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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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Ni Z, Zhu L, Li S, Zhang Y, Zhao R. Characteristics and associated factors of health information-seeking behaviour among patients with inflammatory bowel disease in the digital era: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:307. [PMID: 38279086 PMCID: PMC10821566 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17758-w] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health Information-Seeking Behaviour (HISB) is necessary for self-management and medical decision-making among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With the advancement of information technology, health information needs and seeking are reshaped among patients with IBD. This scoping review aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of HISB of people with IBD in the digital age. METHODS This scoping review adhered to Arksey and O'Malley's framework and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews frameworks (PRISMA-ScR). A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and three Chinese databases from January 1, 2010 to April 10, 2023. Employing both deductive and inductive content analysis, we scrutinized studies using Wilson's model. RESULTS In total, 56 articles were selected. Within the information dimension of HISB among patients with IBD, treatment-related information, particularly medication-related information, was identified as the most critical information need. Other information requirements included basic IBD-related information, daily life and self-management, sexual and reproductive health, and other needs. In the sources dimension, of the eight common sources of information, the internet was the most frequently mentioned source of information, while face-to-face communication with healthcare professionals was the preferred source. Associated factors were categorized into six categories: demographic characteristics, psychological aspects, role-related or interpersonal traits, environmental aspects, source-related characteristics, and disease-related factors. Moreover, the results showed five types of HISB among people with IBD, including active searching, ongoing searching, passive attention, passive searching, and avoid seeking. Notably, active searching, especially social information seeking, appeared to be the predominant common type of HISB among people with IBD in the digital era. CONCLUSION Information needs and sources for patients with IBD exhibit variability, and their health information-seeking behaviour is influenced by a combination of diverse factors, including resource-related and individual factors. Future research should focus on the longitudinal changes in HISB among patients with IBD. Moreover, efforts should be made to develop information resources that are both convenient and provide credible information services, although the development of such resources requires further investigation and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Ni
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Department of Nursing, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingli Zhu
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Department of Nursing, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuyan Li
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yuping Zhang
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Ruiyi Zhao
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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Taba M, Allen TB, Caldwell PHY, Skinner SR, Kang M, McCaffery K, Scott KM. Adolescents' self-efficacy and digital health literacy: a cross-sectional mixed methods study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1223. [PMID: 35725389 PMCID: PMC9207829 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13599-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The internet and social media are increasingly popular sources of health information for adolescents. Using online health information requires digital health literacy, consisting of literacy, analytical skills and personal capabilities such as self-efficacy. Appraising trustworthiness and relevance of online health information requires critical health literacy to discriminate between sources, critically analyse meaning and relevance, and use information for personal health. Adolescents with poor digital health literacy risk using misinformation, with potential negative health outcomes. We aimed to understand adolescents' contemporary digital health literacy and compared self-efficacy with capability. METHODS Adolescents (12-17 years) completed an eHEALS self-report digital health literacy measure, a practical search task using a think-aloud protocol and an interview to capture perceived and actual digital health literacy. eHEALS scores were generated using descriptive statistics, search tasks were analysed using an observation checklist and interviews were thematically analysed based on Social Cognitive Theory, focussing on self-efficacy. RESULTS Twenty-one participants generally had high self-efficacy using online health information but perceived their digital health literacy to be higher than demonstrated. They accessed online health information unintentionally on social media and intentionally via search engines. They appraised information medium, source and content using general internet searching heuristics taught at school. Information on social media was considered less trustworthy than websites, but participants used similar appraisal strategies for both; some search/appraisal heuristics were insufficiently nuanced for digital health information, sometimes resulting in misplaced trust or diminished self-efficacy. Participants felt anxious or relieved after finding online health information, depending on content, understanding and satisfaction. They did not act on information without parental and/or health professional advice. They rarely discussed findings with health professionals but would welcome discussions and learning how to find and appraise online health information. CONCLUSIONS Whilst adolescents possess many important digital health literacy skills and generally feel self-efficacious in using them, their critical health literacy needs improving. Adolescents desire increased digital health literacy so they can confidently appraise health information they find online and on social media. Co-designed educational interventions with adolescents and health providers are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Taba
- Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Health Literacy Lab, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tiffany B Allen
- Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Patrina H Y Caldwell
- Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - S Rachel Skinner
- Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa Kang
- Specialty of General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirsten McCaffery
- Sydney Health Literacy Lab, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Karen M Scott
- Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Gonzalez C, Bollinger B, Yip J, Pina L, Roldan W, Nieto Ruiz C. Intergenerational Online Health Information Searching and Brokering: Framing Health Literacy as a Family Asset. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:438-449. [PMID: 33205663 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1847445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Latino populations are disproportionately impacted by health disparities and face both connectivity and health literacy challenges. As evidenced by the current global pandemic, access to reliable online health-related information and the ability to apply that information is critical to achieving health equity. Through a qualitative study on how Latino families collaborate to access online health resources, this work frames health literacy as a family-level mechanism. Interviews with parent-child dyads combined with online search tasks reveal how families integrate their individual skillsets to obtain, process, and understand online information about illnesses, symptoms, and even medical diagnoses. As they engage in intergenerational online health information searching and brokering, families creatively navigate information and communication technologies (ICTs) to address a range of health needs. Bilingual children help immigrant parents obtain urgent and non-urgent health information needed to care for other family members. When children are tasked with addressing a health need critical to their parent's wellbeing, they collaborate with their parents to obtain, interpret, and apply online health information. Intergenerational online health information searching and brokering thus reveals family-level strengths that can be leveraged to promote both health and digital literacy among marginalized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jason Yip
