Neither the Internist Nor the Internet: Use of and Trust in Health Information Sources by People with Schizophrenia

2011 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 489-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul A. Maguire ◽  
Rebecca E. Reay ◽  
Jeffrey C.L. Looi ◽  
Jeff Cubis ◽  
Gerard J. Byrne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Health Information Sources

scholarly journals Marketing To Health Information Seekers: A Critical Look At The Principal Assumptions

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Altan Erdem
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Healthcare Industry ◽  
Medical Issues ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Information Sources ◽  
The Web

As the Internet gained more significance in various dimensions of our lives and dealings with others, it was just a matter of time for the world of healthcare to incorporate the Internet-use into its routines.  We are now seeing tangible examples of this use in many facets of healthcare industry.  Both providers and patients have been pursuing Internet-related strategies, remedies, routines, and etc. for a while now.  It has been stated that majority of the Americans who are online are looking for health information.  Healthcare information is accessed more than sports, stocks, and shopping.  Some believe that this growing use of online health information sources is able to bridge the gap between what patients know and what they are told.  In other words, these patients can visit their physicians armed with knowledge obtained on the Web and pursue rather educated discussions with their physicians about their medical issues.  Of course, this is true based on the assumptions that the websites that these patients use provide accurate information and the patients comprehend this information properly.  The purpose of this paper is to very briefly review some of the ongoing trends in this field and review the practicality of the two assumptions listed above.  It is hoped that inquiries like this result in a better understanding of the components required for a proper use of online options to improve the efficiency of healthcare practices.

Chronic Patients’ eHealth Literacy Skills and Related Factors: The Example of Turkey (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alp Eren Yuce ◽  
Ahmet Albayrak
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Chronic Patients ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Literacy Scores ◽  
Health Information Sources

BACKGROUND Previous studies on the eHealth suggested that chronic patients use the internet to obtain health information and to manage their health conditions. It has been revealed, particularly during the pandemic, that the internet has a significant potential to become a crucial health information source for chronic patients. However, there are both fluctuant and constant factors that influence the various eHealth literacy skills of chronic patients. It is critical to discover the current parameters influencing eHealth literacy skills in countries such as Turkey, which is in the process of adapting technology use, while eHealth literacy is gaining attention globally. OBJECTIVE This study aims to reveal the eHealth literacy skills of chronic patients and to investigate the relations and patterns between eHealth literacy skills and various factors such as demographics, search strategies and health information sources, and to explain their effects on eHealth literacy in Turkey in Izmir. METHODS The study, based on a quantitative research, including the administration of a questionnaire. A total of 604 chronic patients who applied to the five popular identified hospitals in Izmir, Turkey, responded to the questionnaire. The questionnaire, which includes information on demographics, social media platforms, internet usage frequency, eHealth literacy scale, search strategies scale, and health information sources scale, was conducted with the participants. CHAID analysis method was implemented to analyze the results and determine the relations between dependent and independent variables. RESULTS The type of the social media platform used by participants was an influencing factor on eHealth literacy scores. Finding health information across multiple platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, was found to be a positive predictor of eHealth literacy. (25.3%, 153 patients). Additionally, a positive correlation has been found between the use of the internet as a source of health information and eHealth literacy scores while using the strategy of “following the links that appear on websites” is positively correlated with eHealth literacy scores. CONCLUSIONS The study's findings indicate that using the internet and various social media platforms to obtain health information has a positive effect on eHealth literacy skills. Patients with greater interaction with the internet and its substructures, as well as a greater interest in utilizing the technological features of digital environments, were found to be more qualified eHealth literates. However, given the pollution of health information on the Internet, the information channel through which health information is obtained is also a critical issue in terms of health literacy. Online health knowledge should be scientifically promoted by medical institutions or governmental organizations in order to be widely and effectively disseminated, particularly in countries such as Turkey.

scholarly journals Community health information sources — a survey in three disparate communities

2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jared Dart ◽  
Cindy Gallois ◽  
Peter Yellowlees
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Striking Difference ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Local Doctor ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Sources Of Health Information ◽  
Health Information Sources

Objective: To determine the current utilisation, importance, trust and future preference for contemporary sources of health information in three different socioeconomic groups. Design: A pilot study including key informant interviews and direct observation was conducted in a low socioeconomic community. From this work a survey questionnaire was designed and implemented across three different communities. Participants and setting: Semi-structured key informant interviews and focus groups capturing 52 respondents. Paper-based surveys were left in community organisations and local health practices in a low socioeconomic (LSE) community on the outskirts of Ipswich, Queensland, a mid-high socioeconomic (MSE) community in the western suburbs of Brisbane, and at a local university. Main outcome measures: Rank of current and preferred future sources of health information, importance and trustworthiness of health information sources. Results: Across all three communities the local doctor was the most currently used, important, trusted and preferred future source of health information. The most striking difference between the three communities related to the current use and preferred future use of the internet. The internet was a more currently used source of health information and more important source in the university population than the LSE or MSE populations. It was also a less preferred source of future health information in the LSE population than the MSE or university populations. Importantly, currently used sources of health information did not reflect community members? preferred sources of health information. Conclusions: People in different socioeconomic communities obtain health information from various sources. This may reflect access issues, education and awareness of the internet as a source of health information, less health information seeking as well as a reluctance by the e-health community to address the specific needs of this group.

