scholarly journals Where else would I look for it? A five-country qualitative study on purposes, strategies, and consequences of online health information seeking

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Diviani ◽  
Eva Haukeland Fredriksen ◽  
Corine S. Meppelink ◽  
Judy Mullan ◽  
Warren Rich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
The Body ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Digital Divides

Background. Online health information (OHI) is widely available and consulted by many people in Western countries to gain health advice. The main goal of the present study is to provide a detailed account of the experiences among people from various demographic backgrounds living in high-income countries, who have used OHI. Design and methods. Thematic analysis of 165 qualitative semi-structured interviews conducted among OHI users residing in Australia, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland was performed. Results. The lived experience of people using OHI seem not to differ across countries. The interviews show that searches for OHI are motivated from curiosity, sharing of experiences, or affirmation for actions already taken. Most people find it difficult to appraise the information, leading them to cross-check sources or discuss OHI with others. OHI seems to impact mostly some specific types of health behaviors, such as changes in diet or physical activity, while it only plays a complementary role for more serious health concerns. Participants often check OHI before seeing their GP, but are reluctant to discuss online content with health care personnel due to expected negative reception. Conclusions. This study adds to the body of knowledge on eHealth literacy by demonstrating how OHI affects overall health behavior, strengthens patients’ ability to understand, live with, and prepare themselves for diverse health challenges. The increasing digitalization of health communication and health care calls for further research on digital divides and patient-professional relations. Health care professionals should acknowledge OHI seeking and engage in discussions with patients to enable them to appreciate OHI, and to support shared decision making in health care. The professionals can utilize patient’s desire to learn as a resource for health prevention, promotion or treatment, and empowerment.

Body symbolics, obstetric practices, and the improvement of maternal health in Cambodia

2020 ◽  
pp. 450-471
Author(s):  
Clémence Schantz
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Maternal Health ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Phnom Penh ◽  
Frequent Use

Cambodia is one of the nine countries worldwide to have reduced its maternal mortality rate by more than 75 per cent between 1990 and 2015. Whilst prior to the 2000s, childbirth in Cambodia used to be a private event, it has now become a biomedical event for women and their families. This chapter describes the findings of mixed-method research challenging the idealized vision of the United Nations regarding maternal health in Cambodia by describing obstetrical practices on the ground, from an empirical study led in several clinical settings in Phnom Penh, through participant observation, semi-structured interviews with health-care professionals and patients, questionnaires with pregnant women, to the examination of medical records from four Phnom Penh maternity wards. The findings demonstrate that the biomedicalization of childbirth in Cambodia has been accompanied by technologized delivery with extremely frequent use of surgical practices. In order to understand the population’s adherence to these practices, the chapter draws out a number of anthropological and demographic arguments. These biomedical practices are part of a symbolism of the body where the body is conceived as a receptacle, where the body humours must be able to circulate appropriately, and where the hot/cold balance must be respected. Childbirth as an opening of the body represents a danger for women because it threatens this equilibrium.

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.

scholarly journals Exploring the acceptance of telehealth within palliative care: A self-determination theory perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Keenan ◽  
Rachel Rahman ◽  
Joanne Hudson
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Psychological Need

AbstractThe aim of this paper was to explore potential divergence and convergence in relation to health care professionals’ and patients’ acceptability of the use of telehealth within palliative care provision through the lens of Self-Determination Theory. The research utilized a deductive qualitative approach utilizing semi-structured interviews to explore divergence and convergence between health care professionals’ preconceptions of the use of telehealth in palliative care and the lived experiences of patients accessing support in this manner. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with both professionals and patients to explore whether the barriers and benefits of telehealth perceived by professionals corresponded to the patient’s lived experience of utilizing the technology in their palliative care. Interviews were analyzed using a deductive thematic analysis. Professionals and patients identified that the use of telehealth could satisfy the need for autonomy, however this manifested in different ways. Greater divergence was apparent between patient and professional perceptions about how telehealth could satisfy the need for relatedness and competence needs. The findings of this paper highlight how professionals preconceived concerns about the use of telehealth in relation to providing supportive palliative care may not be realized when exploring the experiences of patients accessing services through this medium. This paper highlights the important role of psychological need satisfaction when considering acceptability of telehealth, and motivation to engage in the implementation of technologically driven health services.

