-related internet use behavior.

Effect of Online Health Information Seeking on Anxiety in Hospitalized Pregnant Women: Cohort Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Coglianese ◽  
Giulia Beltrame Vriz ◽  
Nicola Soriani ◽  
Gianluca Niccolò Piras ◽  
Rosanna Irene Comoretto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Anxiety Reduction ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Online Health Information Seeking ◽  
Anxiety Levels ◽  
Search For Information

BACKGROUND There are approximately 1,000,000 pregnant women at high risk for obstetric complications per year, more than half of whom require hospitalization. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the relation between online health information seeking and anxiety levels in a sample of hospitalized woman with pregnancy-related complications. METHODS A sample of 105 pregnant women hospitalized in northern Italy, all with an obstetric complication diagnosis, completed different questionnaires: Use of Internet Health-information (UIH) questionnaire about use of the internet, EuroQOL 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire on quality of life, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire measuring general anxiety levels, and a questionnaire about critical events occurring during hospitalization. RESULTS Overall, 98/105 (93.3%) of the women used the internet at home to obtain nonspecific information about health in general and 95/105 (90.5%) of the women used the internet to specifically search for information related to their obstetric disease. Online health information-seeking behavior substantially decreased the self-reported anxiety levels (<i>P</i>=.008). CONCLUSIONS Web browsing for health information was associated with anxiety reduction, suggesting that the internet can be a useful instrument in supporting professional intervention to control and possibly reduce discomfort and anxiety for women during complicated pregnancies.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Continued Use of Online Health Information Seeking Behaviour Among Parents in Developing Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 1371-1376
Author(s):  
Mira Kartiwi Et.al
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Continued Use ◽  
Online Health Information Seeking

The advancement of technology has changed how parents engage in health information seeking activities through the Internet. Such trends not only shown in developed countries but also most of developing economies as the growth of population access to Internet have been steadily increased in the past ten years. Despite the growing penetration rate, little is known on the extent the Internet is being used by parents to obtain health-related information to improve the wellbeing of their children in developing countries. Five hundred and nineteen responses were collected from parents in selected areas of Klang Valley region in Malaysia. The collected data were analysed by partial least square method of structural equation modelling. The results indicated a positive relationship between information satisfaction and online health information seeking continued use. The moderating role of household income and education are confirmed. The research implications of our results would help medical practitioners and policymaker to design the appropriate supports and awareness programs for parents on the risk and benefits of using online health information.

scholarly journals Online Health Information–Seeking Among Older Women With Chronic Illness: Analysis of the Women’s Health Initiative

10.2196/15906 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. e15906 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mina S Sedrak ◽  
Enrique Soto-Perez-De-Celis ◽  
Rebecca A Nelson ◽  
Jennifer Liu ◽  
Molly E Waring ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Women ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Health Initiative ◽  
Online Health Information Seeking

Background Understanding how older patients with chronic illnesses use the internet to obtain health information is relevant for the design of digital interventions aimed at improving the health and well-being of adults aged 65 years and older; this cohort represents the sickest, most expensive, and fastest-growing segment of the US population. Objective The objective of our study was to describe online health information–seeking behavior among older patients with chronic illnesses and to compare the characteristics of patients who report using the internet to obtain health information with those who do not. Methods The study population included 72,806 women aged 65 years and older enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), a national cohort study, who completed a 2014 supplemental questionnaire assessing everyday technology use and internet use for researching health conditions. Comparisons were made between participants with and without a history of chronic illness and between users and nonusers of online sources for health information. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. Results Of the total, 59% (42,887/72,806) of older women used the internet for health information. Compared with women who did not use the internet to obtain health information, those who used the internet were younger (median age: 76 vs 81 years), more likely to be non-Hispanic white (90% [38,481/42,887] vs 87% [26,017/29,919]), earned a higher income (over $US 50,000: 55% [23,410/42,887] vs 33% [9991/29,919]), achieved a higher educational level (more than high school: 87% [37,493/42,887] vs 75% [22,377/29,919]), and were more likely to live with a partner (52% [22,457/42,887] vs 36% [10,759/29,919]) (all P<.001). Women with Alzheimer disease were least likely to report online health information–seeking compared to those without the disease (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.38-0.43). In contrast, women with a recent diagnosis of cancer, within the previous 2 years (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.11-1.36) or 2-5 years ago (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.00-1.19), were most likely to use the internet for health information. Conclusions Nearly 6 in 10 older women participating in the WHI reported using the internet to obtain health information. Patients recently diagnosed with cancer are more likely to be looking for health information online, even after adjustment for age, suggesting that these patients may have a greater need for digital health resources.

scholarly journals Health information seeking on the internet (Dr Google) and its effect on doctor-patient relationship: a cross-sectional study from Central Karnataka

