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Aldharman SS, Althagafi MK, Alzahrani AA, Alshahrani LH, Abu Zahirah MO, Alharthi AS, Madkhali A, Al-Qahtani Z. Online Health Information Seeking by Individuals With Physical Disabilities Caused by Neurological Conditions in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2023; 15:e34460. [PMID: 36874670 PMCID: PMC9980835 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of the internet and information technology for accessing health information. This study aimed to determine the factors that affect patients with neurological disabilities and their willingness to search for information via the internet. In addition, we aimed to assess how patients manage this information, considering the increasing availability of online information and websites that discuss health and diseases, as well as the spread of communication technology and its accessibility to the public. Methodology A cross-sectional, online, self-administered, questionnaire study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. The study targeted patients with neurological diseases who had disabilities. The questionnaire was designed to measure the demographic data, physical disability using the 10-item physical function component of the 36-Item Short Form Health survey, the perceived usefulness of online health information, the perceived ease of use, and the perceived risk of online health information. Lastly, the questionnaire measured online health information-seeking intentions and information use. Data analysis was performed using RStudio (R version 4.1.1, Posit, Boston, USA). Results We received 1,179 responses, of which 399 were excluded due to using another way to get information rather than the internet, 31 did not have neurological disabilities, and 136 did not complete the questionnaire. The remaining 613 responses were included in the final analysis. The participants were mostly male (54.6%), not married (54.6%), and had a bachelor's degree (49.99%). The average age of participants was 18-25 years (24.5%) and 26-35 years (23.2%), Additionally, most participants resided in the western (26.9%) and eastern (25.9%) regions. Most participants (39.5%) had a monthly income of 5,000 to 10,000 SAR. Further, the most common neurological diseases were multiple sclerosis and epilepsy (26.9% and 23.2%, respectively). Based on the analysis of the data, the most important factor affecting online health information-seeking intention was that people with higher monthly incomes were more likely to seek online health information; these included people with an income of 10,000-20,000 SAR and >20,000 SAR. The most common factor affecting information use was the region of residence. The southern and western regions were less likely to adopt information use. Conclusions The monthly income and the area of residence had the greatest impact on people with neurological disabilities who sought online health information in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Educational campaigns and workshops should be arranged to increase the population's awareness of this topic, as well as to reveal the extent and prevalence of online health information seeking among disabled patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S Aldharman
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, SAU
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Derseh MH, Gashu KD, Meshesha T, Ashenafi B, Wolde AG, Umuro DS, Melaku MS, Wubante SM, Tadesse Z, Chernet N, Tegegne MD. Internet utilization for health information and its associated factors among undergraduate university students in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2022.101071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Díaz de León Castañeda C, Martínez Domínguez M. Factors Related to Internet Adoption and Its Use to Seek Health Information in Mexico. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 36:1768-1775. [PMID: 32700653 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1794552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Internet has the potential to be a valuable resource for the dissemination of health promotion information to the general population, mainly in conditions with well-developed health and digital literacy. Few studies have been undertaken on the adoption of the Internet by the Mexican population and its use to seek health information. The aim of this paper was to identify the factors that determine Internet adoption and its use by the heads of Mexican households for obtaining health information. This study used data taken from a probabilistic and cross-sectional national survey (National Survey on the Availability and Use of Information Technologies in Households, or ENDUTIH), applying an economic approach based on utility maximization theory. We estimated a univariate probit model for Internet adoption and a consecutive bivariate probit model with sample selection for the use of the Internet to seek health information. The software package was used to adjust and estimate the proposed models. The first model (Internet adoption) identified several factors related to digital divides in the country, while the second (Internet use to seek health information) identified various factors influencing online searches for health information, such as the following: being a woman; being an adult; having a higher level of education; having a higher income; having superior digital skills; and, living in an urban area. This study highlights the need to strengthen digital policy in order to improve access to and the adoption and efficient use of the Internet, particularly in terms of improving an individual's engagement with their own health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Díaz de León Castañeda
- Dirección de Cátedras, Consejo Nacional De Ciencia Y Tecnología (CONACYT)
- Universidad Michoacana De San Nicolás De Hidalgo (UMSNH)
| | - Marlen Martínez Domínguez
- Dirección de Cátedras, Consejo Nacional De Ciencia Y Tecnología (CONACYT)
- Centro De Investigaciones Y Estudios Superiores En Antropología Social (CIESAS)
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Hassan R, Kamel Elsalamony O, Abdel-Aziz S, Fathelbab M, Aly Sabry H. Digital Health Usage and Awareness among MedicalStudents: A Survey Study. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.7007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In the era of increasingly expanding digital ecosystem, health misinformation became highly risky, especially the information sources which are non-evidence based. This problem is magnified due to the vulnerability of most internet users, especially the adolescents information seekers who lack health literacy.