scholarly journals Online Health Information Seeking Behavior of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Among Government Employees in Putrajaya Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 419-433
Author(s):  
Azriey Mazlan ◽  
◽  
Nor Azura Adzharuddin ◽  
Siti Zobidah Omar ◽  
Ezhar Tamam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Government Employees ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Online Health Information Seeking ◽  
Non Communicable Disease

Seeking health information is becoming more convenient with various health resources online. It would be beneficial to explore the perception of individuals’ health status concerning health information seeking and eHealth literacy. With government employees in Putrajaya found to be at high risk of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD), based on the high rate of obesity, it is beneficial to explore the factors associated with OHISB among this population to ensure adequate attainment and sharing of health information and self-management resources. The Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking (CMIS) is used to measure the factors that influence online health information-seeking behaviour (OHISB). Based on previous studies, the CMIS is commonly used to examine cancer patient’s information seeking on health information behaviour. However, this paper will be focusing on government employee’s behaviour in using online information as to their health reference. Previous studies have shown that information seeking has resulted in changes in the behaviour of cancer patients. It is believed that the outcome of this study will be beneficial in terms of developing strategies to encourage a healthier lifestyle among this population to prevent the occurrence of NCDs. Therefore, this paper elaborates on some of the theories used in previous studies to enrich individual and community online health information-seeking behaviour and health knowledge dissemination. The findings of this study show the direct relationships between trust in internet health and eHealth Literacy were significant towards OHISB. However, the direct relationships between direct experience, salience, unmet information needs and self-efficacy belief towards OHISB were not significant. Keywords: Comprehensive model of information seeking, online health information seeking behaviour, non-communicable diseases, ehealth literacy, government employees.

scholarly journals Exploring the acceptance of telehealth within palliative care: A Self-Determination Theory perspective.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Keenan ◽  
Rachel Rahman ◽  
Joanne Hudson
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Psychological Need ◽  
Professional Perceptions

Abstract The aim of this paper was to explore potential divergence and convergence in relation to health care professionals’ and patients’ acceptability of the use of telehealth within palliative care provision through the lens of Self-Determination Theory.The research utilized a deductive qualitative approach utilizing semi-structured interviews to explore divergence and convergence between health care professionals’ preconceptions of the use of telehealth in palliative care and the lived experiences of patients accessing support in this manner. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with both professionals and patients to explore whether the barriers and benefits of telehealth perceived by professionals corresponded to the patient’s lived experience of utilizing the technology in their palliative care. Interviews were analyzed using a deductive thematic analysis.Professionals and patients identified that the use of telehealth could satisfy the need for autonomy, however this manifested in different ways. Greater divergence was apparent between patient and professional perceptions about how telehealth could satisfy the need for relatedness and competence needs. The findings of this paper highlight how professionals preconceived concerns about the use of telehealth in relation to providing supportive palliative care may not be realized when exploring the experiences of patients accessing services through this medium. This paper highlights the important role of psychological need satisfaction when considering acceptability of telehealth, and motivation to engage in the implementation of technologically driven health services.

scholarly journals Generation Gaps in Digital Health Literacy and Their Impact on Health Information Seeking Behavior and Health Empowerment in Hungary

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orsolya Papp-Zipernovszky ◽  
Mária Dóra Horváth ◽  
Peter J. Schulz ◽  
Márta Csabai
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Subjective Health Status ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Internet Health Information

