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Bachl M, Link E, Mangold F, Stier S. Search Engine Use for Health-Related Purposes: Behavioral Data on Online Health Information-Seeking in Germany. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:1651-1664. [PMID: 38326714 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2024.2309810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Internet searches for health-related purposes are common, with search engines like Google being the most popular starting point. However, results on the popularity of health information-seeking behaviors are based on self-report data, often criticized for suffering from incomplete recall, overreporting, and low reliability. Therefore, the current study builds on user-centric tracking of Internet use to reveal how individuals actually behave online. We conducted a secondary analysis of passively recorded Internet use logs to examine the prevalence of health-related search engine use, the types of health information searched for, and the sources visited after the searches. The analysis revealed two key findings. 1) We largely support earlier survey-based findings on the prevalence of online health information seeking with search engines and the relatively minor differences in information-seeking behaviors between socio-demographic groups. 2) We provide a more granular picture of the process of HISB using search engines by identifying different selection patterns depending on the scope of the searches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Bachl
- Institute for Media and Communication Studies, Department of Political and Social Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin
| | - Elena Link
- Department of Communication, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
| | - Frank Mangold
- Department Computational Social Science, GESIS - Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences
| | - Sebastian Stier
- Department Computational Social Science, GESIS - Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences
- School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim
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Hyzy M, Bond R, Mulvenna M, Bai L, Frey AL, Carracedo JM, Daly R, Leigh S. Don't judge a book or health app by its cover: User ratings and downloads are not linked to quality. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298977. [PMID: 38437233 PMCID: PMC10911617 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse the relationship between health app quality with user ratings and the number of downloads of corresponding health apps. MATERIALS AND METHODS Utilising a dataset of 881 Android-based health apps, assessed via the 300-point objective Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Applications (ORCHA) assessment tool, we explored whether subjective user-level indicators of quality (user ratings and downloads) correlate with objective quality scores in the domains of user experience, data privacy and professional/clinical assurance. For this purpose, we applied spearman correlation and multiple linear regression models. RESULTS For user experience, professional/clinical assurance and data privacy scores, all models had very low adjusted R squared values (< .02). Suggesting that there is no meaningful link between subjective user ratings or the number of health app downloads and objective quality measures. Spearman correlations suggested that prior downloads only had a very weak positive correlation with user experience scores (Spearman = .084, p = .012) and data privacy scores (Spearman = .088, p = .009). There was a very weak negative correlation between downloads and professional/clinical assurance score (Spearman = -.081, p = .016). Additionally, user ratings demonstrated a very weak correlation with no statistically significant correlations observed between user ratings and the scores (all p > 0.05). For ORCHA scores multiple linear regression had adjusted R-squared = -.002. CONCLUSION This study highlights that widely available proxies which users may perceive to signify the quality of health apps, namely user ratings and downloads, are inaccurate predictors for estimating quality. This indicates the need for wider use of quality assurance methodologies which can accurately determine the quality, safety, and compliance of health apps. Findings suggest more should be done to enable users to recognise high-quality health apps, including digital health literacy training and the provision of nationally endorsed "libraries".
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Hyzy
- School of Computing, Ulster University, Belfast, United Kingdom
- ORCHA, Sci-Tech Daresbury, Violet V2, Daresbury, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond Bond
- School of Computing, Ulster University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lu Bai
- School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Anna-Lena Frey
- ORCHA, Sci-Tech Daresbury, Violet V2, Daresbury, United Kingdom
| | | | - Robert Daly
- ORCHA, Sci-Tech Daresbury, Violet V2, Daresbury, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Leigh
- ORCHA, Sci-Tech Daresbury, Violet V2, Daresbury, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Liu HX, Chow BC, Hassel H, Huang YW, Liang W, Wang RB. Prospective association of eHealth literacy and health literacy with physical activity among Chinese college students: a multiple mediation analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1275691. [PMID: 38389943 PMCID: PMC10881736 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1275691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased physical activity (PA) while increasing demand for electronic health resources. eHealth literacy (EHL) is expected to aid eHealth use and health promotion. EHL was raised on the grounds of health literacy (HL). This study explored the associations among EHL, HL, and PA in Chinese college students and identified mediating mechanisms in the EHL/HL-PA relationship. Methods An integrated social-cognitive model was proposed. A total of 947 Chinese college students (52.8% women, age = 19.87 ± 1.68 years) completed the three-wave data collection. Path analysis was performed. Results An adequate good-to-fit model was indicated. Perceived EHL (PEHL) was significantly associated with perceived HL (PHL) and HL performance (HLP); PHL was negatively related to HLP; PEHL was significantly associated with self-efficacy (SE) and social support (SS); PHL had a significant effect on SS but not SE; HLP significantly affected SS but not SE; SS and SE positively predicted intention (INT), which then predicted PA. SS mediated PEHL/PHL-INT links; SE mediated the PEHL-INT link; SS and INT jointly mediated PEHL/PHL/HLP-PA; SE and INT jointly mediated PEHL-PA. Conclusion Relationships among EHL, HL, and PA were explored with multiple mediating mechanisms identified. Differential SE and SS roles in EHL/HL-PA links suggest new mechanisms to inform EHL/HL intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Xuan Liu
- School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bik Chu Chow
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Holger Hassel
- Institute for Applied Health Sciences, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Coburg, Germany
| | - YaJun Wendy Huang
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wei Liang
- School of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Run Bin Wang
- School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
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Ribaut J, DeVito Dabbs A, Dobbels F, Teynor A, Mess EV, Hoffmann T, De Geest S. Developing a Comprehensive List of Criteria to Evaluate the Characteristics and Quality of eHealth Smartphone Apps: Systematic Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e48625. [PMID: 38224477 PMCID: PMC10825776 DOI: 10.2196/48625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The field of eHealth is growing rapidly and chaotically. Health care professionals need guidance on reviewing and assessing health-related smartphone apps to propose appropriate ones to their patients. However, to date, no framework or evaluation tool fulfills this purpose. OBJECTIVE Before developing a tool to help health care professionals assess and recommend apps to their patients, we aimed to create an overview of published criteria to describe and evaluate health apps. METHODS We conducted a systematic review to identify existing criteria for eHealth smartphone app evaluation. Relevant databases and trial registers were queried for articles. Articles were included that (1) described tools, guidelines, dimensions, or criteria to evaluate apps, (2) were available in full text, and (3) were written in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish. We proposed a conceptual framework for app evaluation based on the dimensions reported in the selected articles. This was revised iteratively in discussion rounds with international stakeholders. The conceptual framework was used to synthesize the reported evaluation criteria. The list of criteria was discussed and refined by the research team. RESULTS Screening of 1258 articles yielded 128 (10.17%) that met the inclusion criteria. Of these 128 articles, 30 (23.4%) reported the use of self-developed criteria and described their development processes incompletely. Although 43 evaluation instruments were used only once, 6 were used in multiple studies. Most articles (83/128, 64.8%) did not report following theoretical guidelines; those that did noted 37 theoretical frameworks. On the basis of the selected articles, we proposed a conceptual framework to explore 6 app evaluation dimensions: context, stakeholder involvement, features and requirements, development processes, implementation, and evaluation. After standardizing the definitions, we identified 205 distinct criteria. Through consensus, the research team relabeled 12 of these and added 11 more-mainly related to ethical, legal, and social aspects-resulting in 216 evaluation criteria. No criteria had to be moved between dimensions. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a comprehensive overview of criteria currently used in clinical practice to describe and evaluate apps. This is necessary as no reviewed criteria sets were inclusive, and none included consistent definitions and terminology. Although the resulting overview is impractical for use in clinical practice in its current form, it confirms the need to craft it into a purpose-built, theory-driven tool. Therefore, in a subsequent step, based on our current criteria set, we plan to construct an app evaluation tool with 2 parts: a short section (including 1-3 questions/dimension) to quickly disqualify clearly unsuitable apps and a longer one to investigate more likely candidates in closer detail. We will use a Delphi consensus-building process and develop a user manual to prepare for this undertaking. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42021227064; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021227064.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janette Ribaut
- Institute of Nursing Science, Department Public Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Annette DeVito Dabbs
- School of Nursing, Department of Acute & Tertiary Care, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Clinical Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Fabienne Dobbels
- Institute of Nursing Science, Department Public Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Academic Center for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexandra Teynor
- Department of Computer Science, University of Applied Sciences, Augsburg, Germany
| | | | - Theresa Hoffmann
- Institute of Nursing Science, Department Public Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department Pflege und Betreuung, Genossenschaft Alterszentrum Kreuzlingen, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
| | - Sabina De Geest
- Institute of Nursing Science, Department Public Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Academic Center for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Janopaul-Naylor JR, Koo A, Qian DC, McCall NS, Liu Y, Patel SA. Physician Assessment of ChatGPT and Bing Answers to American Cancer Society's Questions to Ask About Your Cancer. Am J Clin Oncol 2024; 47:17-21. [PMID: 37823708 PMCID: PMC10841271 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000001050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are a new, publicly available tool for patients to access health care-related information with unknown reliability related to cancer-related questions. This study assesses the quality of responses to common questions for patients with cancer. METHODS From February to March 2023, we queried chat generative pretrained transformer (ChatGPT) from OpenAI and Bing AI from Microsoft questions from the American Cancer Society's recommended "Questions to Ask About Your Cancer" customized for all stages of breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer. Questions were, in addition, grouped by type (prognosis, treatment, or miscellaneous). The quality of AI chatbot responses was assessed by an expert panel using the validated DISCERN criteria. RESULTS Of the 117 questions presented to ChatGPT and Bing, the average score for all questions were 3.9 and 3.2, respectively ( P < 0.001) and the overall DISCERN scores were 4.1 and 4.4, respectively. By disease site, the average score for ChatGPT and Bing, respectively, were 3.9 and 3.6 for prostate cancer ( P = 0.02), 3.7 and 3.3 for lung cancer ( P < 0.001), 4.1 and 2.9 for breast cancer ( P < 0.001), and 3.8 and 3.0 for colorectal cancer ( P < 0.001). By type of question, the average score for ChatGPT and Bing, respectively, were 3.6 and 3.4 for prognostic questions ( P = 0.12), 3.9 and 3.1 for treatment questions ( P < 0.001), and 4.2 and 3.3 for miscellaneous questions ( P = 0.001). For 3 responses (3%) by ChatGPT and 18 responses (15%) by Bing, at least one panelist rated them as having serious or extensive shortcomings. CONCLUSIONS AI chatbots provide multiple opportunities for innovating health care. This analysis suggests a critical need, particularly around cancer prognostication, for continual refinement to limit misleading counseling, confusion, and emotional distress to patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Janopaul-Naylor
