Determining health information-seeking behavior of shoulder patients

A cross-sectional study based on the Comprehensive Model of Information seeking: which factors influence health information-seeking behavior in patients with periodontitis

BACKGROUND

To investigate the current status of health information-seeking behavior (HISB) of periodontitis patients, and to identity its main influencing factors using the Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking (CMIS).

METHODS

In total, 274 periodontitis patients were recruited from a specialized dental hospital in Hangzhou by purposive sampling method for a cross-sectional study. Demographics, direct experience, salience, beliefs, characteristics and utility were 6 variables of CMIS. Data were collected from the patients by using the general information questionnaire, the Health Information Seeking Behavior Scale, the Self-Efficacy Scale for Self-care (SESS) for measuring belief, the Short Form of Health Literacy Dental Scale (HeLD⁃14) for measuring direct experience, and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ) for measuring salience. Univariate analysis and regression analysis were utilized to determine the factors influencing the HISB.

RESULTS

The HISB score of periodontitis patients in this study was 3.68 ± 0.40. The low level of HISB was negatively associated with multiple factors, including age of 40 ~ 59 (odds ratio [OR] 0.041, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.006-0.299), age of 18 ~ 39 (OR 0.053, 95%CI 0.008-0.364), low level of understandability of information (characteristic) [OR 0.317, 95%CI 0.119-0.840] and low level of satisfaction of information (utility) [OR 0.027, 95%CI 0.008-0.089]. However, low level of HISB was positively correlated with medium self-efficacy level [OR 3.112, 95% CI 1.463-6.747] and low self-efficacy level [OR 8.061, 95% CI 1.981-32.807].

CONCLUSIONS

According to the CMIS model, we identified several factors influencing health-seeking behaviors (HISB). Lower levels of HISB are closely associated with older age and lower level of understandability and satisfaction of information. Conversely, higher self-efficacy may encourage patients to seek health information more actively. Therefore, it is essential to focus on elderly patients and assess their information expectations and needs in a timely manner, while also working to enhance their self-efficacy to promote more effective access to health information.

Health information-seeking behavior in patients with coronary artery disease: Activating methods

INTRODUCTION

Coronary artery disease (CAD) has a high mortality rate worldwide, and continuous health behavior practice and careful management are required owing to risks such as rapid changes in symptoms and emergency hospitalization. The utilization of health-related information is an important factor for long-term disease management in patients with CAD. For this purpose, an understanding of health information-seeking behavior is needed first.

METHODS

This study analyzed data from the 2021 Korea Medical Panel Survey, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to confirm the factors influencing the health information-seeking behavior of patients with CAD.

RESULTS

The health information-seeking behavior of patients with CAD differed according to demographic characteristics, and differences in preferred information use were confirmed. Finally, it was identified that insufficient levels of health literacy were a major reason for CAD patients not engaging in health information-seeking behaviors (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.09-0.33; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that to improve health information-seeking behaviors, the application of education and intervention programs to increase the level of health literacy is necessary.

Health information seeking behaviour and decision making by patients undergoing breast cancer surgery: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Information is critical for patients having to decide about the best treatment option, and an in-depth understanding of their information behaviour can help health and information services to improve and facilitate their access to reliable information.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the health information-seeking behaviour and information sources and their roles in decision making among breast cancer patients in Romania in the context of the surgical treatment.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 patients who were treated surgically for breast cancer at the Bucharest Oncology Institute.

RESULTS

Most participants searched for information independently, before and after the operation, and their information needs evolved during the progression of their disease. The surgeon was regarded as the most trusted source of information. Most patients adopted a paternalistic or a shared approach for decision making.

DISCUSSION

Besides findings consistent with research from other countries, our study also revealed findings in contrast to previous research. None of the interviewed patients made any reference to the library as a source of information even if books were mentioned.

CONCLUSIONS

Health information specialists should develop a detailed guide and online information services to help physicians and other health professionals to provide relevant and reliable health care information to surgical inpatients from Romania.