Background: Today the internet is a major source of health information, and younger generations have more confidence in their digital information seeking skills and awareness of online resources than older generations. Older generations, however, are more in demand of health services. The aim of our study was to explore these generational differences as related to self-perceived eHealth literacy and health care system utilization.Methods: A cross-sectional survey study with 522 subjects was done in Hungary. Every subject belonged to one of four generations (Baby boomers, X, Y, and Z). The Web-based survey was designed and tested in English-speaking countries and translated into Hungarian for the present study. Variables include Internet health information seeking, eHealth literacy (measured by eHeals score), the self-perceived gain in empowerment by that information, and the number of health care appointments. One-way ANOVA was used for comparing the scores of the generations, and correlational and linear regression analysis was employed within the generations for further data analysis.Results: We found significant differences among the generations in eHealth literacy as well as in the self-perceived gain in empowerment: while Boomers were the generation with the lowest eHeals scores, they showed the highest empowerment. Internet health information seeking behavior showed no differences. While subjects who use the Internet more frequently to search for health information have worse self-rated health status, the ones with higher eHeals scores report better subjective health status. We also identified the associations of the above variables within the older generations (Boomers and X) with the frequency of using health-care services: within the generation of Boomers the number of health care appointments was only associated with Internet health information seeking, while in Generation X with eHeals.Conclusions: Baby boomers seek Internet health information as often as the younger generations, which provides a solid motivation for developing their eHealth literacy skills. We find it crucial to plan the Hungarian health promotion programmes utilizing this high frequency of Internet health information seeking, since the eHealth literacy skills of older generations have an effect on their subjective health status, and they are the most capable of applying information in making decisions.

Rural Populations’ Sources of Cancer Prevention and Health Promotion Information

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-23
Author(s):  
Megan E Leimkuhler ◽  
Lindsay Hauser ◽  
Noelle Voges ◽  
Pamela B. DeGuzman
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
Health Care Information ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Rural Residents ◽  
Seek Health Care ◽  
Care Information

Purpose: Rural residents are less likely to engage in cancer risk-reduction behaviors than their urban counterparts. Rural cancer disparities may be related to limited access to and comprehension of cancer-related health information. The object of this study was to identify how rural residents access and understand cancer health promotion and prevention information. Sample: Twenty-seven residents of Central Virginia Methods: We used a qualitative design with semi-structured interviews and a focus group (n=27) with rural and non-rural residents living in Central Virginia to accomplish the study aim. Findings: Four themes were identified from the data: 1) non-rural Central Virginia residents seek health information from a variety of electronic sources, 2) rural Central Virginia residents typically seek health care information directly from health care professionals, 3) residents throughout Central Virginia encounter confusing health care information, and 4) rural residents report incorrect cancer-related information. Conclusions: Lack of internet access coupled with healthcare shortages may limit the ability of rural residents to contextualize and verify inaccurate health information. Nurses serving a rural population should consider assessing each rural patient’s internet access and disseminating printed cancer health promotion materials to rural clients without internet access. Keywords: rural health; healthcare disparities; access to care; cancer health promotion; health literacy; cancer DOI:  https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v21i1.663 

scholarly journals Factors influencing online health information seeking behavior among patients in Kwahu West Municipal, Nkawkaw, Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richmond Dery Nangsangna ◽  
Frances Da-Costa Vroom
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Online Health Information Seeking

Over the years, there has been a lot of transformation in the way health care is delivered and how individuals access health. Rapid growth in technology has been attributed to the advancement. The internet has played a key role in the delivery of health care and serves currently as a huge source of health information to individuals regardless of their location, language or time.This cross sectional study was conducted in the Kwahu West Municipal to determine factors influencing online health information seeking behaviors among patients. Three hospitals in the municipality were purposively selected for the study.  Outpatients attending these facilities were systematically selected. Data was collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaire.The study findings revealed that internet usage rate among patients was 85.8%. However, only 35.7% of patients ever used the internet to access health information. Sex, education and average monthly income were significant factors associated with online health information seeking. The study also showed that, computer and internet experience factors increased the probability of using internet for health information. After adjusting for confounding factors, being employed, earning higher income and owning computer were positive predictors of online health information seeking.It is important to explore other means of reducing the disparity in information access by improving skill and health literacy among the low social class who cannot afford internet ready devices. Health care providers should recognize that patients are using the internet for health information and should be prepared to assist and promote internet user skills among their patients.

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