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
| | - Andee Koo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University
| | - David C Qian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University
| | | | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
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Zhu Y, Song T, Zhang Z, Yu P. Developing an Instrument to Evaluate the Quality of Dementia Websites. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:3163. [PMID: 38132053 PMCID: PMC10742665 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11243163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In today's digital era, health information, especially for conditions like dementia, is crucial. This study aims to develop an instrument, demenTia wEbsite measSurement insTrument (TEST), through four steps: identifying existing instruments, determining criteria, selecting and revising measurement statements, and validating the instrument from March to August 2020. Five health informatics experts used the content validity ratio (CVR) test for validation. Thirteen evaluators compared Fleiss Kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values across four dementia websites using TEST and another tool, DISCERN. TEST consists of seven criteria and 25 measurement statements focusing on content quality (relevance, credibility, currency) and user experience (accessibility, interactivity, attractiveness, privacy). CVR = 1 confirmed all statements as essential. The TEST demonstrated stronger consistency and assessor agreement compared to DISCERN, measured by Fleiss Kappa and ICC. Overall, it is a robust tool for reliable and user-friendly dementia resources, ensuring health holistic information accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ping Yu
- School of Computing and Information Technology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (Y.Z.); (T.S.); (Z.Z.)
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Milanti A, Chan DNS, Parut AA, So WKW. Determinants and outcomes of eHealth literacy in healthy adults: A systematic review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291229. [PMID: 37792773 PMCID: PMC10550189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND eHealth has shown many benefits in health promotion and disease prevention. For engaging in and taking advantage of eHealth, eHealth literacy is essential. This systematic review aims to summarise and examine the existing evidence on determinants and outcomes of eHealth literacy in healthy adults. METHODS We searched the relevant peer-reviewed articles published in English in six databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and ProQuest. The inclusion criteria of the review were: 1) studies examining 'eHealth literacy', which refers to the ability to search, select, judge and apply online health information to address or solve health problems and to improve wellbeing; 2) the type of study included observational and experimental studies, mixed method studies or qualitative studies; 3) the participants were healthy adults; 4) the main outcomes were the determinants (i.e. influencing or associated factors) and outcomes (i.e. benefits and disadvantages) of eHealth literacy. Articles were assessed by two reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. A conceptual model to map the determinants and outcomes of eHealth literacy in healthy adults into the non-modifiable, individual, social and community networks and structural layers was developed to classify the identified determinants and outcomes. RESULTS Forty-four studies were included in this review, of which 43 studies were cross-sectional and one was qualitative. eHealth literacy determinants included age, sex, literacy factors, socioeconomic factors and language. eHealth literacy outcomes included better general health promotion behavior, COVID-19 preventive behaviors, psychological wellbeing, social support, self-rated health and health service utilisation. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that eHealth literacy has multi-layered determinants and positive outcomes. Different strategies at different policy levels are needed to improve the eHealth literacy levels of healthy adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariesta Milanti
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dorothy Ngo Sheung Chan
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Winnie Kwok Wei So
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong, China
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He Y, Guo L, Zauszniewski JA, Wei M, Zhang G, Lei X, Liu Y. A reliability and validity study of the electronic health literacy scale among stroke patients in China. Top Stroke Rehabil 2023; 30:272-280. [PMID: 34927574 DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2021.2016100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with stroke usually use smartphones to obtain online information to maintain their health. But their ability to identify, evaluate and apply this information is still unknown. AIM This study was designed to examine the reliability and validity of the electronic Health Literacy Scale among patients with stroke in China. DESIGN This is a cross-sectional survey. METHODS A demographic questionnaire, the electronic Health Literacy Scale (e-HLS) and the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) were administered to a sample of 648 patients with ischemic stroke recruited from December 2020 to March 2021 in a tertiary hospital. RESULTS The Cronbach'α coefficient on the e-HLS-CHI was 0.907. Kappa consistency coefficient of test-retest reliability was 0.691 (p < .05). Three factors were extracted by Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), accounting for 90.84% of the total variance. Confirmatory Factory Analysis (CFA) revealed that three factors of e-HLS-CHI fit well (NFI = 0.979, RFI = 0.955, IFI = 0.987, TLI = 0.972, CFI = 0.987, RMSEA = 0.070, CMIN/DF = 2.586). Good simultaneous validity was suggested by the positive correlation of 0.94 (p < .001) between the e-HLS-CHI and eHEALS. When using eHEALS as the standard, the area under the ROC curve of e-HLS-CHI was 0.896 (95% CI: 0.831-0.960, p < .001). The sensitivity and specificity were 97.8% and 70.4% respectively. CONCLUSIONS The e-HLS can be used to evaluate electronic health literacy of patients with stroke in China after translation and cultural adaption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu He
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Lina Guo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | | | - Miao Wei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Gege Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Xiaoyu Lei
- College of Nursing, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yanjin Liu
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
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Li S, Cui G, Yin Y, Xu H. Associations between health literacy, digital skill, and eHealth literacy among older Chinese adults: A cross-sectional study. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231178431. [PMID: 37256010 PMCID: PMC10225956 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231178431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Digital divide in health-related technology use is a prominent issue for older adults. Improving eHealth literacy may be an important solution to this problem. This study aimed to explore the associations between health literacy, digital skills, and eHealth literacy among older Chinese adults. Methods A total of 2,144 older adults (mean age, 72.01 ± 6.96 years) from Jinan City, China participated in this study. The eHealth Literacy Scale was used to measure eHealth literacy in older adults. A linear regression model was used to analyze the associations among health literacy, digital skills, and eHealth literacy in older Chinese adults. Results The mean eHealth literacy score of the older adults was 17.56 ± 9.61. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and experience of Internet usage, the results of the linear regression showed that health literacy (B = 0.258, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.215-0.302, P< 0.001) and digital skills (B = 0.654, 95% CI = 0.587-0.720, P < 0.001) were positively associated with eHealth literacy. Sensitivity analyses revealed that this association remained robust. Conclusions The level of eHealth literacy in older Chinese adults is low. Health literacy and digital skills are associated with eHealth literacy in older adults. In the future, eHealth literacy intervention research should be considered from the perspective of health literacy and digital skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Service Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guanghui Cui
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongtian Yin
- School of Nursing, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Huilan Xu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Service Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Zhu Y, Wang X, You X, Zhao H, Guo Y, Cao W, Xin M, Li J. Cut-off value of the eHEALS score as a measure of eHealth skills among rural residents in Gansu, China. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231205269. [PMID: 37808241 PMCID: PMC10552485 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231205269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In this study, our aim was to quantify eHealth literacy and determine a cut-off value for eHEALS scores that signifies adequate eHealth literacy among rural residents in Gansu, China. Methods This cross-sectional investigation encompassed 18 rural areas across three cities-Lanzhou, Wuwei, and Dingxi-in Gansu. A total of 451 residents were recruited and underwent evaluations for both eHealth literacy and eHealth skills, utilizing the eHEALS and self-constructed tasks, respectively. A receiving operator characteristic curve was plotted with eHealth skills as the dependent variable and eHealth literacy levels as the independent variable, aiming to determine a cut-off value for eHEALS indicating adequate eHealth literacy and evaluate its predictive capacity. Results Among the 451 respondents, 10.9% did not possess a personal electronic device with Internet access, while 6.4% owned but had never used them. Within the remaining 373 residents, the mean eHealth literacy score was 25.85 (SD:10.93), item scores ranged from 3.12 (SD:1.45) to 3.42 (SD:1.60). Completion rates for three eHealth skills varied from 39.1% to 59.8%. The cut-off value was 29.5 determined by the Youden index. The area under the receiver operating curve was 0.829, with a sensitivity of 86.7%, and a specificity of 66.8%. Conclusions Our findings emphasized that eHealth literacy among rural residents remains at a low level. Moreover, we identified a cut-off value of 29.5 for eHEALS scores that signifies adequate eHealth literacy within this demographic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xinyi You
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongmei Zhao
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yawei Guo
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wangnan Cao
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Bejjing, China
| | - Meiqi Xin
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jinghua Li
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Trivedi N, Lowry M, Gaysynsky A, Chou WYS. Factors Associated with Cancer Message Believability: a Mixed Methods Study on Simulated Facebook Posts. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2022; 37:1870-1878. [PMID: 34145508 PMCID: PMC8213533 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-021-02054-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The ability to share and obtain health information on social media (SM) places higher burden on individuals to evaluate the believability of such health messages given the growing nature of misinformation circulating on SM. Message features (i.e., format, veracity), message source, and an individual's health literacy all play significant roles in how a person evaluates health messages on SM. This study assesses how message features and SM users' health literacy predict assessment of message believability and time spent looking at simulated Facebook messages. SM users (N = 53) participated in a mixed methods experimental study, using eye-tracking technology, to measure relative time and message believability. Measures included individual health literacy, message format (narrative/non-narrative), and information veracity (evidence-based/non-evidence-based). Results showed individuals with adequate health literacy rated evidence-based posts as more believable than non-evidence-based posts. Additionally, individuals with limited health literacy spent more relative time on the source compared to individuals with adequate health literacy. Public health and health communication efforts should focus on addressing myths and misinformation found on SM. Additionally, the source of message may be equally important when evaluating messages on SM, and strategies should identify reliable sources to prevent limited health literate individuals from falling prey to misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Trivedi
