Information seeking from media and family/friends increases the likelihood of engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors

The role of different health information sources in moderating the impact of health literacy on health-related quality of life: evidence from a population-based study in Korea

PURPOSE

Health literacy is a key aspect of healthy living and is widely recognized as a crucial determinant of health outcomes and disparities. Health literacy enables individuals to make informed decisions by accessing, understanding, and utilizing health-related information effectively. Access to and use of health information are essential for optimal health outcomes. This study explores whether different health information sources, such as active, interpersonal, and passive sources, moderate the relationship between health literacy and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

METHODS

This study analyzed data from the 2021 Korea Health Panel (Version 2.1) including 4164 eligible samples. Health literacy was assessed using the Korean version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire. Complex sample analysis was used to compute descriptive statistics of the study variables. To determine the moderating effects of health information sources, this study used Hayes's PROCESS macro (Model 1).

RESULTS

Among the weighted sample of 16,351,227 participants, 76.1% used active sources to obtain health information, whereas 13.5% and 10.5%, respectively, used interpersonal and passive sources. Regression analysis showed that the moderating effects of health information sources were positively significant. The associations between health literacy and HRQoL were stronger in the interpersonal source group compared to the active or passive source groups.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the moderating role of interpersonal health information sources in enhancing the relationship between health literacy and health-related quality of life. Interventions targeting interpersonal communication channels may be effective in improving health outcomes, particularly among populations with limited health literacy.

The influence of internet information exposure on Chinese youth's intention of online psychological counseling: based on SOR theory and the mindful coping model

Psychological health is a prominent social issue worldwide and in China. Simultaneously, the rapid development of internet medical services in China provides a solid foundation for online psychological counseling. However, the cultural values of Chinese people often lead to a reluctance to pursue psychological counseling, adding to the complexity of the issue. The purpose of this study is to explore how information exposure, trait mindfulness, public stigma, and self-stigma among Chinese youth affect their intentions of seeking online psychological counseling. Based on the SOR (stimulus-organism-response) theory, combined with a mindful coping model, a structural equation model was constructed to analyze the path of the effects of information exposure, trait mindfulness, public stigma, and self-stigma on behavioral intention. A total of 671 valid questionnaires were collected through online surveys. First, SPSS 26.0 was used for questionnaire reliability and validity analysis, demographic characteristic difference testing, and correlation testing between variables. Secondly, Amos 26.0 was used to construct the structural equation model, verify the model fitting, identify the relationship between latent variables, and perform path testing. The study results indicate that (1) The intention of online psychological counseling among Chinese youth has significant differences in terms of age, occupation, monthly income, and previous counseling experiences. (2) Information exposure positively affects counseling intention (β = 0.434, P < 0.001), Trait mindfulness positively affects counseling intention (β = 0.100, P < 0.05), information exposure doesn't significantly affect public stigma (β = 0.015, P = 0.727), information exposure negatively affects self-stigma (β = -0.079, P < 0.05), mindfulness character negatively affects public stigma (β = -0.421, P < 0.001), mindfulness character negatively affects self-stigma (β = -0.115, P < 0.001), public stigma positively affects self-stigma (β = -0.766, P < 0.001), public stigma negatively affects counseling intention (β = -0.234, P < 0.01), and self-stigma negatively affects counseling intention (β = -0.248, P < 0.001). Combining the SOR theory with the mindful coping model, it has been found that information exposure and trait mindfulness positively affect counseling intention, information exposure doesn't affect public stigma but negatively affects self-stigma, trait mindfulness negatively affects both public and self-stigma, and both public stigma and self-stigma negatively affect counseling intention. This study provides a sample for the SOR theory and the mindful coping model, and provides new insights and path support for individuals resisting the stigma of psychological illness and seeking professional help under Eastern cultural values.

Health information-seeking behavior among users of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM)

BACKGROUND

The use of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) is widespread among the German population and driven by various motives, including both supplementing and avoiding treatments with conventional medicine. The aim of this article is to examine how these motives relate to different health information-seeking behaviors.

METHODS

The study uses regression analysis based on data from a German online access panel, which explored the use and acceptance of TCIM in Germany in 2022. From this study, we use information on 1,696 individuals (aged 18-75 years) who vary in their motives for using TCIM (subjective statements on five-point Likert scales) and have used TCIM to treat health problems.

RESULTS

Overall, TCIM is considered more a health-promoting measure than it is driven by aversion towards conventional medicine. Our analysis of information-seeking behavior for certain therapeutic procedures reveals that, as respondents' propensity to use TCIM as a health-promoting measure rises, they are more likely to perceive themselves as being influenced by scientific studies (AME: 0.04, p = 0.004), personal advice (AME: 0.09, p = 0.000), and their social circle's experiences (AME: 0.08, p = 0.000). In contrast, respondents who use TCIM more due to aversion to conventional medicine are less likely to perceive themselves as being influenced by scientific studies (AME: -0.04, p = 0.004) and doctors (AME: -0.07, p = 0.000). When analyzing respondents' most important medical information source, our results reveal that the more individuals indicate using TCIM out of aversion, the more likely they are to consider (online) media outlets their most important medical resource (AME: 0.05, p = 0.000), while the likelihood of considering medical professionals most important decreases (AME -0.06, p = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

Motives behind TCIM use vary and correspond to differences in individuals' health information-seeking behavior. Beyond these motive-related differences, TCIM users value sources of health information other than their medical practitioners. This calls for an intensification of TCIM training among medical professionals to provide high-quality consultation and the creation of reputable online portals to ensure the provision of trustworthy information about TCIM.

Health information acquisition and lifestyle choices among cancer survivors in China: Examining the roles of patient-centered communication, patient trust, and system trust

Guided by the health information model and pathway model of health communication, this study investigates the relationship between different health information acquisition (seeking/scanning) and healthy lifestyle behaviors in a nationally representative, cross-sectional sample of cancer survivors (N = 567) in China. A moderated mediation model was employed to explore the mediating roles of patient-centered communication (PCC) and patient trust in physicians in the relationship between health information acquisition and healthy lifestyle behaviors. The study also examined the moderating role of system trust. Results indicate that health information seeking and scanning positively correlate with healthy lifestyle behaviors (i.e. fruit and vegetable consumption) via PCC and patient trust. Moreover, system trust positively moderates the relationship between health information seeking and PCC. These findings contribute to health communication and psychology literature and highlight the importance of patient-centered care in managing self-health, especially within the Chinese healthcare context.

Traditional and Online Health Information Seeking Among Individuals With Limited English Proficiency in the United States: Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE

We investigate how individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) seek, access, and evaluate traditional and online sources they rely on for health information.

DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional survey analysis from the United States.

SETTING

Pooled Health Information National Trends Survey surveys (2013-2019).

SUBJECTS

The sample was comprised 15,316 respondents; 236/15,316 (1.54%) completed the survey in Spanish and 1727/14,734 (11.72%) had LEP (did not speak English "very well"). The sample was nationally representative across demographic categories.

MEASURES

Independent and dependent variables were self-reported using validated measures.

ANALYSIS

Multivariable logistic regression models using jackknife replicate weights for population estimates.

