Gender-Specific Determinants of eHealth Literacy: Results from an Adolescent Internet Behavior Survey in Taiwan

Adolescents’ Internet health information usage has rarely been investigated. Adolescents seek all kinds of information from the Internet, including health information, which affects their Health Literacy that eHealth Literacy (eHL). This study is a retrospective observational study, we have total of 500 questionnaires were distributed, 87% of which were recovered, and we explored the channels that adolescents use to search for health information, their ability to identify false information, and factors affecting the type and content of health information queried. Adolescents believe that the Internet is a good means to seek health information because of its instant accessibility, frequent updating, convenience, and lack of time limits. More boys use the Internet to seek health information than girls in junior high schools (p = 0.009). The Internet is an important source of health information for adolescents but contains extensive misinformation that adolescents cannot identify. Additionally, adolescent boys and girls are interested in different health issues. Therefore, the government should implement measures to minimize misinformation on the Internet and create a healthy, educational online environment to promote Adolescents’ eHealth Literacy (eHL).

Racial Disparity and Factors Associated with Internet Health Information-Seeking Among US Adults with Diabetes Mellitus (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Many patients with chronic medical conditions search the internet to obtain medical advice and health information to improve their health condition and quality of life. Diabetes is a common chronic disease that disproportionately affects different race/ethnic groups in the US. With the existing literature on the popularity of internet health information seeking in persons with a chronic medical condition, there is limited data among US adults with diabetes. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine factors associated with internet health information seeking in US adults with diabetes and whether there was a disparity in internet information-seeking stratified by race/ethnicity. METHODS We conducted a cross-section study using the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data from 2017 to 2020. We selected our study sample based on respondents' reports on whether they were told they had diabetes, and our primary outcome was internet health information seeking. We used two multivariable logistic regression models to examine the effects of sociodemographic factors and other covariates on internet health information-seeking in adults with diabetes. Jackknife replicate weights were used to provide bias-corrected variance estimates. RESULTS Our study sample includes a total of 2903 adults who self-reported they had diabetes. 60.0% were White (1744/2903), 44.9 % males (1336/2850), and 64% had some college or graduate education level (1812/2831). The prevalence of internet health information seeking in this population was 64.5% and the main factors associated with internet health information seeking include education level (Some college versus less than high school: OR = 1.42, 95% CI = [1.44, 1.88]; College graduate or higher versus less than high school: OR = 2.50, 95% CI = [1.79, 3.50] ), age (age group 65+ versus 18 to 44 years: OR = 0.46, 95% CI = [0.34, 0.63], and house income level (p<.001). Additionally, we found differences in the effects of predictors stratified by race. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that internet health information-seeking is common among US adults with diabetes. Internet health information could influence the self-management and quality of life of adults with diabetes in many ways. CLINICALTRIAL Not Applicable.

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

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.

‘We all have friends like that’

Medical professionals are in an ideal position to mediate between the benefits and harms of internet-sourced medical information, but there is reluctance by patients to discuss with their doctors information found online. This is the first study undertaken in a rural Australian context, where service limitations mean patients’ use of the internet may be especially important. Patients attending general practice clinics (n = 33) were interviewed to discover how they used the internet for health information and how they discussed this with their doctors. Analysis used a constant comparison method, informed by grounded theory and a dramaturgical framework. Most participants used a range of tactics when discussing internet-sourced medical information, including concealment, disguise or upfront apologetic disclosures to avoid undermining the expertise of the doctor. These findings do not confirm predictions made in the past that patients’ acquisition of internet health information would alter the power dynamic of the medical consultation. Potentially, proactive, doctor-initiated inquiry about internet medical information may help to normalise patients’ internet use, allowing open discussion, so doctors can maximise benefits and reduce harms of internet health information. Further study is required to see if this will be an effective strategy and impact health outcomes.

Predictors of Internet Health Information–Seeking Behaviors Among Young Adults Living With HIV Across the United States: Longitudinal Observational Study

Background Consistent with young adults’ penchant for digital communication, young adults living with HIV use digital communication media to seek out health information. Understanding the types of health information sought online and the characteristics of these information-seeking young adults is vital when designing digital health interventions for them. Objective This study aims to describe characteristics of young adults living with HIV who seek health information through the internet. Results will be relevant to digital health interventions and patient education. Methods Young adults with HIV (aged 18-34 years) self-reported internet use during an evaluation of digital HIV care interventions across 10 demonstration projects in the United States (N=716). Lasso (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) models were used to select characteristics that predicted whether participants reported seeking general health and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information on the internet during the past 6 months. Results Almost a third (211/716, 29.5%) and a fifth (155/716, 21.6%) of participants reported searching for general health and SRH information, respectively; 26.7% (36/135) of transgender young adults with HIV searched for gender-affirming care topics. Areas under the curve (>0.70) indicated success in building models to predict internet health information seeking. Consistent with prior studies, higher education and income predicted health information seeking. Higher self-reported antiretroviral therapy adherence, substance use, and not reporting transgender gender identity also predicted health information seeking. Reporting a sexual orientation other than gay, lesbian, bisexual, or straight predicted SRH information seeking. Conclusions Young adults living with HIV commonly seek both general health and SRH information online, particularly those exploring their sexual identity. Providers should discuss the most commonly sought SRH topics and the use of digital technology and be open to discussing information found online to better assist young adults with HIV in finding accurate information. Characteristics associated with health information–seeking behavior may also be used to develop and tailor digital health interventions for these young adults.

The readability and reliability of Greek web-based information on rhinoplasty

BACKGROUND: A constantly increasing number of patients seek for Internet sources on diseases or surgical operations before consulting with a medical specialist. Popular among surgical procedures is rhinoplasty. Depending on the quality of information, patient decision making, expectations and satisfaction may be affected in a positive or negative manner. The aim of this study is to objectively assess the readability and reliability of Internet health information in the Greek language on rhinoplasty. MATERIALS and METHODS: We performed a search in the Google engine using a combination of Greek language terms relating to rhinoplasty. After collation and rejection of duplicate, irrelevant or invalid links, the first twenty highest ranking Greek Web sites were analyzed using the on-line Greek Language Centre Literacy Level calculator, the on-line Greek text readability calculator, and the DISCERN publication quality assessment instrument. RESULTS: From the twenty Web sites, 40% required very good and 35% required excellent Greek Language Literacy Level for com- prehension. Content reading was considered quite difficult in 15%, difficult in 60% and very difficult in 25% of the Web sites. The quality of the Web sites appraised by the DISCERN instrument was low to medium. No correlation was found between Google site rank and DISCERN total score. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the reliability of Internet health information in the Greek language on rhinoplasty is mediocre at best and the readability of the respective texts is lower than recommended. Patients should be cautious and always consult one or more medical specialists before reaching a final decision. Evaluation and accreditation of Internet health information sites would greatly assist on sound patient decision-making and satisfaction.