- Behavioral Research Program, Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, 3E624, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Mark Lowry
- Behavioral Research Program, Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, 3E624, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | | | - Wen-Ying Sylvia Chou
- Behavioral Research Program, Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, 3E624, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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Crocker B, Feng O, Duncan LR. Performance-based Measurement of eHealth Literacy: A Systematic Scoping Review (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022. [DOI: 10.2196/44602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
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Agormedah EK, Quansah F, Ankomah F, Hagan JE, Srem-Sai M, Abieraba RSK, Frimpong JB, Schack T. Assessing the validity of digital health literacy instrument for secondary school students in Ghana: The polychoric factor analytic approach. Front Digit Health 2022; 4:968806. [PMID: 36213522 PMCID: PMC9539653 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2022.968806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the coronavirus pandemic resulted in the heightened need for digital health literacy among the youth of school-going age. Despite the relevance of digital health literacy among the general public (including students), it appears the measurement of digital health literacy is still a challenge among researchers. Recently, Dadackinski and colleagues adapted existing digital health literacy measures to fit the COVID-19 situation. Since this development, the instrument has been widely used with few validation studies with none in Africa and specifically, in Ghana. The purpose of the study was to assess the validity of the digital health literacy instrument (DHLI) for secondary school students in Ghana using the polychoric factor analysis. We sampled 1,392 students from secondary schools in Ghana. The digital health literacy instrument was administered to the respondents, thereof. The study confirmed the four latent structure of the DHLI. Further, sufficient validity evidence was found regarding the construct validity of the DHLI. The findings from the study support the validity of the DHLI and its utility within the Ghanaian context. With the growing need for digital health literacy among younger people globally, the DHLI provides sufficient grounds for scaling them based on their level of literacy. There is a need for the instrument to be adapted and re-validated in Ghana and among different populations to widen its reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond Kwesi Agormedah
- Department of Business / Social Sciences Education, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Frank Quansah
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Francis Ankomah
- Department of Education and Psychology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Department of Education, SDA College of Education, Koforidua, Ghana
| | - John Elvis Hagan
- Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Neurocognition and Action-Biomechanics-Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Correspondence: John Elvis Hagan
| | - Medina Srem-Sai
- Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | | | - James Boadu Frimpong
- Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Thomas Schack
- Neurocognition and Action-Biomechanics-Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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Chiu YL, Tsai CC, Liang JC. Laypeople's Online Health Information Search Strategies and Use for Health-Related Problems: Cross-sectional Survey. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e29609. [PMID: 36053561 PMCID: PMC9482072 DOI: 10.2196/29609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With the increase in the use of the internet to search for health information about health-related problems, there is a need for health care professionals to better understand how their patients search for and use the online health information that may influence their medical decision making. Objective The aims of this study are to explore laypeople’s online health information search strategies and examine the relationships between their search strategies and utilization behavior of online health information. Methods Two scales, namely match and elaboration, were used to measure patients’ basic search strategies (ie, simple approach) and advanced search strategies (ie, integrative approach), respectively. In addition, the consultation scale was used to evaluate the participants’ use of online health information to consult doctors and others. A total of 253 outpatients without university education were purposely selected and surveyed. The participants were outpatients at a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was performed to analyze the measurement model to specify the measurement validation. In addition, the structure model of PLS-SEM was evaluated to examine the path correlations between variables and to execute interaction effect and curvilinear relationship analyses. Results The results of the path correlation analysis by PLS-SEM showed that both elaboration strategy (path coefficient=0.55, P<.001) and match strategy (path coefficient=0.36, P<.001) were positively correlated with consultation on online health information with doctors and others. In addition, interaction effect and curvilinear relationship analyses indicated that there was a significant interaction effect between elaboration and match on consultation (path coefficient=–0.34, P<.001) and a significant curvilinear relationship between match and consultation (path coefficient=–0.09, P=.046). Conclusions Increasing patients’ exposure to online health information through both a simple search approach (ie, match strategy) and a complex search approach (ie, elaboration strategy) may lead them to appropriately use the information to consult doctors and others. However, the results of interaction effect and curvilinear relationship analyses highlighted the essential role of the elaboration strategy to properly locate, evaluate, and apply online health information. The findings of this study may help health care professionals better understand how to communicate with their patients through the health information on the internet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Lin Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Bioethics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chung Tsai
- Program of Learning Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Chong Liang
- Program of Learning Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
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15
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Li S, Cui G, Zhou F, Liu S, Guo Y, Yin Y, Xu H. The Longitudinal Relationship Between eHealth Literacy, Health-Promoting Lifestyles, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among College Students: A Cross-Lagged Analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:868279. [PMID: 35875048 PMCID: PMC9304771 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.868279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to explore the longitudinal associations between eHealth literacy, health-promoting lifestyles, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among college students. Methods From December 2019 (T1) to December 2020 (T2), we administered the eHealth literacy scale, Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), and Short-Form Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile Scale to 1,181 college students in Jinan, China. Participants were recruited for 12 months for the two-stage survey. Results Stable positive correlations were shown between eHealth literacy, health-promoting lifestyles, and HRQoL across time. The cross-lagged analysis showed that eHealth literacy at T1 predicted health-promoting lifestyles at T2 (β = 0.080, P = 0.006); however, health-promoting lifestyles at T1 did not predict eHealth literacy at T2 (β = −0.026, P = 0.499). HRQoL at T1 predicted health-promoting lifestyles at T2 (β = 0.147, P < 0.001); however, similar to the eHealth literacy finding, health-promoting lifestyles at T1 did not predict HRQoL at T2 (β = 0.045, P = 0.142). eHealth literacy was also bi-directionally associated with HRQoL, and the prediction effect of eHealth literacy at T1 to HRQoL at T2 (β = 0.078, P = 0.008) was slightly higher than the prediction effect of HRQoL at T1 to eHealth literacy at T2 (β = 0.074, P = 0.023). Conclusion eHealth literacy and HRQoL may be antecedents for college students' health-promoting lifestyles. There may be significant bi-directional relationships between eHealth literacy and HRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Li
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guanghui Cui
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Feixiang Zhou
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Siyue Liu
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yicong Guo
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongtian Yin
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Yongtian Yin
| | - Huilan Xu
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Huilan Xu
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16
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Zhao X, Basnyat I. Online information and support seeking during COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan: implications for health promotion. Health Promot Int 2022; 37:6631491. [PMID: 35788308 PMCID: PMC9278205 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The lockdown that was deployed in Wuhan, China to combat the COVID-19 pandemic curbed the infection but also created great information challenges for people in social isolation. This resulted in surge in online health information seeking (OHIS) behaviors of the patients and their families. While the Internet has been widely used by Chinese public to access and search health information, there is relatively little research in the context of pandemic outbreaks, especially at the onset of a strong lockdown while many people were panicking. From a total of 10 908 ‘#COVID-19 Patient Seeking Help’ posts on Weibo in a period of 20 days when the lockdown policy was first initiated, we identified 1496 unique patients living in or with family in Wuhan, China. Using textual analysis, we explored OHIS behaviors at the onset of the pandemic. Many faced increased difficulties accessing offline healthcare services and such turned to social media for help and information. In particular, the findings highlight the following themes: ‘OHIS for medical treatment’, ‘OHIS to manage self-quarantine’, ‘OHIS for tangible support’ and ‘OHIS to navigate information discrepancy’. Overall, our findings provide important insights into health information seeking behaviors and the role of social media during a pandemic. Our findings also highlight the importance of considering people’s information need and challenges created due to the lockdown policies in the future pandemic communication and preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoman Zhao
- Research Center of Journalism and Social Development, School of Journalism and Communication, Renmin University of China, 59 Zhongguancun Street, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Iccha Basnyat
- Global Affairs Program & Department of Communication, Horizon Hall, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
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Validation of the COVID-19 Digital Health Literacy Instrument in the Italian Language: A Cross-Sectional Study of Italian University Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106247. [PMID: 35627789 PMCID: PMC9140816 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic and the associated “infodemic” have shown the importance of surveillance and promotion of health literacy, especially for young adults such as university students who use digital media to a very high degree. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Italian version of the COVID-19 adapted version of the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI). This cross-sectional study is part of the COVID-19 University Students Survey involving 3985 students from two Italian universities. First, item analysis and internal consistency were assessed. Then, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) were performed comparing different models. The Italian DHLI showed good psychometric characteristics. The protecting privacy subscale was excluded, given the criticalities presented in the validation process. CFA confirmed the four-factor structure, also including a high-order factor. This result allows using the scale to measure a global level of digital health literacy and consider its levels separately for each construct component: searching the web for information, evaluating reliability, determining personal relevance, and adding self-generated content.