RESULTS

Adults with LEP were less confident in their capacity to access health information (aOR = 0.59, CI: 0.47-0.75) and had less trust in health information from medical professionals (aOR = 0.57,CI: 0.46-0.72) than English proficient (EP) adults. Although LEP and EP adults were both most likely to use the internet as their first source of information, LEP adults were more likely than EP adults to consult health professionals, print sources like books, news or brochures, family and friends, television and radio. Spanish language survey respondents were more likely to trust health information from government agencies (aOR = 1.99, CI: 1.09-3.62) and watch health-related videos on the internet than respondents who took the survey in English (aOR = 2.51, CI: 1.23-5.12).

CONCLUSION

Our results show how language barriers may contribute to health disparities experienced by linguistic minorities. Government agencies and health care organizations need to promote health information dissemination in underserved communities and may need to embrace the use of alternative information sources such as television, radio, and the internet to reach LEP populations.

Effects of Exposure to Conflicting Health Information on Topic-Specific Information Sharing and Seeking Intentions

Despite considerable evidence that exposure to conflicting health information can have undesirable effects on outcomes including public understanding about and trust in health recommendations, comparatively little is known about whether such exposure influences intentions to engage in two communication behaviors central to public health promotion: information sharing and information seeking. The purpose of the current study is to test whether exposure to conflicting information influences intentions to share and seek information about six health topics. We analyzed data from two waves of a longitudinal survey experiment with a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (N = 3,920). Participants were randomly assigned to either a conflict or no-conflict message condition, in which they read news stories and social media posts about three (of six) randomly selected health topics at Time 1 and the remaining three at Time 2. The dependent variables, which were measured at Time 2, asked participants whether they intended to share or seek information about the three topics they had just viewed. Linear mixed effects models showed that exposure to conflict reduced intentions to share and seek information, regardless of health topic. These findings suggest that exposure to conflicting health information discourages two important types of health information engagement, thus adding to the growing evidence base documenting the adverse consequences of conflicting information for public health.

Validation of a Cancer-Focused Information Seeking Experience (ISEE) Scale

BACKGROUND

Searching for health information is critical for maintaining one's health and reducing risk of disease, including cancer. However, some people are more likely to experience challenges in finding and comprehending health information; therefore, it is important to measure health information-seeking behavior. In order to add to prior research conducted with the scale, this study provides the first formal evaluation of the validity and reliability of the four-item, cancer-focused Information Seeking Experience (ISEE) scale in a cross-sectional, nationally representative health survey of U.S. adults.

RESULTS

Results indicated that the four ISEE scale items were within limits of normality (skew range = -.44-.11; kurtosis range = -1.07 - -.71), exhibited medium to strong pairwise correlations (r's = .54-.72), and indicated a strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .85). The scale was unidimensional (CFI = .997, TLI = .992, SRMR = .012), and the scale demonstrated construct validity with known sociodemographic characteristics. As predicted, the ISEE scale had relatively weak relationships with the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety, Patient-Centered Communication Scale, and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Instrumental Support 4a, demonstrating discriminant validity.

CONCLUSIONS

Tracking information-seeking experience in the population is critical, especially to inform efforts that ensure individuals have accessible, understandable, and reliable information about cancer. The ISEE scale was found to assess various aspects of cancer information-seeking in a reliable and valid manner and may be used in future surveys to track information support needs of those who seek health and cancer information.

The Mediating Role of Attitudes Towards Eating in the Relationship Between Compulsive Instagram Use and Orthorexia in Adults

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between compulsive use of social media and orthorexia, with a focus on the mediating role of eating attitudes.

Patients and Methods

The study involved 255 participants between the ages of 18-65 who did not have any psychiatric disorders or developmental disabilities. The participants completed a Sociodemographic Information Form, Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory, Social Media Addiction Scale, and Eating Attitudes Test.

Results

The results showed a positive correlation between orthorexia and all other scales and sub-scales. Multiple regression analyses revealed that eating attitudes were a significant predictor of all sub-dimensions of orthorexia. Additionally, the sub-dimension of Conflict on the Social Media Addiction Scale was found to predict the Impairments sub-dimension of orthorexia. Further analysis using the PROCESS macro showed that compulsive use of social media not only directly predicted orthorexia, but also indirectly through eating attitudes.

Conclusion

These findings emphasize the importance of addressing both compulsive use of social media and eating attitudes when working with individuals who exhibit orthorexic symptoms in clinical settings.

Examining how a documentary film can serve as an intervention to shift attitudes and behaviours around sexism in STEM

"Picture a Scientist," a documentary featuring stories and research about bias in STEM, reached a large international audience. Yet, the extent to which this type of engaging media can impact gender bias remains unclear. In a unique collaboration between film creators and researchers, the current large-scale field studies explored whether "Picture a Scientist" functioned as an intervention and persuasive message targeting sexism in STEM. Study 1 found viewers who indicated more knowledge and stronger emotions, perspective-taking, and transportation after the film were more inspired to continue learning sexism in STEM and combating unfair treatment, suggesting the documentary engaged both classic and narrative persuasion processes. Employing a quasi-experimental design, Study 2 demonstrated that compared to those who had not watched the film (but intended to), participants who had viewed the film indicated higher awareness of gender bias, stronger intentions to address this bias, and participants in leadership reported stronger intentions to enact inclusive policies (for example, making it easier to report mistreatment). Our findings suggest that the use of this documentary may be a relatively low-cost and easily scalable online intervention, particularly when organizations lack resources for in-person workshops. These studies can help inform organizational trainings using this or similar documentaries.

Social Determinants of Message Exposure and Health Anxiety Among Young Sexual Minority Men in the United States During the 2022 Mpox Outbreak

This study tested the structural influence model of communication in the context of the 2022 global outbreak of the Mpox virus among young sexual minority men. The primary objective was to understand how distinct social determinants, including education, race/ethnicity, and interpersonal discrimination, influenced exposure to Mpox messages in daily life and affected health anxiety concerning the Mpox virus in the United States. We also explored the significance of LGBTQ+ community connectedness as a crucial form of social capital during the outbreak. We collected a three-wave longitudinal dataset and examined within-person and between-person associations using a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model. Participants (N = 254) reported that internet sources and social media were their primary information sources for Mpox messages during the outbreak. Educational attainment, racial minority status, and LGBTQ+ community connectedness were significantly associated with message exposure. Young sexual minority men who faced greater interpersonal discrimination in their daily lives also reported higher rates of Mpox-related health anxiety. Longitudinal analysis indicated that (at the within-person level) Mpox anxiety was significantly associated with greater Mpox message exposure in the month following the outbreak, but that relationship waned in the subsequent month. The theoretical implications highlight the relevance of minority stress variables in the structural influence model of communication framework and suggest the importance of community connectedness as a distinct form of social capital shaping message exposure and health anxiety during the Mpox outbreak in the United States.

From Information Seeking and Scanning to the Practice of Healthy Habits: A Longitudinal Test of the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction in the Context of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Fruit and vegetable intake is essential for health, but global adherence to recommended levels remains insufficient. Health information exposure positively influences consumption, yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aims to explore the relationships between information seeking and scanning, attitudes, norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), intentions, and fruit and vegetable intake, following the main tenets of the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction (IM). Data were collected through face-to-face surveys in Santiago, Chile, with a representative sample of individuals aged 25 and older in two waves. Findings revealed that intentions in Wave 1 predicted fruit and vegetable consumption in Wave 2, with positive associations between attitudes, norms, PBC, and intentions. Information seeking was positively associated with attitudes, norms, and PBC, and it had indirect effects on fruit and vegetable consumption through attitudes, norms, PBC, and intentions. Information scanning did not show significant indirect effects on fruit and vegetable consumption, even though the path between scanning and attitudes was significant. The study provides support for the IM and highlights the importance of information seeking in promoting fruit and vegetable consumption through its influence on attitudes, norms, and PBC. The findings have practical implications for health campaigns, educational programs, healthcare interactions, and public policies targeting healthier dietary habits.