- Information School, University of Washington
| | | | - Wendy Roldan
- Human Centered Design and Engineering, University of Washington
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Iacobelli F, Dragon G, Mazur G, Guitelman J. Web-Based Information Seeking Behaviors of Low-Literacy Hispanic Survivors of Breast Cancer: Observational Pilot Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e22809. [PMID: 34704952 PMCID: PMC8581751 DOI: 10.2196/22809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internet searching is a useful tool for seeking health information and one that can benefit low-literacy populations. However, low-literacy Hispanic survivors of breast cancer do not normally search for health information on the web. For them, the process of searching can be frustrating, as frequent mistakes while typing can result in misleading search results lists. Searches using voice (dictation) are preferred by this population; however, even if an appropriate result list is displayed, low-literacy Hispanic women may be challenged in their ability to fully understand any individual article from that list because of the complexity of the writing. OBJECTIVE This observational study aims to explore and describe web-based search behaviors of Hispanic survivors of breast cancer by themselves and with their caregivers, as well as to describe the challenges they face when processing health information on the web. METHODS We recruited 7 Hispanic female survivors of breast cancer. They had the option to bring a caregiver. Of the 7 women, 3 (43%) did, totaling 10 women. We administered the Health LiTT health literacy test, a demographic survey, and a breast cancer knowledge assessment. Next, we trained the participants to search on the web with either a keyboard or via voice. Then, they had to find information about 3 guided queries and 1 free-form query related to breast cancer. Participants were allowed to search in English or in Spanish. We video and audio recorded the computer activity of all participants and analyzed it. RESULTS We found web articles to be written for a grade level of 11.33 in English and 7.15 in Spanish. We also found that most participants preferred searching using voice but struggled with this modality. Pausing while searching via voice resulted in incomplete search queries, as it confused the search engine. At other times, background noises were detected and included in the search. We also found that participants formulated overly general queries to broaden the results list hoping to find more specific information. In addition, several participants considered their queries satisfied based on information from the snippets on the result lists alone. Finally, participants who spent more time reviewing articles scored higher on the health literacy test. CONCLUSIONS Despite the problems of searching using speech, we found a preference for this modality, which suggests a need to avoid potential errors that could appear in written queries. We also found the use of general questions to increase the chances of answers to more specific concerns. Understanding search behaviors and information evaluation strategies for low-literacy Hispanic women survivors of breast cancer is fundamental to designing useful search interfaces that yield relevant and reliable information on the web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Iacobelli
- Computer Science Department, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ginger Dragon
- Computer Science Department, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Giselle Mazur
- Computer Science Department, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL, United States
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Xie I, Babu R, Lee TH, Wang S, Lee HS. Coping tactics of blind and visually impaired users: Responding to help-seeking situations in the digital library environment. Inf Process Manag 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ipm.2021.102612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Natkunam T, Tristani L, Peers D, Fraser-Thomas J, Latimer-Cheung AE, Bassett-Gunter R. Using a think-aloud methodology to understand online physical activity information search experiences and preferences of parents of children and youth with disabilities. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2020; 33:1478-1488. [PMID: 32602211 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Internet is a preferred source of physical activity (PA) information. However, limited research exists regarding the experiences of parents of children and youth with disabilities (CYWD) in searching for PA programme information online. This research examined the experiences and preferences of parents of CYWD in searching for PA programme information online. METHOD Parents of CYWD (n = 10) participated in a think-aloud exercise while searching for PA programme information online. Following the think-aloud exercise, semi-structured interviews were used to further understand parents' experiences and preferences in searching for PA programme information online. RESULTS Parents identified key features that contributed to a positive online search experience. Additionally, parents noted challenges and resulting negative affect that was experienced. CONCLUSIONS This research can inform the development and dissemination of online PA programme information that is accessible and relevant to the preferences of parents of CYWD and can facilitate positive search experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharsheka Natkunam
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren Tristani
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Danielle Peers
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jessica Fraser-Thomas
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amy E Latimer-Cheung
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Bassett-Gunter
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Kessler SH, Zillich AF. Searching Online for Information About Vaccination: Assessing the Influence of User-Specific Cognitive Factors Using Eye-Tracking. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2019; 34:1150-1158. [PMID: 29676600 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2018.1465793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In Germany, the Internet is gaining increasing importance for laypeople as a source of health information, including information about vaccination. While previous research has focused on the characteristics of online information about vaccination, this study investigated the influence of relevant user-specific cognitive factors on users' search behavior for online information about vaccination. Additionally, it examined how searching online for information about vaccination influences users' attitudes toward vaccination. We conducted an experimental study with 56 undergraduate students from a German university that consisted of a survey and eye-tracking while browsing the Internet, followed by a content analysis of the eye-tracking data. The results show that the users exposed themselves to balanced and diverse online information about vaccination. However, none of the examined cognitive factors (attitude toward vaccination, attitude salience, prior knowledge about vaccination, need for cognition, and cognitive involvement) influenced the amount of time users spent searching the Internet for information about vaccination. Our study was not able to document any effects of attitude-consistent selective exposure to online information about vaccination. In addition, we found no effect on attitude change after having searched the Internet for vaccine-related information. Thus, users' search behavior regarding vaccination seems to be relatively stable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Heike Kessler
- a IKMZ - Department of Communication and Media Research, Division Science, Crisis & Risk Communication, University of Zurich
| | - Arne Freya Zillich
- b Institute of Communication Research, Chair of Mediated Communication and Media Effects, Friedrich Schiller University Jena
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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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Marcu A, Black G, Whitaker KL. Variations in trust in Dr Google when experiencing potential breast cancer symptoms: exploring motivations to seek health information online. HEALTH, RISK & SOCIETY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/13698575.2018.1550742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Afrodita Marcu
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Georgia Black
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
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