AIM: The aim of this study is to explore the pattern of digital health usage among medical university students and their level of awareness towards choosing online health information (OHI).
METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 480 medical students from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd academic years, at the Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, between October 2019 and October 2020. Students took an online structured questionnaire on google forms.
RESULTS: Mobile smartphones were the most widely used technological devices by participants. Almost all participants used Internet daily 98.8%, with the highest preference to social media 72.5% and text messaging 74.8%. Seeking health information was a common practice for personal health-related purpose of using Internet 87.1%, despite the lack in checking the reliability of messages and quality of provider. Knowledge about advantages and disadvantages of digital tools was also deficient among participant medical students.
CONCLUSION: Despite the high technology adoption among the university medical students, they lack the needed knowledge and skills for proper search, choosing, and evaluation of OHI.
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Mengiste M, Ahmed MH, Bogale A, Yilma T. Information-Seeking Behavior and Its Associated Factors Among Patients with Diabetes in a Resource-Limited Country: A Cross-Sectional Study. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2021; 14:2155-2166. [PMID: 34040402 PMCID: PMC8139726 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s289905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. The burden of diabetes mellitus is increasing rapidly in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Diabetes information seeking is essential for patients with diabetes to better manage and control their diabetes. However, information seeking about disease prevention and treatment is low in developing countries. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the diabetes information-seeking behavior and its associated factors among patients with diabetes in Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS An institution-based cross-sectional quantitative study supplemented with a qualitative study was conducted among 423 subjects from March to April 2019. A structured questionnaire and in-depth interview were used to collect the required data from the study subjects. The data were entered using Epi Info version 7.2.2. Data processing and analysis were conducted using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model were used for the quantitative study, and thematic content analysis was used for the qualitative study. The significance test cut-off value for bivariate analysis was P<0.2 and the cut-off value for multivariate analysis was P<0.05. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to interpret the results. RESULTS Out of 423 study participants, only 41.6% of patients with diabetes were diabetes information seekers. After adjusting all other factors in the final model, educational status, place of residence, comorbidity and health literacy were significantly associated with diabetes information seeking. CONCLUSION This study result indicates that the overall prevalence of information seeking among patients with diabetes toward diabetes was low. Having higher educational status, urban place of residence, the presence of comorbidity and adequate health literacy level increased the likelihood of diabetes information-seeking behavior among patients with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muluken Mengiste
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, Mettu University, Metu Zuria, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammedjud Hassen Ahmed
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, Mettu University, Metu Zuria, Ethiopia
| | - Adina Bogale
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfahun Yilma
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Tamiru AT, Rade BK, Taye EB, Azene ZN, Merid MW, Muluneh AG, Kassa GM, Yenit MK, Taddese AA, Gelaye KA, Geberu DM, Tilahun SY, Mekonnen HS, Azagew AW, Webneh CA, Belay GM, Assimamaw NT, Agegnehu CD, Azale T, Andualem Z, Dagne H, Gashaye KT, Kabito GG, Mekonnen TH, Daba S, Azanaw J, Adane T, Alemayehu M. Community Level of COVID-19 Information Exposure and Influencing Factors in Northwest Ethiopia. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2020; 13:2635-2644. [PMID: 33244280 PMCID: PMC7682608 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s280346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging respiratory infection, and the crisis has become a worldwide issue, and society has become concerned in various aspects. Good information exposure related to transmission, prevention, and risk factors of COVID-19 can be the best means to reduce the risk of disease exposure and mitigate further spread. The countries that have well practiced this strategy (society information exposure) were controlling disease progression, but there is a low practice in sub-Saharan countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the information exposure level about COVID-19 and influencing factors among northwest community of Ethiopia. Methods and Materials Community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among the community of Gondar city from April 20 to 27, 2020. A total of 623 study participants were involved in this interview, and a systematic sampling technique was applied to select the households. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and then exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. A multivariable binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with good information exposure about COVID-19. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated to show the strength of association. A p-value <0.05 was a cut-off point to declare statistical significance. Results The overall rate of information exposure about COVID-19 was 44.9%. Age 18-26 years [AOR=0.53; 95% CI (0.28-0.99)] and 34-45 years [AOR=0.44; 95% CI (0.24-0.80)], elementary school [AOR=2.48; 95% CI (1.20-5.15)], secondary school [AOR=3.98; 95% CI (1.99-7.99)], college and above [AOR=8.38; 95% CI (4.10-17.26)], browsed or follow social media [AOR=2.21; 95% CI (1.44-3.38)] and those having a discussion with their family members [AOR=2.37; 95% CI (1.44-3.90)] and friends [AOR=2.15; 95% CI (1.38-3.34)] were the factors significantly associated with good information exposure towards COVID-19. Conclusion Communities total level of good information exposure from different information platforms about COVID-19 in this study area remains low. Age, high level of education, browsing social media, and those having interpersonal (family and friends) discussion were the factors that significantly influence communities who have good information exposure related to COVID-19. Therefore, efforts on community mobilization through regional/national mass media and other information conveying platforms are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Animut Tagele Tamiru
