Abstract
Background
More than three billion adults use the internet worldwide for communication and 90% of them use it to access information. The internet and social media have become a vital source for seeking health information in the US. Using online sources to seek health information and manage chronic medical conditions remains unclear.
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore using electronic devices to seek health information by using variables conceptually aligned with the Health Belief Model and to examine associations between using social media for health-related purposes and individuals with certain chronic medical conditions.
Methodology
A secondary analysis of the Health Information Trends Survey (HINTS) of 2017 and 2018 was conducted, which is a nationally representative survey administered by the National Cancer Institute. Respondents were civilian, non-institutionalized adults aged 18 or older in the US. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were conducted to determine statistical significance.
Results
There were 6,697 respondents completing the survey, representing an estimated annual population of 245.8 million adults in the US. Of these, 76.5% used electronic devices to seek health information and 20% used social media for health-related purposes. Those with depression were 42% more likely to use electronics to seek health information. Those with higher perceived benefits because of their intent to track health-related goals were 2.4 times more likely to use electronics to seek health information (p< 0.0001) and those needing to make a decision about treating an illness were 6 times more likely to do so (p< 0.0001). Underweight respondents were 2.5 times more likely to share health information on social media (p=0.04). Respondents with depression or anxiety disorder were 1.7 times more likely to participate in online support groups (p=0.004).
Conclusion
Online health information is sought by distinct subgroups. Since these groups are vulnerable and the internet remains largely unregulated, health systems should use the internet by linking their patients to trustworthy online resources to ensure disseminating reliable online health information that may help in chronic disease management. Future research exploring who and why vulnerable sub-populations are using such programs is needed to optimize its delivery while assuring quality supporting content.
LLU Discipline
Health Policy and Leadership
School
School of Public Health
First Advisor
Jim E. Banta
Second Advisor
Jisoo Oh
Third Advisor
Susanne B. Montgomery
Degree Name
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Degree Level
Ph.D.
Year Degree Awarded
2019
Date (Title Page)
6-2019
Language
English
Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings
Health information seeking behavior; Social media in medicine; Chronic diseases; Health literacy; Health policy
Type
Dissertation
Page Count
xi, 174 p.
Digital Format
Digital Publisher
Loma Linda University Libraries
Copyright
Author
Usage Rights
This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.
Recommended Citation
Alhusseini, Noara, "The Use of Electronic Devices to Seek Health Information on the Internet and Social Media Among Adults in the United States" (2019). Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects. 2705.
https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/2705
Collection
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Collection Website
http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/
Repository
Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives