Health information seeking behavior of individuals with hearing loss in an online community

Yu, Biyang; Lee, Jongwook; Dong, Hang

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/89422 Copy

Description

Title

Health information seeking behavior of individuals with hearing loss in an online community

Author(s)

Yu, Biyang; Lee, Jongwook; Dong, Hang

Issue Date

2016-03-15

Keyword(s)

• health information seeking
• people with hearing loss
• online communities
• health information service

Abstract

To address the dearth of research on the behavior of individuals with hearing loss who seek health information, this pilot study was designed to explore their health concerns and information needs in an online community, AllDeaf. The authors analyzed 559 health questions asked in the community forum, Lifestyle, Health, Fitness & Food. Specifically, the authors coded the types of information and information sources sought by participants as well as their health concerns. The findings showed that ear problems and mental health issues were the main health concerns of people with hearing loss, and they tended to seek factual information about other members’ similar experiences. This study can contribute to our understanding of health information behavior of people with hearing loss, and provides useful implications for the improvement in, and development of, health information services that are customized to their information needs.

Publisher

iSchools

Series/Report Name or Number

IConference 2016 Proceedings

Type of Resource

text

Language

eng

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/89422

DOI

https://doi.org/10.9776/16529

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2016 is held by the authors. Copyright permissions, when appropriate, must be obtained directly from the authors.

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