- Department of General Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Bayew Kelkay Rade
- Department of General Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Eden Bishaw Taye
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Zelalem Nigussie Azene
- Department of Women's and Family Health, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mehari Woldemariam Merid
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Atalay Goshu Muluneh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Getahun Molla Kassa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Kindie Yenit
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Asefa Adimasu Taddese
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kassahum Alemu Gelaye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Demiss Mulatu Geberu
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Sewbesew Yitayih Tilahun
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Sewunet Mekonnen
- Department of Medical Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Abere Woretaw Azagew
- Department of Medical Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Chalachew Adugna Webneh
- Department of Pediatric and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Getaneh Mulualem Belay
- Department of Pediatric and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Nega Tezera Assimamaw
- Department of Pediatric and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Chilot Desta Agegnehu
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Telake Azale
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Zewudu Andualem
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Henok Dagne
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kiros Terefe Gashaye
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Gebisa Guyasa Kabito
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Hambisa Mekonnen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Sintayehu Daba
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Jember Azanaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tsegaye Adane
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mekuriaw Alemayehu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Liu H, Gong X, Zhang J. Does Internet Use Affect Individuals’ Medical Service Satisfaction? Evidence from China. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8020081. [PMID: 32244464 PMCID: PMC7349206 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8020081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Empirical evidence that combines traditional factors and information technology factors to predict public attitudes toward to medical services is inadequate. To fill this gap, this study investigates the impact of Internet use on people’s satisfaction with medical services by employing the Chinese Social Survey for 2013, 2015 and 2017 (including 28,239 samples in total). Estimation results under the ordered probit reveal that Internet use is negatively correlated with individuals’ medical services satisfaction. The results support the negativity bias theory, namely, compared with positive information, netizens pay more attention to negative medical-related information on the Internet. The results are still reliable by adopting substitution variable methods, subdividing the samples, employing other estimation methods and carrying out placebo tests to conduct robustness checks. This study further enriches the literature on public attitudes toward medical services and provides additional policy implications for medical risk management in the digital era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Liu
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, Shaanxi, China;
| | - Xiaomei Gong
- School of Public Economics and Administration, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai 200433, China;
| | - Jiaping Zhang
- School of Economics and Management, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- School of Management and Labor Relations, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Correspondence:
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Aoun L, Lakkis N, Antoun J. Prevalence and Outcomes of Web-Based Health Information Seeking for Acute Symptoms: Cross-Sectional Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e15148. [PMID: 31922490 PMCID: PMC6996753 DOI: 10.2196/15148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The literature indicates that Web-based health information seeking is mostly used for seeking information on well-established diseases. However, only a few studies report health information seeking in the absence of a doctor’s visit and in the context of acute symptoms. Objective This survey aimed to estimate the prevalence of Web-based health information seeking for acute symptoms and the impact of such information on symptom management and health service utilization. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 287 Lebanese adults (with a response rate of 18.5% [54/291]) conducted between December 2016 and June 2017. The survey was answered by participants online or through phone-based interviews. Results A total of 64.3% of the participants (178/277) reported checking the internet for health information when they had an acute symptom. The rate of those who sought to use Web-based health information first when experiencing acute symptom(s) in the past 12 months was 19.2% (25/130). In addition, 50% (9/18) visited the doctor because of the obtained information, and the rest self-medicated or sought a pharmacist’s advice; the majority (18/24, 75%) improved within 3-4 days. Conclusions Higher education level and trust in Web-based medical information were two major predictors of Web-based health information seeking for acute symptoms. Seeking Web-based health information first for acute symptoms is common and may lead to self-management by avoiding a visit to the physician. Physicians should encourage their patients to discuss Web-based health information and guide them toward trusted online websites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Aoun
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Najla Lakkis
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jumana Antoun