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 4076
Author(s):  
Rachna Shekhar ◽  
Sandhya Rani Javalkar
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Patient Relationship ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Doctor Patient Relationship ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: The Internet has proven to be a powerful vehicle for the dissemination of information and the use of Internet by the patients as a source of information on health and disease is increasing rapidly. It has reformed the doctor-patient relationship by empowering patients with information. The objective was to study the trends of patient’s health information seeking behaviour on the internet and its effects on the doctor-patient relationship.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst the 73 doctors and 110 patients attending the tertiary health care centre, Davanagere. A pre-tested and pre-validated questionnaire was used to collect data. Percentages and Proportions were used to summarize the study variables.Results: The most common search engine used was Google i.e. 92% and majority of them looked up symptoms/ disease condition 80%. 57% respondents verified doctor’s advice. 73% respondents stated that they used online health information for self-diagnosis but less than 10% of respondents took medications mentioned online. The doctors (60%) stated that the patient’s Internet use proves that the patient or his/her family are involved and take responsibility. However, 49.3% of doctors stated that they get uncomfortable when presented with online health information by the patients.Conclusions: Doctors are starting to recognize the use of the internet by patients as a source of health information. Patients consider the internet as a supplementary resource for better understanding of symptoms and diagnosis. The need of the hour is better communication between doctor and patients; and availability of reliable web-based health resources to patients for better compliance.

scholarly journals Evolution of online health-related information seeking in France from 2010 to 2017: results from nationally representative surveys (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Ducrot ◽  
Ilaria Montagni ◽  
Viet Nguyen-Thanh ◽  
Anne-Juliette Serry ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Richard
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Over Time ◽  
The Way

BACKGROUND Given the fast ongoing progression of the Internet and the increase in health information available from disparate sources, it is important to understand how these changes impact the online health information-seeking behavior of the population and the way of managing one’s health. OBJECTIVE This paper aims at describing the evolution of Internet use as a source of health information between 2010 and 2017, as well as the characteristics of online health information-seekers, the topics of interest, the sources of information, and the trust in this information and the potential impact on behavior. METHODS Data from French nationally-representative surveys Health Barometers were used (N=4,141 in 2010, 4,811 in 2014 and 6,255 in 2017.) Evolutions over time were assessed using chi-2 tests. Associations with sociodemographic characteristics and health status were evaluated using logistic regression models. RESULTS The use of the Internet as a source of health information rose between 2010 and 2014 (from 37.3% to 67.9%, P<.0001) but decreased significantly in 2017 (60.3%, P<.0001). Overall, the profile of health information-seekers compared to non-seekers did not change over time. They were more likely to be women, to be younger, to have a higher educational level, to have a higher household income and to be executives. Between 2014 and 2017, the proportion of those who did not pay attention to the source of information significantly increased to reach 39.7% (P<.0001). In 2017 as in 2014, health-related websites for general population remained the first source of information (38.6%) while institutional websites were the third (8.1%). If the credibility given to the online information is good for a large part of the information seekers since 2010 (more than 80%), it slightly decreased between 2014 and 2017 (P=.048). Above the individual characteristics, credibility was the main determinant of the way of managing one’s health (in 2017: OR=4.62; 95%CI=[3.35;6.36]). CONCLUSIONS After a rapid growth in the Internet use for seeking health information in the 2010-2014 period, a decrease was recorded in 2017 linked to a decreasing trust in the quality and reliability of information found online. These findings underlined the need for public health authorities to increase citizens’ eHealth literacy and/or to provide alternative trustworthy sources combining the popularity and accessibility of general health-information websites.

scholarly journals Influencing Factors of Online Health Information Seeking in Selected European Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-55
Author(s):  
Elena Link ◽  
Eva Baumann ◽  
Annemiek Linn ◽  
Andreas Fahr ◽  
Peter Schulz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
European Countries ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Online Health Information Seeking

Patients’ participation in healthcare requires comprehensive health knowledge and can benefit from online health information seeking behaviours (O-HISB). The internet is a particularly vital source for seeking health-related information in many regions of the world. Therefore, we take a European cross-country comparative perspective on O-HISB. We aim to compare the importance of personal, health(care)-related, and cognitive determinants of using the internet for health-related purposes in four European countries. We conducted online surveys among the German, Swiss, Dutch, and Austrian public and described patterns of health information seeking online. The internet seemed to be a widely used source of health information in the four selected European countries. The explanation patterns of personal, health(care)-related, and cognitive factors differ by country and between selecting the internet as a source of health information and the frequency of online use. Using online media appeared to be more common for women and for current health problems. Respondents’ willingness and competencies are essential for online health information seeking. To prevent the increase of social and health-related disparities, there is an urgent need to support underprivileged population groups and increase motivations and eHealth literacy to use the internet for health-related purposes.

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