Why do Chinese Youth Seek Cancer Risk Information Online? Evidence from Four Cities

This study, inspired by the Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model, examines the mechanisms by which perceived hazard characteristics and the informational subjective norms of Chinese youth, aged from 14 to 44 years old, become associated with their intentions to seek cancer risk information online. A sample of 684 Chinese youths was collected from four cities in Mainland China with results revealing that perceived hazard characteristics and informational subjective norms motivate their online cancer risk information seeking intentions. Specifically, perceived probability, perceived severity, and institutional trust are positively related to negative affect, however the relationship between personal control and negative affect is not significant. Institutional trust and personal control are positively related to positive affect while perceived probability and perceived severity have no significant effect on positive affect. Negative affect and informational subjective norms are positively related to perceived information insufficiency, while the relationship between positive affect and perceived information insufficiency is not significant. Negative affect, positive affect, informational subjective norms, and perceived information insufficiency are all positively related to the online cancer risk information seeking intentions of Chinese youth.

Understanding the Effects of News-Finds-Me Perception on Health Knowledge and Information Seeking During Public Health Crises

News-finds-me (NFM) perception is a belief that, in the era of social media, individuals can remain adequately well-informed about current events even if they do not actively seek news. While it has been examined in the context of general and political news, NFM perception has not been explored in the context of other genres of news. Through an online survey involving 1,001 Singaporeans, with the Planned Risk Information Seeking Model, this study examines how NFM perception is related to information seeking and COVID-19 knowledge. An issue-specific NFM perception was also proposed and tested in order to determine whether NFM perception and its associated effects differ when operationalized as general news exposure or issue-specific news relating to COVID-19. The negative relationship between general NFM perception and knowledge and the mediating role of information seeking on social media in this relationship are detected. It is also found that when the NFM perception is issue-specific (i.e. COVID-NFM perception), information insufficiency and intentions of information seeking on social media fully mediated the relationship between NFM perception and knowledge. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

The relation between eHealth literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviours in pregnant women

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between eHealth literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviours among pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted in five family health centres in a city in the western part of Turkey. The study sample consisted of 201 pregnant women who were admitted to the five family health centres between September and December 2022. A socio-demographic questionnaire, the eHealth Literacy Scale and the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours in Pregnancy Scale were used to collect data. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore predictors of health-promoting behaviours. The mean score of the eHealth Literacy Scale was 29.37 ± 6.20. The mean score of the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours Scale was 119.69 ± 13.58. Multiple linear regression showed that predictors of healthy lifestyle behaviours among pregnant women were eHealth literacy, using internet to access health information and gestational age. eHealth literacy was found to be an important factor affecting the healthy lifestyle behaviours of pregnant women. This study highlights the importance of considering pregnant women's eHealth literacy in interventions aimed at improving healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Association between textual and pictorial warnings on tumbac (waterpipe tobacco) boxes and motivation to quit waterpipe smoking among Lebanese and Iraqi adolescents

BACKGROUND

Waterpipe tobacco smoking has increased tremendously at a global level among all age groups, particularly young people. Previous studies have examined the impact of waterpipe tobacco pictorial health warnings on adults but scarce studies were done on adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the association of textual versus pictorial warnings on tumbac boxes and the motivation to quit waterpipe smoking among adolescents located in two Eastern Mediterranean countries Lebanon and Iraq.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2022, involving 294 adolescents waterpipe smokers from Lebanon and Iraq. The questionnaire included the Lebanese Waterpipe Dependence Smoking-11, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, the Waterpipe Harm Perception Scale, Waterpipe Knowledge Scale, Waterpipe Attitude Scale, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and the Motivation to Stop Scale.

RESULTS

When adjusting the results over confounding variables, the results showed that compared to finding the warnings to stop smoking not efficacious at all, adolescents who find the warnings moderately (aOR = 2.83) and very (aOR = 6.64) efficacious had higher motivation to quit. Compared to finding the warnings not increasing their curiosity for information about how to stop waterpipe smoking at all, participants who confessed that warnings increased their curiosity a little (aOR = 2.59), moderately (aOR = 3.34) and very (aOR = 3.58) had higher motivation to quit. Compared to not considering changing the tumbac brand if the company uses pictorial warnings, adolescents who would consider changing the tumbac brand (aOR = 2.15) had higher motivation to quit.

CONCLUSION

Pictorial and textual warnings on waterpipe packs were associated with higher motivation to stop waterpipe smoking. Public health education programs for this purpose seem warranted.

How is family health related to health-related quality of life among middle-aged and older adults in rural China? A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is unequal between countries and regions, and the emphasis on HRQOL of populations of low-income countries and regions is unprecedented.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between family health and HRQOL among middle-aged and older adults in rural China, and determine whether this association differs by age, gender and chronic disease subgroup.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey carried out from July to September 2021. The participants were 1059 people aged 46 and over living in rural China. We used the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level (EQ-5D-5L) and Family Health Scale-Short Form (FHS-SF) to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and family health, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean EQ-VAS was 75.66, the mean EQ index score was 0.92, and the mean FHS was 37.90 in rural middle-aged and older adults. After Bonferroni correction, generalised linear regression models showed that FHS was significantly associated with the EQ-VAS (β = 0.829; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.660 to 0.997; p < .001) and the EQ index score (β = 0.003; 95%CI: 0.001 to 0.004; p < .001). Binary logistic regression models showed that FHS was associated with three dimensions of HRQOL (mobility, self-care and usual activities) (p < .01). Based on subgroup analyses, the effect of FHS on EQ-VAS and the EQ index score was significant in three subgroups after Bonferroni correction (p < .01), but the association between FHS and the dimensions of HRQOL differed by age, gender and chronic disease group (p > .01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to explore that family health and its dimensions are significant positive predictors of HRQOL among middle-aged and older adults in rural China. Family-based measures may have more potential and value because better family health significantly improves HRQOL.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

In the health strategy, the government and primary health care workers should include family health as an indicator and assess it before and after the implementation of the strategy.

Public sentiments and the influence of information-seeking preferences on knowledge, attitudes, death conversation, and receptiveness toward palliative care: results from a nationwide survey in Singapore

Background

Low awareness about palliative care among the global public and healthcare communities has been frequently cited as a persistent barrier to palliative care acceptance. Given that knowledge shapes attitudes and encourages receptiveness, it is critical to examine factors that influence the motivation to increase knowledge. Health information-seeking from individuals and media has been identified as a key factor, as the process of accessing and interpreting information to enhance knowledge has been shown to positively impact health behaviours.

Objective

Our study aimed to uncover public sentiments toward palliative care in Singapore. A conceptual framework was additionally developed to investigate the relationship between information-seeking preferences and knowledge, attitudes, receptiveness of palliative care, and comfort in death discussion.

Design and Methods

A nationwide survey was conducted in Singapore with 1226 respondents aged 21 years and above. The data were analysed through a series of hierarchical multiple regression to examine the hypothesised role of information-seeking sources as predictors.