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18
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Liu S, Zhao H, Fu J, Kong D, Zhong Z, Hong Y, Tan J, Luo Y. Current status and influencing factors of digital health literacy among community-dwelling older adults in Southwest China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:996. [PMID: 35581565 PMCID: PMC9112275 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13378-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid development of digital health has reduced the time and cost of medical treatment, bringing efficient and economical benefits. However, older adults all over the world are deficient in digital health knowledge and skills to varying degrees. This study intends to investigate the current status and influencing factors of digital health literacy among community-dwelling older adults in Southwest China, so as to provide theoretical reference for global digital health researches and the construction of gerontological digital health service models. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2020 to April 2021 in Chongqing, China. 572 community-dwelling older adults (≥ 65 years) were surveyed by stratified sampling. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, Internet usage, attitude towards Internet health information and digital health literacy were collected. Wherein, the digital health literacy assessment adopted the Digital Health Literacy Assessment Scale for community-dwelling older adults, which was developed by the research group, proven to be with good internal consistency (0.941), split-half reliability (0.889), test-retest reliability (0.941), content validity (0.967), criterion validity (0.938) and construct validity. The influencing factors were explored by univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS The average score of digital health literacy was 37.10 (SD 18.65). Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the comparison of digital health literacy according to 16 variables, such as different age and education levels. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that education level, marital status, self-rated health status, degree of health concerns, duration of Internet usage, time spent using the Internet per day, frequency of Internet usage, frequency of receiving guidance passively from family members, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived reliability were positively correlated with digital health literacy, while age and perceived risk were negatively correlated with digital health literacy. CONCLUSION The overall digital health literacy of community-dwelling older adults in Southwest China is relatively low. In the future, health professionals should fully consider the diverse influencing factors of digital health literacy, assess individual differences and provide targeted intervention programs. Meanwhile, global public health authorities should integrate health resources effectively, and seek health service models for older adults in line with the development of the digital age to narrow the digital divide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Liu
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Hongyan Zhao
- Xiaolongkan Community Health Care Service Centre, No. 4 Xiaolongkan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400030, P. R. China
| | - Jingjing Fu
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Dehui Kong
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Zhu Zhong
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Yan Hong
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Jing Tan
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China.
| | - Yu Luo
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China.
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19
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Malik A, Islam T, Ahmad M, Mahmood K. Health information seeking and sharing behavior of young adults on social media in Pakistan. JOURNAL OF LIBRARIANSHIP AND INFORMATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/09610006221090228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Social media such as Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Twitter have radically enhanced the public access to health information. Still, studies have unexplored the factors that contribute toward such behaviors especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study identifies the factors that contribute to the likelihood of young adults’ health information seeking and sharing on social media. Specifically, drawing upon health belief model (HBM), the study attempts to understand how health belief and e-Health literacy affects health information seeking and sharing on social media. The study collected data from 413 young adults through Google Forms on a random basis. The results generated applying structural equation modeling confirmed that HBM related factors such as perceived susceptibility, perceived severity and perceived benefits positively while perceived barriers negatively influence young adults’ health information seeking and sharing intentions on social media. Furthermore, e-Health literacy was positively associated with health information seeking and sharing intentions on social media. This study is amongst a first few studies in the context of developing world to investigate the young adults’ intentions of seeking and sharing health information on social media based on HBM.
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Kim J, Phillips JG, Ogeil RP. Nowhere else to go: Help seeking online and maladaptive decisional styles. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.107103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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21
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Alipour J, Payandeh A. Assessing the level of digital health literacy among healthcare workers of teaching hospitals in the southeast of Iran. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2022.100868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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22
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Factors Affecting User Intention to Pay via Online Medical Service Platform. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND INFORMATICS 2021. [DOI: 10.4018/ijhisi.295819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
With regard to platform performance and trust, we study the influencing factors of users’ intention to pay on an online medical service platform. Results of this paper will provide a new perspective for online medical service platform research in the context of the Internet.A questionnaire survey is administered to collect 312 effective sample data, and the data are analyzed by partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results showed that the information quality, system quality, and convenience of the platform significantly affect the perceived benefit (PB) of users. Users’ perceived reliability of the platform significantly positively affects doctor reliability (DR). Users’ PB significantly positively affects their ITP and DR, and DR significantly positively affects the users’ ITP. The misdiagnosis risk positively regulates the relationship between the users’ trust tendency and DR. The timeliness of the response of the platform positively adjusts the relationship between DR and users’ ITP.
