An exploratory study of users' preferences and use of sources for seeking health information

Zhang, Yan

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/36047 Copy

Description

Title

An exploratory study of users' preferences and use of sources for seeking health information

Author(s)

Zhang, Yan

Issue Date

2013-02

Keyword(s)

• Information behavior
• Information Resources
• Web 2.0
• Social media
• Consumer health informatics

Abstract

Studies have surveyed college students’ use of health information sources. But still little is known about the cognitive processes involved in their source evaluation and selection. To explore this topic, we conducted in-depth interviews with twenty students about their use of sources for specific health-related incidents in their lives. The results suggested that search engines, health websites, doctors, and parents were the most important sources, while social media and libraries were the least important ones. The participants cared about the quality and accessibility of information, but also inclined to use sources that they are familiar and comfortable with, sources that match their interests, or sources that are personal and engaging. In actual information seeking, some participants relied only on search engines, while more used multiple sources and involved family, friends, or doctors in the process. The results’ implications to the design of health websites and health education programs were discussed.

Publisher

iSchools

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/36047

DOI

https://doi.org/10.9776/13130

Copyright and License Information

Copyright © 2013 is held by the authors. Copyright permissions, when appropriate, must be obtained directly from the author.

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