Results

Our findings revealed that 53% of our participants were aware of palliative care and about 48% were receptive to receiving the care for themselves. It further showed that while information-seeking from individuals and media increases knowledge, attitudes and receptiveness to palliative care, the comfort level in death conversations was found to be positively associated only with individuals, especially healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the need for public health authorities to recognize people's deep-seated beliefs and superstitions surrounding the concept of mortality. As Asians view death as a taboo topic that is to be avoided at all costs, it is necessary to adopt multipronged communication programs to address those fears. It is only when the larger communicative environment is driven by the media to encourage public discourse, and concurrently supported by timely interventions to trigger crucial conversations on end-of-life issues between individuals, their loved ones, and the healthcare team, can we advance awareness and benefits of palliative care among the public in Singapore.

PFAS Contamination: Pathway from Communication to Behavioral Outcomes

ABSTRACTGuided by the risk information seeking and processing model, this study examines social cognitive variables that motivate individuals to actively seek and process information related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. Results indicate that information insufficiency, affective response, and informational subjective norms are positively related to information seeking and systematic processing, which are positively associated with policy support and intention to adopt risk mitigation behaviors. These findings suggest that when communicating the health risks of PFAS contamination to the general public, cognitive, affective, and normative factors are important initial steps to generate public interest in relevant information.

[COVID-19 risk groups and their strategies for navigating information overload during the first year of the pandemic in Chile]

As a part of the EIS-COVID project on the access and use of information during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile, the objective of this paper was to ascertain how people's informational environment was constructed during the first stage of the pandemic. It discusses the results of a qualitative study of people belonging to risk groups for COVID-19: people over 18 and under 65 with chronic diseases (hypertension and diabetes) and people 65 and over. Ninety semi-structured interviews were conducted in the Metropolitan and Valparaíso regions between September 2020 and January 2021. The results reveal the problematic nature of the information overload encountered by these groups and the strategies they used to navigate it: a) information avoidance; b) content corroboration and active search for reliable sources; and c) differentiated media use.

The associations among cognitive social factors, eHealth literacy and health-promoting behaviors in Chinese adolescents

The internet is a critical source of health information. It is important to understand online health information seeking related factors among college students, as modifications in this have the potentials to enhance their health-promoting behaviors in their transition into early adulthood. This study assessed the associations among cognitive social factors, eHealth literacy, online health information seeking and health-promoting behaviors; and examined the potential mediation effect of online health information seeking and eHealth literacy on the association between cognitive social factors and health-promoting behaviors. A cross-sectional, Internet-based survey was conducted in a sample of Chinese college students (n = 289) during April to June 2018. The structural model fitted the data well: X2/df = 2.27; CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.07 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.08); SRMR = 0.07 and the results showed that performance expectancy and health motivation were significantly and positively associated with health-promoting behaviors indirectly through eHealth literacy, adjusting for other cognitive social factors, frequency of online health information seeking and background factors. eHealth literacy is a strong mediator of the association between cognitive social factors (performance expectancy and health motivation) and health-promoting behaviors. Implications and potential interventions to promote eHealth literacy and health-promoting behaviors are discussed.

In Science We Trust: The Effects of Information Sources on COVID-19 Risk Perceptions

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of sources of information on COVID-19 risk perceptions. Using data from a representative sample of the Portuguese population (N = 1,411) collected early in the pandemic, we find that while media sources were more frequently used, scientific sources played a more important role on perceived personal and societal-level risks; higher trust in scientific sources associated with increased risk perceptions (i.e., amplified perceived risk), trust in social media associated with dismissing personal threat (i.e., attenuated perceived risk). These findings suggest that people's relations with science were determinant factors in risk perceptions, and dimensions that measure these deserve further investigation.

Are Foods from the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown Low in Nutrients? An Analysis of Chinese Psychological Distress Effects

Background: The city-wide COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in psychological anguish, which may have an impact on dietary consumption. This study’s dual goals are to show how Chinese food consumption was altered before and after the lockdown, and to examine the nutrient density for the psychologically affected group. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 652 people from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Macao was conducted with the aid of a web-based questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics, related environmental factors, nutrient consumption, food recommendations, and psychological distress were all measured. 516 trustworthy data revealed that two nutrient-poor foods were consumed less frequently during the lockdown than they were before to the COVID-19 outbreak (i.e., salty snacks and alcoholic beverages). People who endured high levels of psychological distress in particular tended to consume more. Particularly, those who experienced high levels of psychological distress had a tendency to consume far more alcohol than people who only experienced low levels of stress. Comparing the time before the COVID-19 to the present, there has statistically been an increase in the frequency of family members recommending diets. According to research, by food advice, individuals who experience psychological distress should consume more nutrient-dense foods (78.7%) than nutrient-poor ones (61.9%). Thus, food advice plays a role in mediating the relationship between psychological distress and dietary decisions for nutrient-rich (b = 0.186, p < 0.001) or nutrient-poor (b = 0.187, p < 0.001) food groups. This study provides insights for lowering psychological distress through dietary consumption, where the exact mechanisms underlying these connections have not been thoroughly elucidated. It encourages nutrition research by recommending practical nutrition education from family and environmental activities. Chronic psychological anguish may have a crucial relationship to secure access to food and a balanced diet. Along with nutrition instruction, it is critical to develop skills in interventions such as food procurement and culinary knowledge.

Cultural Differences in Cancer Information Acquisition: Cancer Risk Perceptions, Fatalistic Beliefs, and Worry as Predictors of Cancer Information Seeking and Avoidance in the U.S. and China

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in China and the United States. Past studies found that cancer risk perceptions, fatalistic beliefs, and worry were prominent predictors of health-related behaviors. Perceived cancer risks, fatalistic beliefs, and worry were associated with cancer information acquisition in the United States. However, little is known about whether these factors played comparable roles in China. This study investigates the psychological antecedents of cancer information acquisition using data from Health Information National Trends Surveys (HINTS) in both countries. Results showed that cancer worry was negatively related to cancer information avoidance in the U.S. but positively related to information avoidance in China. Also, whereas cancer fatalistic beliefs were negatively associated with cancer information seeking in the U.S., the relationships between fatalistic beliefs and cancer information seeking exhibited more complex patterns in China. Implications for cancer communication in different cultures are discussed.

Factors Influencing the Knowledge Gap regarding Influenza and Influenza Vaccination in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey in China

In the context of the COVID-19 global pandemic, promoting influenza knowledge and vaccine helps reduce the risk of dual pandemics and relieve the pressure on healthcare systems. Due to the low rate of influenza vaccination in China, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to investigate whether a knowledge gap regarding influenza and influenza vaccine exists between Chinese groups of different socioeconomic statuses and then explore the possible factors influencing knowledge level. A total of 951 valid questionnaires were collected online in this study. Variance analysis shows a knowledge gap regarding influenza and influenza vaccination between different socioeconomic status groups. Correlation analysis shows that internet media, social media, public communication, and interpersonal communication are positively associated with the knowledge level. Multilevel regression analysis shows a significant interaction between internet media and educational level. This study finds that internet media use helps narrow the knowledge gap between groups with different education levels. This article recommends a multi-channel promotion of influenza and vaccine knowledge and better pertinence between contents and readers.

COVID-19 Vaccine-related Information Seeking and Scanning: A Test of Mediators between Information Acquisition and Vaccination Intention among Unvaccinated Black Americans

Health information seeking and scanning are two important information acquisition strategies that can influence subsequent health behaviors. This research was contextualized in COVID-19 vaccinations and examined the effects of information seeking and scanning on vaccination intention among unvaccinated Black Americans (N = 1,278). Moreover, this research conceptualized perceived risk and efficacy as the intervening factors for the relationship between information acquisition and behavioral intention. The results indicated that information seeking had a significant effect on vaccination intention, whereas information scanning had no effect. Perceived susceptibility and response efficacy mediated the relationship between information seeking and vaccination intention. The proposed mediators did not mediate the relationship between information scanning and vaccination intention. Theoretical and practical implications are offered.

Beyond Dr. Google: Health information seeking from an intelligent online symptom checker: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study (Preprint)

Background

The ever-growing amount of health information available on the web is increasing the demand for tools providing personalized and actionable health information. Such tools include symptom checkers that provide users with a potential diagnosis after responding to a set of probes about their symptoms. Although the potential for their utility is great, little is known about such tools’ actual use and effects.

Objective

We aimed to understand who uses a web-based artificial intelligence–powered symptom checker and its purposes, how they evaluate the experience of the web-based interview and quality of the information, what they intend to do with the recommendation, and predictors of future use.

Methods

Cross-sectional survey of web-based health information seekers following the completion of a symptom checker visit (N=2437). Measures of comprehensibility, confidence, usefulness, health-related anxiety, empowerment, and intention to use in the future were assessed. ANOVAs and the Wilcoxon rank sum test examined mean outcome differences in racial, ethnic, and sex groups. The relationship between perceptions of the symptom checker and intention to follow recommended actions was assessed using multilevel logistic regression.

Results

Buoy users were well-educated (1384/1704, 81.22% college or higher), primarily White (1227/1693, 72.47%), and female (2069/2437, 84.89%). Most had insurance (1449/1630, 88.89%), a regular health care provider (1307/1709, 76.48%), and reported good health (1000/1703, 58.72%). Three types of symptoms—pain (855/2437, 35.08%), gynecological issues (293/2437, 12.02%), and masses or lumps (204/2437, 8.37%)—accounted for almost half (1352/2437, 55.48%) of site visits. Buoy’s top three primary recommendations split across less-serious triage categories: primary care physician in 2 weeks (754/2141, 35.22%), self-treatment (452/2141, 21.11%), and primary care in 1 to 2 days (373/2141, 17.42%). Common diagnoses were musculoskeletal (303/2437, 12.43%), gynecological (304/2437, 12.47%) and skin conditions (297/2437, 12.19%), and infectious diseases (300/2437, 12.31%). Users generally reported high confidence in Buoy, found it useful and easy to understand, and said that Buoy made them feel less anxious and more empowered to seek medical help. Users for whom Buoy recommended “Waiting/Watching” or “Self-Treatment” had strongest intentions to comply, whereas those advised to seek primary care had weaker intentions. Compared with White users, Latino and Black users had significantly more confidence in Buoy (P<.05), and the former also found it significantly more useful (P<.05). Latino (odds ratio 1.96, 95% CI 1.22-3.25) and Black (odds ratio 2.37, 95% CI 1.57-3.66) users also had stronger intentions to discuss recommendations with a provider than White users.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate the potential utility of a web-based health information tool to empower people to seek care and reduce health-related anxiety. However, despite encouraging results suggesting the tool may fulfill unmet health information needs among women and Black and Latino adults, analyses of the user base illustrate persistent second-level digital divide effects.

Physical activity information seeking among emerging adults attending university

Objective To assess preferred sources of information for seeking physical activity (PA), and how PA information seeking may contribute to participation in a campus PA program. Participants: Students attending a large, Western Canadian university between April 2015 and April 2018. Methods: Secondary analysis of an annual campus-wide survey. Results: Students sought PA information for general health. Females sought information about weight loss for appearances; males sought information for muscle gain for appearance. Internet and friends were primary sources of PA information. Regression analysis indicated females 2.49 (95% CI 1.98-3.13), domestic students 2.86, 95% CI (2.04-4.02), and first year students 24.88, 95% CI (18.12-34.17) were most likely to participate in a campus PA program. Only health reasons significantly contributed to participation 1.42, 95% CI (1.06-1.89). Conclusions: Emerging adults attending university may benefit from PA promotion that makes use of their preferred information sources.

Leisure-time and study-time Internet use and dietary risk factors in Korean adolescents

BACKGROUND

Prolonged screen time is associated with an increased risk of obesity in adolescents. However, little is known about whether Internet use is also associated with dietary risk factors including consumption of obesogenic foods.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we examined the associations of leisure-time and study-time Internet use with dietary risk factors in Korean adolescents using nationally representative survey data.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among 54,416 middle and high school students in the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey 2015. Participants were asked to report the average duration of leisure-time and study-time Internet use, days of skipping breakfast, and frequency of fruit, vegetable, instant noodle, fast-food, chip/cracker, and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intakes. We performed multivariable logistic regression to estimate ORs and 95% CIs for the relations between duration of Internet use and dietary risk factors, accounting for complex survey sampling and adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Prolonged leisure-time Internet use (≥241 compared with 1-60 min/d) was associated with higher prevalence of frequent skipping breakfast (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.29, 1.49), low intakes of fruits (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.36) and vegetables (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.33, 1.55), and high intakes of instant noodles (OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.74, 2.02), fast-food (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.49, 1.78), chips/crackers (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.24, 1.52), and SSBs (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.52, 1.75). Prolonged study-time Internet use (≥121 compared with 1-60 min/d) was inversely associated with prevalence of low fruit (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.00) and vegetable (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.98) intakes but was positively associated with high intakes of instant noodles (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.19) and chips/crackers (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.23). The overall associations remained consistent in analyses stratified by sex, grade, region, parental co-residence, perceived household income, perceived stress level, physical activity, and obesity status.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that prolonged Internet use, particularly during leisure time, is associated with less healthful dietary behaviors in Korean adolescents.

Factors associated with meeting cancer prevention guidelines in adults

BACKGROUND

Because much worldwide cancer incidence and mortality is related to modifiable risk factors, many global health organizations provide evidence-based recommendations on healthy weight, diet, and physical activity levels for cancer prevention. Even though adherence to such guidelines is reported to reduce cancer incidence and mortality, this adherence is often suboptimal. Identifying factors related to adherence to the guidelines can suggest interventions to improve health promoting lifestyle behaviors for cancer prevention.

OBJECTIVES

Examine a comprehensive set of potentially predictive factors in meeting American Cancer Society's guidelines for healthy weight, fruits and vegetables intake, and physical activity.

METHODS

Data used in the analysis were from adults aged 18 years and older without a history of a cancer diagnosis who participated in the Health Information National Trends Survey in 2019 (n = 3407). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the significant predictors for meeting each of the healthy weight, fruits and vegetables intake, and physical activity guidelines.

RESULTS

Overall adherence to each guideline was low: 39.0% met the physical activity guideline, 30.4% met the healthy weight guideline, and 17.6% met the fruits and vegetables intake guideline. Meeting the healthy body weight guideline was greater in current smokers, females, those who had at least some college education, those who did not have a chronic health condition, and those who had very good self-rated health. Meeting the fruits and vegetables intake guideline was greater in females, those who had very good self-rated health, and those who talked to friends or family members regarding their health. Meeting the physical activity guideline was greater in males, those who had household incomes of at least $50,000, those who did not have a chronic health condition, and those who had very good self-rated health.