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Xu RH, Zhou LM, Wong ELY, Wang D. The Association Between Patients' eHealth Literacy and Satisfaction With Shared Decision-making and Well-being: Multicenter Cross-sectional Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e26721. [PMID: 34559062 PMCID: PMC8501410 DOI: 10.2196/26721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although previous studies have shown that a high level of health literacy can improve patients’ ability to engage in health-related shared decision-making (SDM) and improve their quality of life, few studies have investigated the role of eHealth literacy in improving patient satisfaction with SDM (SSDM) and well-being. Objective This study aims to assess the relationship between patients’ eHealth literacy and their socioeconomic determinants and to investigate the association between patients’ eHealth literacy and their SSDM and well-being. Methods The data used in this study were obtained from a multicenter cross-sectional survey in China. The eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) and Investigating Choice Experiments Capability Measure for Adults were used to measure patients’ eHealth literacy and capability well-being, respectively. The SSDM was assessed by using a self-administered questionnaire. The Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare the differences in the eHEALS, SSDM, and Investigating Choice Experiments Capability Measure for Adults scores of patients with varying background characteristics. Ordinary least square regression models were used to assess the relationship among eHealth literacy, SSDM, and well-being adjusted by patients’ background characteristics. Results A total of 569 patients completed the questionnaire. Patients who were male, were highly educated, were childless, were fully employed, were without chronic conditions, and indicated no depressive disorder reported a higher mean score on the eHEALS. Younger patients (SSDM≥61 years=88.6 vs SSDM16-30 years=84.2) tended to show higher SSDM. Patients who were rural residents and were well paid were more likely to report good capability well-being. Patients who had a higher SSDM and better capability well-being reported a significantly higher level of eHealth literacy than those who had lower SSDM and poorer capability well-being. The regression models showed a positive relationship between eHealth literacy and both SSDM (β=.22; P<.001) and well-being (β=.26; P<.001) after adjusting for patients’ demographic, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and health status variables. Conclusions This study showed that patients with a high level of eHealth literacy are more likely to experience optimal SDM and improved capability well-being. However, patients’ depressive status may alter the relationship between eHealth literacy and SSDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Huan Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ling-Ming Zhou
- School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Eliza Lai-Yi Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Link E, Baumann E. Efficacy Assessments as Predictors of Uncertainty Preferences. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1027/2512-8442/a000092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Background: Health challenges can cause feelings of uncertainty that individuals intend to reduce, increase, or maintain. Those goals are connected to different information seeking and avoidance behaviors, building four uncertainty preferences. Aims: We aim to understand what drives people to seek or avoid information through a more differentiated look at the underlying uncertainty preferences and their determinants. Our starting point to explain different uncertainty preferences are stable, individual traits determining individuals’ efficacy assessments. Method: We conducted a secondary analysis of an online survey among the German public in a sample with stratified demographic characteristics ( N = 3,000). The questionnaire measured different uncertainty preferences as well as coping efficacies and communication efficacy. Regression analyses determined the relevance of these predictors for the four uncertainty preferences. Results: The considered efficacy assessments explained a greater amount of variance in uncertainty preferences applying information seeking than information avoidance, but the influencing patterns are similar. Only health literacy as a communication efficacy was positively associated with both preferences applying information seeking and negatively associated with both preferences applying information avoidance. Limitations: The concept of uncertainty preferences should be critically assessed concerning its completeness. The low explanatory power of efficacy assessments for preferences underlying information avoidance strategies shows that further research is needed to identify relevant predictors. Conclusion: The findings suggest that efficacy assessments provide cognitive resources for goal-oriented uncertainty management, but a deeper understanding of specific underlying mechanisms of the different preferences requires further examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Link
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eva Baumann
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Hannover, Germany
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Miraj M, Chuntian L, Mohd Said R, Osei-Bonsu R, Rehman RU. How Information-Seeking Behavior, Essential Technologies, and Resilience Enhance the Academic Performance of Students. Front Psychol 2021; 12:651550. [PMID: 34512432 PMCID: PMC8428236 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.651550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explores how the scholarly accomplishments of students might increment due to specific fundamental causes. The academic performance of the student was prioritized as a dependent variable, and the independent indicators chosen were “information seeking, IT ability, reading/writing capacity, and resilience.” At the same time, age, gender, marital status, and family income were included in the control variables. The research subject samples were limited to (N = 288) postgraduate students from three mega universities in Islamabad, Pakistan. Forward regression analysis was performed in this research to decide the impact of the indicators. The results indicate that information seeking affects academic performance positively and significantly. Essentially, the study revealed that information technology (IT) skills make a fundamentally positive and significant impact on academic performance. Reading and writing influenced academic performance considerably. In addition, resilience affected academic performance emphatically and essentially. Further, this research also noted the relationships between information-seeking behaviors, IT ability, reading/writing capacities, and resilience capabilities and the academic performance of students. These variables have a positive impact on the academic performance of students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Miraj
- School of Humanities and Social Science, Institute for Empirical Social Science Research (IESSR), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lu Chuntian
- School of Humanities and Social Science, Institute for Empirical Social Science Research (IESSR), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ridzwana Mohd Said
- School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Robert Osei-Bonsu
- Department of Biblical and Theological Studies, Adventist University of Africa (AUA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ramiz Ur Rehman
- Lahore Business School, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
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A qualitative study of online information-seeking preferences among cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 2021; 16:892-903. [PMID: 34505207 PMCID: PMC8428952 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01082-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose As the cancer survivor population increases, diminished health care provider capacity will place more responsibility on survivors to obtain health information. Many survivors search for cancer information online, yet there is a dearth of research on how survivors obtain and engage with this information. This study examined cancer survivors’ information-seeking behaviors and perceptions during a self-guided online search task. Methods Ten adult cancer survivors (largely breast and thyroid) completed a task in which they searched for online cancer-related information of their choice. Participants were asked to verbally narrate the procedural aspects of the task and provide real-time responses to the search results and experiences related to the task. Transcripts were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach, and codes and themes were examined and interpreted. Results Participants searched primarily for information specific to their cancer type and stage, seeking personalized information about risk factors, prognosis, and treatments. Additionally, participants reported having to engage in excessive navigation to find relevant cancer information, citing aesthetic, usability, and credibility features of the websites that they considered barriers to obtaining this information. Conclusions Survivors’ online health information needs require streamlined cancer information resources that are disaggregated by cancer type, stage, and treatment course and located on websites with aesthetic and usability features that facilitate expedient searches for personally relevant cancer information. Implications for Cancer Survivors This study provides useful perspectives of cancer survivors that may inform the development of online cancer resources to better serve this population.
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Boyce L, Harun A, Prybutok G, Prybutok VR. Exploring the factors in information seeking behavior: a perspective from multinational COPD online forums. Health Promot Int 2021; 37:6323655. [PMID: 34293130 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This research establishes a theoretical framework for evaluating antecedents of the information seeking behaviors of online forum participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We evaluated the proposed framework using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) after gathering data using a cross-sectional survey. We subsequently assessed the framework using importance-performance map analysis (IPMA). Findings suggest that perceived ease of use does not singularly influence COPD forum users' information seeking behavior. IPMA analysis reveals that the opportunity to interact with other forum members creates the greatest impact on COPD forum users' mindsets, among all the indicators. For healthcare professionals, the results of this study provide a blueprint in terms of utilizing COPD online forums to foster recurrent associations among forum administrators and users and by creating a strong social and informational resource for COPD information seekers.
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Affiliation(s)
- LeAnn Boyce
- Department of Information Science, College of Information, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Ahasan Harun
- Department of Information Systems, Robert C. Vackar College of Business, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA
| | - Gayle Prybutok
- Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services, College of Health and Public Service, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Victor R Prybutok
- Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences, G. Brint Ryan College of Business, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
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Zimbres TM, Bell RA, Miller LMS, Zhang J. When Media Health Stories Conflict: Test of the Contradictory Health Information Processing (CHIP) Model. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 26:460-472. [PMID: 34304728 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2021.1950239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Guided by Uncertainty Management Theory, UMT, we tested a model that explicates how uncertainty arising from contradictory health information is managed through information seeking. In an online experiment, 763 U.S. adults were randomly assigned to one of three message conditions: contradictory, non-contradictory, or control. Participants in the contradictory and non-contradictory conditions answered questions about their perceptions of contradiction, issue and decision uncertainty, negative appraisals and emotions, and information-seeking intentions. They also completed measures of several moderator variables, including information overload, intolerance for uncertainty, and health self-efficacy. Baseline levels of issue and decision uncertainty were measured in the control condition. Model tenets were confirmed: perceptions of contradiction led to issue uncertainty which, in turn, prompted cognitive appraisals directly, and indirectly through increased decision uncertainty. The effects of issue and decision uncertainty on information-seeking intentions were mediated by negative appraisals and threat emotions. Individuals with high health self-efficacy and positive outcome expectations of information search were more likely to manage uncertainty through information seeking. These results support the use of the CHIP model when perceptions of contradiction and decision uncertainty need to be accounted for, while also validating UMT for its original purposes. Model refinements and implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais M Zimbres
- Department of Communication, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Robert A Bell
- Department of Communication, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Communication, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Mitchell G, Grieve R. Using Facebook to gain health information and support: How attitude, norms, and locus of control predict women's intentions. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ap.12467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Mitchell
- Division of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia,
| | - Rachel Grieve
- Division of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia,