scholarly journals Sources and Reasons for Seeking Health Information by Lithuanian Adults

Medicina ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daiva Marazienė ◽  
Jūratė Klumbienė ◽  
Jūratė Tomkevičiūtė ◽  
Irena Misevičienė
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Sources Of Health Information ◽  
Lower Education ◽  
Health Information Sources ◽  
Health Monitor

The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes of Lithuanian adults aged 20–64 years toward the reasons for accessing health information and to determine the main health information sources and their relation to sociodemographic factors. Material and Methods. The data for this study were gathered in 2008 within the framework of the International Project Finbalt Health Monitor evaluating health behavior in a Lithuanian adult population. Results. More than half of respondents searched for health information during the last year. Men were 2.7 times more likely to trust friends and family as a health information source compared with women. For each 1-year increase in age, the odds of using friends and family, and the Internet as the main sources of health information decreased, while the odds of using people with the same condition and different means of media increased. Marital status was associated with greater trust in health professionals and the Internet as health information sources. Higher education was positively associated with more frequent reporting courses and lectures, and the Internet as the sources of health information, while those with lower education preferred television and radio. Conclusions. This study revealed the characteristics of the “risk group” in terms of the sources of health information that people, assigned to it, tend to use, and it is especially important when providing health information.

scholarly journals Cancer patients’ information seeking behavior related to online electronic healthcare records

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 146045822110247
Author(s):  
Hanife Rexhepi ◽  
Isto Huvila ◽  
Rose-Mharie Åhlfeldt ◽  
Åsa Cajander
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Information Seeking Behavior ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Information Horizons ◽  
Health Information Sources

Patients’ online access to their EHR together with the rapid proliferation of medical information on the Internet has changed how patients use information to learn about their health. Patients’ tendency to turn to the Internet to find information about their health and care is well-documented. However, little is known about patients’ information seeking behavior when using online EHRs. By using information horizons as an analytical tool this paper aims to investigate the information behavior of cancer patients who have chosen to view their EHRs (readers) and to those who have not made that option (non-readers). Thirty interviews were conducted with patients. Based on information horizons, it seems that non-reading is associated with living in a narrower information world in comparison to readers. The findings do not suggest that the smallness would be a result of active avoidance of information, or that it would be counterproductive for the patients. The findings suggest, however, that EHRs would benefit from comprehensive linking to authoritative health information sources to help users to understand their contents. In parallel, healthcare professionals should be more aware of their personal role as a key source of health information to those who choose not to read their EHRs.

Health information needs, sources, and barriers of primary care patients to achieve patient-centered care: A literature review

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 992-1016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina A Clarke ◽  
Joi L Moore ◽  
Linsey M Steege ◽  
Richelle J Koopman ◽  
Jeffery L Belden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Information Access ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Common Information ◽  
Primary Care Patients

To synthesize findings from previous studies assessing information needs of primary care patients on the Internet and other information sources in a primary care setting. A systematic review of studies was conducted with a comprehensive search in multiple databases including OVID MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus. The most common information needs among patients were information about an illness or medical condition and treatment methods, while the most common information sources were the Internet and patients’ physicians. Overall, patients tend to prefer the Internet for the ease of access to information, while they trust their physicians more for their clinical expertise and experience. Barriers to information access via the Internet include the following: socio-demographic variables such as age, ethnicity, income, education, and occupation; information search skills; and reliability of health information. Conclusion: Further research is warranted to assess how to create accurate and reliable health information sources for both Internet and non-Internet users.

The role of libraries in the dissemination of health information in Botswana

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 320-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuelo Ntlotlang ◽  
Balulwami Grand
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Acquisition ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Health Information Sources

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the role of public libraries in the dissemination of health information in the southern part of Botswana, namely, Kgatleng and Kweneng districts. It also explored how these libraries market health information services to the community they serve. The study also used health information acquisition model to get an understanding on how public library users seek health information. Design/methodology/approach The survey research design was chosen for the study and purposive sampling procedure was used to obtain the sample size of the population. The sample size consisted of 120 respondents and six interviewees. Data were collected from both library staff and users using questionnaires and interviews. Findings The results of the study showed that public libraries are striving to provide accurate and useful health information to members of the community by collecting and availing both print and electronic health information sources. The findings further indicated that public libraries have marketing programmes that they use on raising awareness of health information to their clientele. The marketing programmes include outreach, library brochures/leaflets, newsletters and library exhibitions. The results of the study also showed that there were some challenges that hindered the library users to access and use health information (e.g. lack of appropriateness of information resources and limited number of health information sources). Originality/value For a better dissemination of health information, public libraries should establish working relationships with health agencies and communication organisations or media houses with the objective of cooperative developments of collections, referrals and shared training.

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.

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