CONCLUSIONS

The current analyses identified a unique set of predictors for meeting each guideline among US adults who reported never having been diagnosed with cancer. Based on these findings, interventions related to each guideline should be especially targeted to individuals having characteristics that were less likely to meet them.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Findings from the current study can assist health care providers who counsel about cancer prevention in the clinical setting.

Human information behavior during the Covid-19 health crisis. A literature review

The research carried out on human information behavior (HIB) during the Covid-19 health crisis was reviewed, with the premise that HIB and information practices allow humans to adapt to the changing circumstances of existence. A literature search was run on the LISTA and Google Scholar databases from middle March 2020 up to the end of March 2021. After filtering retrieved results, 52 studies were selected. Results are summarized into seven main themes, including the use of traditional and social media, infoveillance of search engines and social media activity, misinformation, disinformation and infodemics, and uncertainty and emotions. Results point to the need to carry out additional research in specific contexts and addressing vulnerable and marginalized groups. Further areas of inquiry include the interplay of emotions, knowledge and behaviors during the information seeking process, a better understanding of local knowledge and experiential knowledge, and the need to comprehend the limitations of ICT.

Relationship of patient-centered communication and cancer risk information avoidance: A social cognitive perspective

OBJECTIVE

We examined the relationship between patient-centered communication and cancer risk information avoidance and estimated the mediating role of self-efficacy in this relationship.

METHODS

Using nationally representative cross-sectional data from the U.S. Health Information National Trends Survey (N = 2033), this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between patient-centered communication and cancer risk information avoidance via correlation analysis, stepwise regression models, and mediation analysis.

RESULTS

Patient-centered communication was significantly negatively associated with cancer risk information avoidance (β= -0.09, p < 0.01) after controlling for gender, income, education, and cancer risk perception. Self-efficacy fully mediated the relationship of patient-centered communication with cancer risk information avoidance.

CONCLUSION

Patient-centered communication can improve patients' self-efficacy, thereby preventing them from avoiding cancer risk information.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The negative relationship between patient-centered communication and cancer risk information avoidance substantiates that improving patient-centered communication is a promising approach to support caregivers in their activities, reduce patients' subjective cancer burden, and even improve their health. To address cancer-related issues, policymakers can consider interventions from the external environment and internal personal cognition perspectives.

COVID-19 media fatigue: predictors of decreasing interest and avoidance of COVID-19-related news

OBJECTIVES

COVID-19-related news is important for adherence to public health measures. We examined predictors of interest and avoidance of COVID-19 news in Lithuania.

STUDY DESIGN

This is an online survey.

METHODS

An online survey was conducted between October and December 2020 targeting the general population in Lithuania. Participants rated their interest and avoidance of news about the COVID-19 pandemic, with possible answers ranging from 'completely agree' to 'completely disagree'. The participants were also evaluated for symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-8), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), post-traumatic stress (Impact of Event Scale-Revised) and COVID-19 fear (COVID-19 Fears Questionnaire).

RESULTS

In total, 1036 participants (83% women) completed the survey. The results indicated that 37% of participants were losing interest in COVID-19 news, 32% had started avoiding COVID-19 news and 26% had stopped following news about COVID-19. In the multivariate regression analyses, younger age, greater post-traumatic stress symptoms, less fear of COVID-19 and less frequent use of healthcare professionals for COVID-19 information were independent predictors of decreasing/diminished interest and avoidance of COVID-19 news (all P-values <0.005). More frequent use of friends/relatives for COVID-19 information was associated with increasing avoidance and diminished interest in news about COVID-19, while more frequent use of internet news portals for COVID-19 information predicted decreasing/diminished interest in news about COVID-19, independently from other factors considered in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreasing/diminished interest and avoidance of news about COVID-19 are common and are associated with younger age, greater post-traumatic stress symptoms, less fear of COVID-19 and less frequent use of healthcare professionals for COVID-19 information.

Few changes shown in cancer information-seeking behaviour among young adults in China between 2012 and 2017

BACKGROUND

The increasing incidence of cancer among young adults (18-40 years old) is of concern in China.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to examine the influence of cancer information-seeking behaviours (CISB) on young adults' worries about cancer and participation in screening.

METHODS

This study analysed data from two probability sample surveys conducted in 2012 and 2017 in China. The questions in the questionnaire remained the same for better comparison. The sample size was 1212 in the 2012 survey, and 2178 in the 2017 survey.

RESULTS

From 2012 to 2017, among young adults, there was a decline in cancer information seeking, diversity of cancer information sought and cancer worry, while an improvement in cancer information-seeking experience was found. Also, CISB had significant associations with cancer worry and health screening over the 5 years.

DISCUSSION

The level of young adults' cancer information seeking remains low in China, and this group is not fully aware of their potential risks of getting cancer.

CONCLUSION

Although young adults find the experience of looking for cancer information easier in 2017, health campaigns may be necessary to encourage young adults to find out more about their cancer risks, and to participate more in health screening.

Breast Cancer Information Behaviours and Needs among Singapore Women: A Qualitative Study

Background:

There is growing evidence on cancer communication and its impact on cancer-related health outcomes; however, little is known about how women gain access to and use breast cancer information in the multi-ethnic Asian context. This paper aimed to explore the breast cancer information acquisition behaviours and needs among Singapore women who attended a community-based health organisation for mammography screening.

Methods, design and setting:

Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 37 racially diverse, aged 50 and above women, who have received mammography screening within the past two years. The interviews were conducted at either the Singapore Cancer Society Clinic or participant’s home.

Results:

Although cancer information scanning was more prevalent than information seeking (91.9% vs. 62.2%), those who purposively seek information exhibited a higher knowledge level of breast cancer. The most commonly cited sources for information scanning were friends, television and family, and for information seeking were the Internet, pamphlets from a healthcare organisation/ public authority, and healthcare providers. Singapore women were well-informed about the benefits of mammogram; however, specific knowledge, such as modifiable risk factors, reasons for different screening options and the trade-off between harm and benefit, was still lacking which led to confusion about screening.

Conclusion:

Breast cancer health educational materials should provide clear and balanced information to give women a more accurate or realistic expectation about mammography screening. Study findings provide important implications for breast cancer education and programs to move beyond simply raising awareness and craft specific informative messages addressing the needs of the target group.

Digital inequalities in health information seeking behaviors and experiences in the age of web 2.0: A population-based study in Hong Kong

BACKGROUND

Inequalities in health information seeking behaviors (HISBs) using mass media and internet websites (web 1.0) are well documented. Little is known about web 2.0 such as social networking sites (SNS) and instant messaging (IM) and experiences of HISBs.

METHODS

We surveyed representative Hong Kong Chinese adults (N = 10143, 54.9% female; 72.3% aged 25-64 years) on frequency of HISBs using traditional sources, internet websites, SNS (e.g., Facebook, Twitter), and IM (e.g., WhatsApp, WeChat) and experiences measured using Information Seeking Experience Scale. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for HISBs and experiences by sociodemographic and health-related characteristics were yielded using multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance estimators. aPRs for experiences by HISBs using internet websites, SNS, and IM adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics were also yielded.