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The effects of information source and eHealth literacy on consumer health information credibility evaluation behavior. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2020.106629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Handayani PW, Indriani R, Pinem AA. Mobile health readiness factors: From the perspectives of mobile health users in Indonesia. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2021.100590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Liu P, Yeh LL, Wang JY, Lee ST. Relationship Between Levels of Digital Health Literacy Based on the Taiwan Digital Health Literacy Assessment and Accurate Assessment of Online Health Information: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e19767. [PMID: 33106226 PMCID: PMC7781799 DOI: 10.2196/19767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing amount of health information available on the internet makes it more important than ever to ensure that people can judge the accuracy of this information to prevent them from harm. It may be possible for platforms to set up protective mechanisms depending on the level of digital health literacy and thereby to decrease the possibility of harm by the misuse of health information. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to create an instrument for digital health literacy assessment (DHLA) based on the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) to categorize participants by level of risk of misinterpreting health information into high-, medium-, and low-risk groups. METHODS This study developed a DHLA and constructed an online health information bank with correct and incorrect answers. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to detect the cutoff value of DHLA, using 5 items randomly selected from the online health information bank, to classify users as being at low, medium, or high risk of misjudging health information. This provided information about the relationship between risk group for digital health literacy and accurate judgement of online health information. The study participants were Taiwanese residents aged 20 years and older. Snowball sampling was used, and internet questionnaires were anonymously completed by the participants. The reliability and validity of DHLA were examined. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with risk groups from the DHLA. RESULTS This study collected 1588 valid questionnaires. The online health information bank included 310 items of health information, which were classified as easy (147 items), moderate (122 items), or difficult (41 items) based on the difficulty of judging their accuracy. The internal consistency of DHLA was satisfactory (α=.87), and factor analysis of construct validity found three factors, accounting for 76.6% of the variance. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis found 106 people at high risk, 1368 at medium risk, and 114 at low risk of misinterpreting health information. Of the original grouped cases, 89.6% were correctly classified after discriminate analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed that participants with a high risk of misjudging health information had a lower education level, lower income, and poorer health. They also rarely or never browsed the internet. These differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The DHLA score could distinguish those at low, medium, and high risk of misjudging health information on the internet. Health information platforms on the internet could consider incorporating DHLA to set up a mechanism to protect users from misusing health information and avoid harming their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Liu
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- International Federation for Information Integration, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Ling Yeh
- Social Enterprise and Innovation MA Program, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Yi Wang
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Ti Lee
- International Federation for Information Integration, Taipei, Taiwan
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Xu RH, Zhou L, Lu SY, Wong EL, Chang J, Wang D. Psychometric Validation and Cultural Adaptation of the Simplified Chinese eHealth Literacy Scale: Cross-Sectional Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e18613. [PMID: 33284123 PMCID: PMC7752540 DOI: 10.2196/18613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid proliferation of web-based information on health and health care has profoundly changed individuals' health-seeking behaviors, with individuals choosing the internet as their first source of information on their health conditions before seeking professional advice. However, barriers to the evaluation of people's eHealth literacy present some difficulties for decision makers with respect to encouraging and empowering patients to use web-based resources. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the psychometric properties of a simplified Chinese version of the eHealth Literacy Scale (SC-eHEALS). METHODS Data used for analysis were obtained from a cross-sectional multicenter survey. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the structure of the SC-eHEALS. Correlations between the SC-eHEALS and ICEpop capability measure for adults (ICECAP-A) items and overall health status were estimated to assess the convergent validity. Internal consistency reliability was confirmed using Cronbach alpha (α), McDonald omega (ω), and split-half reliability (λ). A general partial credit model was used to perform the item response theory (IRT) analysis. Item difficulty, discrimination, and fit were reported. Item-category characteristic curves (ICCs) and item and test information curves were used to graphically assess the validity and reliability based on the IRT analysis. Differential item functioning (DIF) was used to check for possible item bias on gender and age. RESULTS A total of 574 respondents from 5 cities in China completed the SC-eHEALS. CFA confirmed that the one-factor model was acceptable. The internal consistency reliability was good, with α=0.96, ω=0.92, and λ=0.96. The item-total correlation coefficients ranged between 0.86 and 0.91. Items 8 and 4 showed the lowest and highest mean scores, respectively. The correlation coefficients between the SC-eHEALS and ICECAP-A items and overall health status were significant, but the strength was mild. The discrimination of SC-eHEALS items ranged between 2.63 and 5.42. ICCs indicated that the order of categories' thresholds for all items was as expected. In total, 70% of the information provided by SC-eHEALS was below the average level of the latent trait. DIF was found for item 6 on age. CONCLUSIONS The SC-eHEALS has been demonstrated to have good psychometric properties and can therefore be used to evaluate people's eHealth literacy in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Huan Xu
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lingming Zhou
- School of Health management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sabrina Yujun Lu
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Eliza Laiyi Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jinghui Chang
- School of Health management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Health management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Shehata A. Health Information behaviour during COVID-19 outbreak among Egyptian library and information science undergraduate students. INFORMATION DEVELOPMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/0266666920976181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Health information shared on the Internet has the potential to improve people’s quality of life. However, the level of health information literacy and informational skills determines the individuals’ ability to obtain credible health information useful for them. This study investigates the Egyptian LIS undergraduates’ health information behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study has adopted a quantitative approach using a questionnaire to explore library and information science undergraduates’ health information behaviour. A sample of 161 students answered a questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS software. The study results show that official health websites, social media, and family and friends are the primary sources for health information for the participants. The findings also revealed that the sample has adequate health information skills, though many of the participants still need to raise their information literacy skills. Information credibility and personal beliefs were found to affect the participants’ decision to share health information on the Internet. One of the limitations of the study is that the sample selected in this study was LIS students who are trained to find reliable information as part of their education. Findings may be different for the “average” student. Furthermore, the questionnaire was distributed in one university, which means that the results cannot be generalised in other LIS departments using different courses. Therefore, more studies need to be conducted in other LIS departments with different course plans as they may produce different results. This study explores the health information behaviour of LIS undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study results may help develop the course plan in many LIS departments in Egypt and the Middle East, which would help improve the students’ health information literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Shehata
- Sultan Qaboos University, Oman and Minia University, Egypt
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35
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Zhao X, Fan J, Basnyat I, Hu B. Online Health Information Seeking Using "#COVID-19 Patient Seeking Help" on Weibo in Wuhan, China: Descriptive Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e22910. [PMID: 33001838 PMCID: PMC7572118 DOI: 10.2196/22910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background First detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic stretched the medical system in Wuhan and posed a challenge to the state’s risk communication efforts. Timely access to quality health care information during outbreaks of infectious diseases can be effective to curtail the spread of disease and feelings of anxiety. Although existing studies have extended our knowledge about online health information–seeking behavior, processes, and motivations, rarely have the findings been applied to an outbreak. Moreover, there is relatively little recent research on how people in China are using the internet for seeking health information during a pandemic. Objective The aim of this study is to explore how people in China are using the internet for seeking health information during a pandemic. Drawing on previous research of online health information seeking, this study asks the following research questions: how was the “#COVID-19 Patient Seeking Help” hashtag being used by patients in Wuhan seeking health information on Weibo at the peak of the outbreak? and what kinds of health information were patients in Wuhan seeking on Weibo at the peak of the outbreak? Methods Using entity identification and textual analysis on 10,908 posts on Weibo, we identified 1496 patients with COVID-19 using “#COVID-19 Patient Seeking Help” and explored their online health information–seeking behavior. Results The curve of the hashtag posting provided a dynamic picture of public attention to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many patients faced difficulties accessing offline health care services. In general, our findings confirmed that the internet is used by the Chinese public as an important source of health information. The lockdown policy was found to cut off the patients’ social support network, preventing them from seeking help from family members. The ability to seek information and help online, especially for those with young children or older adult members during the pandemic. A high proportion of female users were seeking health information and help for their parents or for older adults at home. The most searched information included accessing medical treatment, managing self-quarantine, and offline to online support. Conclusions Overall, the findings contribute to our understanding of health information–seeking behaviors during an outbreak and highlight the importance of paying attention to the information needs of vulnerable groups and the role social media may play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoman Zhao
- Research Center of Journalism and Social Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China.,School of Journalism and Communication, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Ju Fan
- Data Engineering and Knowledge Engineering Lab & School of Information, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Iccha Basnyat
- School of Communication Studies, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, United States
| | - Baijing Hu
- School of Journalism and Communication, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
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Promoting users' intention to share online health articles on social media: The role of confirmation bias. Inf Process Manag 2020; 57:102354. [PMID: 32834400 PMCID: PMC7368841 DOI: 10.1016/j.ipm.2020.102354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Users with a high level of eHealth literacy are more likely to share positive health articles when they have extreme confirmation bias. Users with a high level of eHealth literacy are more likely to share negative health articles when they have moderate confirmation bias or no confirmation bias. Users with a low level of eHealth literacy are more likely to share health articles regardless of positive or negative content valence when they have moderate positive confirmation bias.
Nowadays, it is a common practice for healthcare professionals to spread medical knowledge by posting health articles on social media. However, promoting users’ intention to share such articles is challenging because the extent of sharing intention varies in their eHealth literacy (high or low) and the content valence of the article that they are exposed to (positive or negative). This study investigates boundary conditions under which eHealth literacy and content valence help to increase users’ intention to share by introducing a moderating role of confirmation bias—a tendency to prefer information that conforms to their initial beliefs. A 2 (eHealth literacy: high vs. low) × 2 (content valence: positive vs. negative) between-subjects experiment was conducted in a sample of 80 participants. Levels of confirmation bias ranging from extreme negative bias to extreme positive bias among the participants were assessed during the experiment. Results suggested that: (1) users with a high level of eHealth literacy were more likely to share positive health articles when they had extreme confirmation bias; (2) users with a high level of eHealth literacy were more likely to share negative health articles when they had moderate confirmation bias or no confirmation bias; (3) users with a low level of eHealth literacy were more likely to share health articles regardless of positive or negative content valence when they had moderate positive confirmation bias. This study sheds new light on the role of confirmation bias in users’ health information sharing. Also, it offers implications for health information providers who want to increase the visibility of their online health articles: they need to consider readers’ eHealth literacy and confirmation bias when deciding the content valence of the articles.