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Ashkanani H, Asery R, Bokubar F, AlAli N, Mubarak S, Buabbas A, Almajran A. Web-Based Health Information Seeking Among Students at Kuwait University: Cross-Sectional Survey Study. JMIR Form Res 2019; 3:e14327. [PMID: 31473592 PMCID: PMC6914278 DOI: 10.2196/14327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Owing to the revolution in technology, the internet has become an important aspect of people's lives. Modern technology is enabling people from diverse educational backgrounds to use the internet for several purposes, one of which is health information seeking. Recently, Web-based health information has become more popular among patients all over the world and among the general public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the use of Web-based health resources among undergraduate students from different faculties at Kuwait University. METHODS The study employed a cross-sectional design with students selected from 8 faculties of Kuwait University, 4 faculties of Literature and 4 faculties of Science. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and analysis was done using a chi-square test and binary logistic regression to determine the factors associated with seeking health information on the Web. RESULTS The sample size obtained was 1132 with a response rate of 90.27% (1132/1254). Overall, the prevalence of students seeking Web-based health information was 92.66%. (1049/1132) The most significant factors associated with seeking health information on the Web were age, gender, faculty, year of study, primary source of internet, and level of experience with internet use. In total, 90.0% (325/361) of students who were aged older than 21 years used Web-based health information compared with 82.8% (275/332) of those who were aged 18 years. In addition, female students showed a higher prevalence (829/934, 88.8%) of Web-based health information seeking than males (210/270, 77.8%). Students who majored in faculties of Science were more likely to seek health information than those who majored in faculties of Literature. All the differences found in the study were statistically significant (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS The study concluded that many people use the internet for seeking health information. Sociodemographic factors have a significant association with Web-based health information seeking. Therefore, doctors must educate the public about the health information websites that can be trusted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rabab Asery
- Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriyah, Kuwait
| | - Fajer Bokubar
- Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriyah, Kuwait
| | - Noor AlAli
- Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriyah, Kuwait
| | - Shahad Mubarak
- Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriyah, Kuwait
| | - Ali Buabbas
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriyah, Kuwait
| | - Abdullah Almajran
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriyah, Kuwait
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Do TTT, Le MD, Van Nguyen T, Tran BX, Le HT, Nguyen HD, Nguyen LH, Nguyen CT, Tran TD, Latkin CA, Ho RCM, Zhang MWB. Receptiveness and preferences of health-related smartphone applications among Vietnamese youth and young adults. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:764. [PMID: 29921258 PMCID: PMC6009816 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As smartphone becomes increasingly prevalent and affordable, more youths today can own a smartphone device and download applications in various application stores. Smartphone applications have been proven to be useful for youths in various aspects. However, there has been a paucity of data looking into the preferences of Vietnamese youths and adolescents with regards to health-related applications and their receptiveness towards smartphone apps. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the receptiveness and preferences of health-related smartphone applications (mHealth apps) among online Vietnamese youths and adolescents. METHODS An online cross-sectional study was conducted between the periods of August till October 2015 in Vietnam. Respondent-driven sampling technique (RDS) was utilized to recruit participants. Participants were asked questions about their history of downloading and using health-related smartphone applications and their receptiveness when using these applications. Moreover, socio-demographic characteristics and health status were also self-reported. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to determine associated factors. RESULTS Among 1028 participants, 57.4% owned a smartphone and only 14.1% of smartphone users have used a health-related smartphone application, and most of these individuals downloaded the applications for disease prevention (66.3%). 66.4% of the participants who owned these applications reported that health applications were useful and 92.8% reported being satisfied with the functionalities of the applications which they owned. Among smartphone users, people who were employed (OR = 15.46; 95%CI = 4.93-48.47) were more likely to download mHealth apps. Meanwhile, youths with higher EQ-5D index had a lower likelihood of downloading healthcare-related smartphone applications (OR = 0.17; 95%CI = 0.04-0.81). CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted a low rate of mHealth apps utilization among online Vietnamese youths and adolescents but a high acceptance of individuals who already used these apps. Developing mHealth apps or interventions towards the disease prevention and quality of life improvement could be feasible to proliferate the benefits of such applications in youths and adolescents in Vietnam. Further research should be conducted to optimize the contents and interfaces of mHealth apps that meet the needs of these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toan Thanh Thi Do
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mai Dinh Le
- Department of Hospital Quality Management, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thanh Van Nguyen
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Bach Xuan Tran
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Huong Thi Le
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hinh Duc Nguyen
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Long Hoang Nguyen
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Cuong Tat Nguyen
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Tho Dinh Tran
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Viet-Duc Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Carl A. Latkin
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Roger C. M. Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Melvyn W. B. Zhang
- Biomedical Global Institute of Healthcare Research & Technology (BIGHEART), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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