RESULTS

Being female, higher educational attainment, not smoking, and being physically active were associated with HISBs using any source (all P<0.05). Older age had decreased aPRs for HISBs using traditional sources (P for trend = 0.03), internet websites (P for trend<0.001), and SNS (P for trend<0.001) but not for IM (aged 45-64 years: aPR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.07, 2.03). Lower educational attainment and income were associated with negative experiences including feelings of effort and difficulties in understanding the information (all P for trend<0.05). Older age had increased aPRs for difficulties in understanding the information (P for trend = 0.003). Compared with internet websites, HISBs using IM was associated with feelings of frustration (aPR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.08, 1.79), difficulties in understanding the information (aPR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.12, 1.65), and quality concern (aPR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.08, 1.32).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified correlates of web-based health information seeking and experiences in Hong Kong Chinese adults. Providing greater access to and improved information environment of web 2.0 to the target groups may help address digital inequalities.

Media Exposure, Cancer Beliefs, and Cancer-Related Information-Seeking or Avoidance Behavior Patterns in China

This study explored the relationships between media exposure, cancer beliefs, and cancer information-seeking or information-avoidance behaviors. Based on the planned risk information-seeking model and its extended framework, two predictive models were constructed: one for cancer information seeking and the other for cancer information avoidance. A structural equation modeling strategy was applied to survey data from China HINTS 2017 (n = 3090) to compare the impact of traditional mass media and social media exposure to cancer-related information on cancer information-seeking and information-avoidance behaviors. The study findings suggest that health-related information exposure through different media channels may generate distinctive information-seeking or information-avoidance behaviors based on various cancer beliefs. Additionally, the findings indicate that social media exposure to health-related and cancer curability beliefs does not lead to cancer information avoidance; both mass media and social media exposure encourage people to seek cancer-related information. Cancer fatalism is positively associated with cancer information-seeking and avoiding intentions, suggesting that negative cancer beliefs predict seemingly contradictory yet psychologically coherent information intentions and behaviors.

Odds of Meeting Cancer Prevention Behavior Recommendations by Health Information Seeking Behavior: a Cross-Sectional HINTS Analysis

People who seek health information frequently may be more likely to meet health behavior goals; however, people use many different information sources. The purpose of this paper is to assess how different sources of health information influence likelihood of meeting cancer prevention behavior guidelines. Logistic regression of cross-sectional data from 6 years of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) was conducted. Independent variables included first source of health information, gender, age, race, education level, income, cancer history, general health, and data year; dependent variables were fruit and vegetable intake, exercise, smoking, mammography, Pap test, and colon cancer screening. Those who seek health information from doctors, the internet, or publications had higher odds of meeting more cancer prevention guidelines than those who do not seek health information. Those who used healthcare providers as an initial information source had higher odds of meeting diet, cervical, and colon cancer screening recommendations, while using the internet as an initial source of health information was associated with higher odds of meeting diet, smoking, and colon cancer screening recommendations. No health information source was associated with meeting either exercise or mammography recommendations. People should be encouraged to seek health information to help them meet their behavior goals, especially from sources that are more likely to be accurate and encourage cancer prevention behavior. Future research is needed to understand the accuracy of health information and what kinds of health information have positive influences on cancer prevention behavior.

A socio-technological model of search information divide in US cities

Purpose

The purpose of the current study is to theorize and apply a socio-technological model – the powerful influence of social determinants in conditioning the effects of information attention on social outcomes. Fundamentally, this study is motivated by the idea that the social determinants of information flow can be used as a predictive tool to inform public socio-policy decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws upon digital disparity literature and uses publicly available Google search queries in exploring online information attention and its relationships to the HIV/AIDS diffusion in US cities. This study’s secondary data collected from extant sources is used to draw attention to a holistic urban ecology under which online search attention represents the variation of information access at the aggregate level.

Findings

The main finding shows that online information attention, as indicated by search trend, is far from being a simple predictor, but operates in complex interactions with existing social environments. A bivariate correlation between AIDS information search and AIDS diffusion rate was found to be significant. However, predictive multivariate models displayed robust effects of social contextual variables, such as income level and racial composition of cities, in moderating the effect of online search information flow.

Practical implications

The importance of these insights is discussed for reducing socio-health disparities at the macro-social level, and policymakers and health administrators are recommended to incubate supportive online infrastructure as an effective preventive measure at the time of a crisis.

Originality/value

The unique contribution of this study is the premise that looks at the aggregate-ecological contour of cities within which the potential benefits of information occur, instead of examining the isolated function of mediated information per se. In this vein, online information search, in lieu of the exposure to mass media message that is often measured via self-reported items, is a particularly unique and fruitful area of future inquiry that this study promotes.

Information Seeking as A Predictor of Risk Behavior: Testing A Behavior and Risk Information Engagement Model (BRIE)

Prior theoretical models of information seeking have examined its role, primarily, as a determinant of recommended behaviors. In this study, we develop and test the "behavior and risk information engagement" (BRIE) model, which accounts for the reciprocal effects of information seeking from interpersonal and media sources on two risk behaviors - nonmedical marijuana and amphetamine use. We test the model among young Israeli adults (N = 800) using a three-wave prospective observational study (at 6-month intervals). Autoregressive cross-lagged structural equation models showed good fit. Information seeking from interpersonal sources at baseline predicted amphetamine use and marijuana use at 6 months. In both models, seeking drug-related information from interpersonal sources at baseline was also a predictor of seeking information from media sources at 6 months. Information seeking from media sources at 6 months was also a significant predictor of amphetamine use at 12 months. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Health Information Seeking Behaviors and Source Preferences between Chinese and U.S. Populations

This study examined similarities and differences in health information-seeking behaviors between American and Chinese people using data from the 2017 U.S. Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) and the 2017 China HINTS. It is one of the first studies that use comparable samples and survey instruments to make direct comparisons of the two populations' health information-seeking behaviors. Results showed that Americans (including different racial/ethnic groups in the U.S.) were more likely to actively seek health information than Chinese people. Americans were also more likely to use mediated communication as their primary sources of health information while Chinese people favored interpersonal sources. Chinese people reported lower quality of doctor-patient communication than their American counterparts. These differences between the two countries highlight the importance of using different information sources to reach specific populations, and the need to develop tailored public health intervention programs in different cultures.

Information Seeking and Scanning about Colorectal Cancer Screening among Black and White Americans, Ages 45-74: Comparing Information Sources and Screening Behaviors

Cancer information seeking and scanning predict a variety of preventive health behaviors. However, previous work has rarely gauged seeking and scanning of specific cancer screening information. Moreover, colorectal cancer prevalence and mortality rates are higher among black than white Americans and it remains unclear if these groups differ in their cancer screening information acquisition patterns. We surveyed black and white Americans between 45 and 74 years of age to investigate rates, sources, and correlates of colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) information seeking and scanning. Black and white Americans had similar likelihoods of engaging in information seeking and scanning regarding CRCS. However, black Americans reported using significantly more sources for CRCS information seeking and scanning than did white Americans. Both screening test-specific information seeking and scanning are associated with stool-based tests, but only information seeking is associated with flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. We discuss study implications for reaching out to different racial groups to promote colorectal cancer screening behavior.

New Educational Model to Promote Breast Cancer-Preventive Behaviors (ASSISTS): Development and First Evaluation

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of breast cancer in Iran has increased. An effective approach to decrease the burden of breast cancer is prevention.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate an educational model, called the ASSISTS, for promoting breast cancer-preventive behaviors in women.