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Kim S, Park K, Jo HS. Gap between Perceived eHealth Literacy and Ability to Use Online Cancer-Related Information. J Korean Med Sci 2020; 35:e187. [PMID: 32567257 PMCID: PMC7308137 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effective evaluation of health information available online is an important skill. However, consumers' self-perceptions of their eHealth literacy levels do not reflect their actual capabilities. The goal of this experimental study of online search behavior is to identify differences between self-perceived eHealth literacy and actual ability to use the accuracy of cancer information available online. METHODS Thirty-one adults participated in the study conducted on July 15 and 16, 2017. We first measured perceived eHealth literacy and then asked participants 5 questions concerning cancer. Bandicam (v3.3.0) and BrowsingHistoryView were used to record search behavior and uniform resource locators, respectively. A Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test were performed. RESULTS The results showed that participants most frequently searched for cancer information on blogs and café websites. Regarding search behavior, those who perceived higher knowledge in available resources tended to solve the given problem with significantly smaller number of webpages to answer a weight management question. Participants who perceived higher knowledge in helpfulness of information tended to use significantly smaller number of webpages to answer questions on red ginseng's preventive effects on caner and weight management. However, there was no proof that the high eHealth literacy group had significantly higher rates of correct answers than the low eHealth literacy group. Further, regarding cancer screening, the rates of correct answers were low for groups who considered their ability higher to find helpful resources and perceived higher knowledge in helpfulness of information. CONCLUSION There is a gap between perceived eHealth literacy and the actual ability to use online cancer-related information. To fundamentally improve eHealth literacy, it is important to evaluate the actual abilities concerning each eHealth literacy component and to provide customized education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saerom Kim
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Keeho Park
- Cancer Policy Branch, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Heui Sug Jo
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea.
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Branscum P, Patricio-Agosto N. How Children Search for Health Information Online: An Observational Study. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 52:522-527. [PMID: 32389242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether children could find the correct answers to obesity-related health questions on the Internet and observe the search strategies children use when searching for such information. METHODS Twenty-five parent-child dyads, from a southwestern US summer day camp, participated in this cross-sectional study. Parents' health literacy skills were evaluated. Children searched the Internet for 6 questions related to nutrition and physical activity. Search activities were recorded via Camtasia. Quantitative (ie, time spent per question) and qualitative data (ie, themes related to difficulties searching) were extracted by rewatching the recordings. RESULTS All parents had either proficient or basic levels of health literacy. The question that had the highest rating for being correctly answered pertained to physical activity recommendations, whereas none of the children were able to find recommended servings of food groups. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Children were not successful in finding correct answers to most of the questions and used ineffective search strategies. Interventions that teach children effective search strategies for health information are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Branscum
- Department of Kinesiology and Health, Miami University, Oxford, OH.
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Modeling Impact of Word of Mouth and E-Government on Online Social Presence during COVID-19 Outbreak: A Multi-Mediation Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17082954. [PMID: 32344770 PMCID: PMC7216275 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although social presence plays an essential role under general conditions, its role becomes significant for societal protection during the quarantine period in epidemic outbreak. In this study, we attempted to identify the role of E-government and COVID-19 word of mouth in terms of their direct impact on online social presence during the outbreak as well as their impacts mediated by epidemic protection and attitudes toward epidemic outbreaks. For this purpose, a unique multi-mediation model is proposed to provide a new direction for research in the field of epidemic outbreaks and their control. Through random sampling, an online survey was conducted and data from 683participants were analyzed. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to test the relationships between the variables of interest. The study results revealed that the roles of E-government and COVID-19 word of mouth are positively related to online social presence during the outbreak. Epidemic protection and attitude toward epidemic outbreak were found to positively moderate the impact of the role of E-government and COVID-19 word of mouth on online social presence during the outbreak. The key findings of this study have both practical and academic implications.
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40
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Zimmerman MS, Shaw G. Health information seeking behaviour: a concept analysis. Health Info Libr J 2020; 37:173-191. [PMID: 32052549 DOI: 10.1111/hir.12287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2007, Lambert and Loiselle conducted an extensive concept analysis of the term health information seeking behaviour (HISB) to examine the concept's level of maturity and critically analyse its characteristics. Since their groundbreaking work, HISB has evolved with the proliferation of ICTs. The Internet is now a common and often preferred medium for the pursuit of health information. OBJECTIVES The previous analysis spanned 42 years of literature; this article describes an analysis of the last 10 years of literature on HISB and how online seeking has caused the concept to evolve in the literature. METHODS This study used the concept analysis methodology employed by Lambert and Loiselle in the original analysis. It also included a systematic search conducted in five databases to identify studies from 2007 to 2017, using similar inclusion criteria from the original study. RESULTS Of the more than 500 articles retrieved, 85 journal articles met the inclusion criteria. Consistent with the original work, articles that included outcomes were identified as either behavioural or cognitive. CONCLUSION Most of the attention of the works studied focused on individuals and their information source preferences. This HISB analysis can be incorporated with studies to understand how various communities seek information in online versus non-online contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret S Zimmerman
- School of Library and Information Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - George Shaw
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
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Salajegheh M, Moazed V, Janati Z, Esmaeeli K. Studying health information behaviors of people with cancer. INTERNATIONAL ARCHIVES OF HEALTH SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/iahs.iahs_47_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Abstract
The internet has become a popular resource to learn about health and to investigate one's own health condition. However, given the large amount of inaccurate information online, people can easily become misinformed. Individuals have always obtained information from outside the formal health care system, so how has the internet changed people's engagement with health information? This review explores how individuals interact with health misinformation online, whether it be through search, user-generated content, or mobile apps. We discuss whether personal access to information is helping or hindering health outcomes and how the perceived trustworthiness of the institutions communicating health has changed over time. To conclude, we propose several constructive strategies for improving the online information ecosystem. Misinformation concerning health has particularly severe consequences with regard to people's quality of life and even their risk of mortality; therefore, understanding it within today's modern context is an extremely important task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briony Swire-Thompson
- Network Science Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; , .,Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - David Lazer
- Network Science Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; , .,Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
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Zrubka Z, Hajdu O, Rencz F, Baji P, Gulácsi L, Péntek M. Psychometric properties of the Hungarian version of the eHealth Literacy Scale. THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS : HEPAC : HEALTH ECONOMICS IN PREVENTION AND CARE 2019; 20:57-69. [PMID: 31098883 PMCID: PMC6544600 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-019-01062-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We adapted the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) for Hungary and tested its psychometric properties on a large representative online sample of the general population. METHODS The Hungarian version of eHEALS was developed using forward-backward translation. For the valuation study, 1000 respondents were recruited in early 2019 from a large online panel by a survey company. We tested internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct and criterion validity using classical test theory, as well as item characteristics using an item-response theory (IRT) graded response model (GRM). RESULTS 55% of respondents were female, and 22.1% were ≥ 65 years old. Mean eHEALS score was 29.2 (SD: 5.18). Internal consistency was good (Cronbach's α = 0.90), and test-retest reliability was moderate (intraclass correlation r = 0.64). We identified a single-factor structure by exploratory factor analysis, explaining 85% of test variance. Essential criteria for GRM analysis were met. Items 3 and 4 (search of health resources) were the least difficult, followed by items 5 and 8 (utilisation of health information), and then items 1 and 2 (awareness of health resources). Items 6 and 7 (appraisal of health resources) were most difficult. The measurement properties of eHEALS were not affected by gender, age, education or income levels. Female gender, older age, intensity of health information seeking, formal health education and visit at the electronic health-record website were associated with higher eHEALS scores, as well as best and worst self-perceived health states, BMI < 25 and participation at health screenings over the past year. CONCLUSIONS The Hungarian eHEALS is a useful and valid tool for measuring subjective eHealth literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsombor Zrubka
- Department of Health Economics, Corvinus University of Budapest, Fővám tér 8., 1093, Budapest, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Management, Corvinus University of Budapest, Fővám tér 8., 1093, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Ottó Hajdu
- Department of Comparative Economics, Eötvös Loránd University, Egyetem tér 1-3, 1053, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Fanni Rencz
- Department of Health Economics, Corvinus University of Budapest, Fővám tér 8., 1093, Budapest, Hungary
- Premium Postdoctoral Research Program, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Nádor u. 7, 1051, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Petra Baji
- Department of Health Economics, Corvinus University of Budapest, Fővám tér 8., 1093, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Gulácsi
- Department of Health Economics, Corvinus University of Budapest, Fővám tér 8., 1093, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márta Péntek
- Department of Health Economics, Corvinus University of Budapest, Fővám tér 8., 1093, Budapest, Hungary
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Health literacy: Contradicting 50 years of research? Int J Public Health 2019; 64:643-644. [DOI: 10.1007/s00038-019-01257-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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Andersen KN, Nielsen JA, Kim S. Use, cost, and digital divide in online public health care: lessons from Denmark. TRANSFORMING GOVERNMENT- PEOPLE PROCESS AND POLICY 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/tg-06-2018-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to enhance the knowledge about the use of online communication between patients and health-care professionals in public health care. The study explores digital divide gaps and the impacts of online communication on the overall costs of health care.
Design/methodology/approach
This study focuses on online health care in Denmark. The authors rely on population data from 3,500 e-visits (e-mail consultations) between patients and general practitioners (GPs) from 2009 to 2015. Additionally, they include survey data on the use of the internet to search for health-related information.
Findings
The analysis of the Danish data reveals a rapid uptake in the use of the internet to search for health-related information and a three-fold increase in e-visits from 2009 to 2015. The results show that the digital divide gaps exist also in the online health-care communication. Further, the study findings suggest that enforced supply of online communication between GPs and patients does not alleviate the costs. Rather, the number of visits to GPs has not been decreased significantly and health-care costs showing a marginal increase.
Research limitations/implications
Further data should be collected and analyzed to explore the impacts of other institutional factors and population cohort on the digital divide and healthcare costs. Also, it is difficult to estimate whether the increased use of online health care in the long run lead to lowering overall health-care costs. While the internal validity of the study is high due to the use of population data, the external validity is lower as the study results are based on the data collected in Denmark only.
Practical implications
The study offers important input for practice. First, leaders in government might reconsider how they can control the health-care costs when opening online channels for communication between patients and doctors. Second, concerns about digital divide issues remains, but the study suggests that the uptake of e-visits does not widen the socio-economic, gender or age gaps. For health policy concern, this is encouraging news to lead to an increasing push of online communication.
Social implications
The dynamics of online health-care communication may lead to mixed results and unexpected impacts on overall health-care costs.
Originality/value
The paper offers new insights in the impacts of mandatory supply of digital services. The Danish push-strategy has led to an enforced supply of e-visits and a rapid growing use of the online health care without widening digital divide but at the risk of potential increasing the overall costs.
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Hsu WC. The Effect of Age on Electronic Health Literacy: Mixed-Method Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2019; 6:e11480. [PMID: 31066696 PMCID: PMC6526685 DOI: 10.2196/11480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The world’s internet penetration rate is increasing yearly; approximately 25% of the world’s population are internet users. In Asia, Taiwan has the fifth highest internet usage, and has an internet penetration rate higher than the world average. Electronic health (eHealth) literacy is the ability to read, understand, and utilize Web health information. eHealth literacy is gaining attention worldwide. Objective This study aimed compare the differences in eHealth literacy between traditional college students (aged between 18 and 22 years) and older adult students (aged between 55 and 72 years). It also summarizes the experiences and performances of these 2 groups in terms of searching online health-related information. Methods A mixed-method approach was used, including questionnaire surveys and interviews. A total of 208 respondents were interviewed: 65 traditional college students (31.3%) and 143 older adult students (68.7%). The results of the interviews were used to compare the eHealth literacy scores of the 2 groups. Results There were significant differences in the overall eHealth literacy scores (t207=2.98; P=.001) and the functional eHealth literacy dimension (t207=12.17; P<.001). The findings showed a significant gap in eHealth literacy between the 2 groups. Most participants believed that online health information could be largely read and understood. However, they were skeptical about the quality of the information and noted that it consisted of either subjective judgments or objective standards. Conclusions Traditional college students preferred esthetically pleasing health information, whereas older adult students focused on its promotion. Furthermore, the first group often used websites for solving health problems, whereas the second group forwarded health information through communication software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Chen Hsu
- Center for Teaching and Learning Development, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Sbaffi L, Zhao C. Modeling the online health information seeking process: Information channel selection among university students. J Assoc Inf Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/asi.24230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sbaffi
- Information SchoolUniversity of Sheffield Regent Court 211 Portobello, Sheffield, S1 4DP United Kingdom
| | - Chen Zhao
- Information SchoolUniversity of Sheffield Regent Court 211 Portobello, Sheffield, S1 4DP United Kingdom
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Marcu A, Muller C, Ream E, Whitaker KL. Online Information-Seeking About Potential Breast Cancer Symptoms: Capturing Online Behavior With an Internet Browsing Tracking Tool. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e12400. [PMID: 30724741 PMCID: PMC6381403 DOI: 10.2196/12400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background People engage in health information-seeking online when experiencing unusual or unfamiliar bodily changes. It is not well understood how people consult the internet for health information after the onset of unfamiliar symptoms and before receiving a potential diagnosis and how online information-seeking can help people appraise their symptoms. This lack of evidence may be partly due to methodological limitations in capturing in real time the online information-seeking process. Objective We explored women’s symptom attribution and online health information-seeking in response to a hypothetical and unfamiliar breast change suggestive of cancer (nipple rash). We also aimed to establish the feasibility of capturing in real time the online information-seeking process with a tool designed to track participant online searches and visited websites, the Vizzata browser tracker. Methods An online survey was completed by 56 cancer-free women (mean age 60.34 [SD 7.73] years) responding to a scenario asking them to imagine noticing a red scaly rash on the nipple. Participants were asked to make symptom attributions when presented with the scenario (T1) and again after seeking information online (T2). The online tracking tool, embedded in the survey, was used to capture in real time participant search terms and accessed websites. Results The tracking tool captured the search terms and accessed websites of most of the participants (46/56, 82%). For the rest (10/56, 18%), there was evidence of engagement in online information-seeking (eg, medical terminology and cancer attribution at T2) despite their searching activity not being recorded. A total of 25 participants considered cancer as a potential cause for the nipple rash at T1, yet only one of these used cancer as a search term. Most participants (40/46, 87%) used rash-related search terms, particularly nipple rash and rash on nipple. The majority (41/46, 89%) accessed websites containing breast cancer information, with the National Health Service webpage “Paget disease of the nipple” being the most visited one. At T2, after engaging in the internet search task, more participants attributed the nipple rash to breast cancer than at T1 (37/46, 66% vs 25/46, 45%), although a small number of participants (6/46) changed from making a cancer attribution at T1 to a noncancer one at T2. Conclusions Making a cancer attribution for an unfamiliar breast change did not necessarily translate into cancer-termed searches. Equally, not all internet searches led to a cancer attribution. The findings suggest that online information-seeking may not necessarily help women who experience unfamiliar breast cancer symptoms understand their condition. Despite some technical issues, this study showed that it is feasible to use an online browser tracking tool to capture in real time information-seeking about unfamiliar symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afrodita Marcu
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Cecile Muller
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Ream
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Katriina L Whitaker
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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Enhancing Online Patient Support through Health-Care Knowledge in Online Health Communities: A Descriptive Study. INFORMATION 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/info9080199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Online health communities (OHCs) should utilize health-care knowledge for enhancing online patient support. To examine the use of existing OHCs to identify the challenges and strategies of enhancing online patients’ decision-making support, we conducted a descriptive study to evaluate the information availability, user availability and knowledge usability in 100 carefully-selected health-related websites. On the basis of criteria for effective OHCs, we used three evaluation instruments for health-care professionals to review and score the websites. Questionnaire results were examined from the perspective of information, user and knowledge support. Results corroborate that over 80% of the websites facilitate effective social functions, whereas only 33% provide health-care decision-making services to online patients. Approximately 46% of them satisfy four or five effective OHCs’ criteria. Three of them only offer the functions of patients’ charts and journals to support health data management. Although the existing OHCs are facilitated with good social interaction and support, only a few can assist patients in making effective health-care decisions, not to mention properly using health-care knowledge support.
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Levin-Zamir D, Bertschi I. Media Health Literacy, eHealth Literacy, and the Role of the Social Environment in Context. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15081643. [PMID: 30081465 PMCID: PMC6121358 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Health literacy describes skills and competencies that enable people to gain access to, understand and apply health information to positively influence their own health and the health of those in their social environments. In an increasingly media saturated and digitized world, these skill sets are necessary for accessing and navigating sources of health information and tools, such as television, the Internet, and mobile apps. The concepts of Media Health Literacy (MHL) and eHealth Literacy (eHL) describe the specific competencies such tasks require. This article introduces the two concepts, and then reviews findings on the associations of MHL and eHL with several contextual variables in the social environment such as socio-demographics, social support, and system complexity, as a structural variable. As eHL and MHL are crucial for empowering people to actively engage in their own health, there is a growing body of literature reporting on the potential and the effectiveness of intervention initiatives to positively influence these competencies. From an ethical standpoint, equity is emphasized, stressing the importance of accessible media environments for all—including those at risk of exclusion from (digital) media sources. Alignment of micro and macro contextual spheres will ultimately facilitate both non-digital and digital media to effectively support and promote public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Levin-Zamir
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv 62098, Israel.
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel.
| | - Isabella Bertschi
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zürich 8050, Switzerland.
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