METHODS

A multiphase method was used to develop the model designed to promote breast cancer prevention behaviors. A conceptual model was generated based on a secondary analysis of qualitative data. Then, a structural equation model technique was used to test the relationships among the model constructs.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed that 7 constructs could be extracted, namely, perceived social support, attitude, motivation, self-efficacy, information seeking, stress management, and self-care. Based on these constructs, a conceptual model was built and tested using structural equation modeling. The model fit was good, and the model confirmed significant relationships among the 7 constructs of breast cancer prevention.

CONCLUSION

Findings revealed that self-care behavior and stress management are influenced directly by attitude, motivation, self-efficacy, information seeking, and social support. In addition, women seek more information when they are motivated, have more self-efficacy, have a more positive attitude toward breast cancer prevention, and experience more social support.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

Cancer nurses can be at the forefront of breast cancer prevention. Because they can play a pivotal role in providing information, they can reduce women's stress and increase their self-care behavior. In addition, their social support can positively influence Iranian women's attitude, motivation, and self-care behavior. Furthermore, implementing educational programs based on this model might encourage women to practice preventive behaviors.

The Effects of Zika Virus Risk Coverage on Familiarity, Knowledge and Behavior in the U.S. - A Time Series Analysis Combining Content Analysis and a Nationally Representative Survey

This study assessed the effects of the February through September 2016 American news media's coverage of Zika Virus (ZIKV) risk on the U.S. public's familiarity, knowledge and behavior in the form of interpersonal discussions. A content analysis (N = 2,782 pieces) revealed that the Rio Olympic Games elicited a spike in coverage of Zika. We also found that newsworthy and easy- to- depict aspects of the disease, specifically its transmission by mosquitoes and its relation to microcephaly were covered more extensively than its sexual transmission and transmissibility from an infected person who is asymptomatic. Nevertheless, survey data over the same period of time (N = 37,180 respondents) revealed that the general amount of coverage, rather than the specifics about Zika transmission and its consequences, influenced the public's familiarity, knowledge, and behavior.

Sociocultural influences on attitudes towards pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), history of PrEP use, and future PrEP use in HIV-vulnerable cisgender men who have sex with men across the U.S

Despite its proven effectiveness in reducing HIV transmission, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use remains low. This study used data from a 2017-2018 U.S. national cohort to investigate social influences on PrEP experience and future PrEP use among cisgender men who have sex with men. We used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic analyses to examine social influences (e.g., how participants heard about PrEP and number of persons they knew taking PrEP) associated with each previous PrEP use and intentions to use PrEP. Among participants who knew of PrEP, commonly reported ways of first hearing about PrEP were through social media (27.4%) and friends (26.8%). These were also cited top influences on participants' current attitudes toward PrEP (friends 23.5%, social media 22.1%). Multivariable logistic regression analyses found that knowing more people taking PrEP was associated with increased odds of previously using PrEP and intending to use PrEP. Friends and social media were common and influential sources of information regarding PrEP. Results suggest that tapping into these social connections may effectively disseminate public health messaging about PrEP and encourage use among key populations to reduce HIV burden.

Patient-Physician Interaction and Trust in Online Health Community: The Role of Perceived Usefulness of Health Information and Services

Background: In recent years, China has witnessed a surge in medical disputes, including many widely reported violent riots, attacks, and protests in hospitals. Asymmetric information between patient and physicians is one of the most critical enablers in this phenomenon, but the Web has become the primary resource for Chinese Internet applications to learn about health information and could potentially play a role in this pathway to patient–physician interaction and patient–physician trust. While considerable attention has been paid in some countries, there are few researches about China’s situation for this issue. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the influence of online health information and the online guidance of doctors in patient health information literacy on patient–physician interaction and patient–physician trust in China. Methods: A web-based survey was conducted to collect data from online applications with health problems. A structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data to test the hypotheses. A total of 446 participants from the Tongji Hospital in Wuhan and Huazhong University of Science and Technology hospital participated in the study. Results: Our analysis shows that the usefulness of online health information and the online guidance of doctors both significantly influence the trust of the patient toward physicians and interaction with physicians. Furthermore, the patient–physician interaction also has a significant impact on the patient–physician trust. Conclusions: There are many studies on the influence of online health information on the doctor–patient relationship, whereas a little research has examined this relationship between health information online support from doctors and patient–physician interaction by quantitative empirical analysis. This study also explores the online guidance role of doctors and whether doctor–patient communication will affect the trust of doctors and patients. The practical implications of this study include an improved understanding of the function of online health information and potential impacts regarding the interaction with physicians and trust toward physicians that can be used to resolve conflicts between doctors and patients.

Using the eye-tracking method to study consumer online health information search behaviour

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce eye tracking as a method for capturing direct and indirect measures of online human information search behaviour. The unique contribution of eye-tracking data in studying information behaviour is examined in the context of health information research.

Design/methodology/approach

The need for multiple methods of data collection when examining human online health information behaviour is described and summarised. The nature of human eye movements in information use and reading is outlined and the emergence and application of contemporary eye-tracking technology are explained.

Findings

The paper summarises key contributions and insights that eye tracking has provided across multiple studies, with examples of both direct data on fixations and gaze durations as well as theoretical assessments of relevance and knowledge gain.

Originality/value

The paper provides a basic introduction to the application of a unique method for information research in general and online health information search in particular and provides readers with an awareness of how such data are captured and interpreted.

Health-Information Seeking and Intention to Quit Smoking: Do Health Beliefs Have a Mediating Role?

Background:

Smoking is a leading cause of preventable deaths. Smoking cessation can reduce the risk of smoking-associated disease and death. But smoking cessation involves behaviour change. Existing research indicates that health-information seeking and health-promoting behaviours can be positively associated. However, in the context of smoking, the relationship between seeking health information and intending to quit smoking remains only partially understood.

Aim:

This study aimed to examine the relationship between seeking health information and intending to quit smoking and to determine whether this relationship is mediated by health beliefs.

Methods:

We used data from the fourth cycle of the US National Cancer Institute’s Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Logistic regression was used to assess the independent variable (ie, health-information seeking) and dependent variable (ie, intention to quit smoking) as mediated by health belief.

Results:

Our findings suggest that smokers who seek health information have a 2.67 times higher odds of intending to quit smoking than smokers who do not seek health information. However, health beliefs do not have an intervening effect between seeking health information and intending to quit smoking.

Discussion:

Seeking health information is important in predicting attempts to quit smoking, regardless of the smokers’ pre-existing health beliefs. Our findings support cessation efforts that encourage smokers to seek health information. Determining optimal ways to encourage smokers to seek smoking-related information could support achieving and maintaining smoking cessation.

Conclusion:

Cessation programmes and policies should encourage smokers to seek health information. Additional research should further examine smokers’ motivators and cues for health-information seeking and should further probe smokers’ beliefs about the risks of smoking.

Ottawa charter framework as a guide for type 2 diabetes prevention and control in Iran

The growth of T2DM in Iran is predicted to be even greater than the global trend. So a new public health movement to effectively prevent and manage T2DM is required more than ever. The solution has lain in the heart of the Ottawa Charter, the first international conference on health promotion more than 30 years ago. The charter contains five useful actions to facilitate the process of diseases prevention and control: 1) building healthy public policy, 2) creating supportive environments, 3) strengthening community action, 4) developing personal skills, and 5) reorienting health care services toward promotion of health. The charter articulates health in all policies and their frameworks. The aim of this review is to examine how the five actions have been implemented in Iran and can serve as a guide to prevent and control diabetes. Several national case studies will be examined to illustrate the challenges facing Iran's health system. It enables the identification and sharing of best practice between countries.