Characterizing the Processes for Navigating Internet Health Information Using Real-Time Observations: A Mixed-Methods...

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Limited understanding of how individuals search for health information online.
• Need to identify characteristics influencing health information-seeking strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• Describe user navigation of the Internet for hypothetical acute illness information.
• Identify individual characteristics predicting health information-seeking strategies.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 78 participants (21-35 years) with healthcare access barriers.
• Captured Internet searches via screen-capture video software.
• Coded search steps into hypothesis testing, evidence gathering, or action/treatment seeking.

Main Results:

• Identified 27 unique information-seeking patterns, classified into four overarching types.
• Categorized patterns using dual-processing theory: System 1 (41%) and System 2 (59%).
• System 2 processing associated with higher education and younger age.

Conclusions:

• Two distinct approaches to processing Internet health information were identified: System 1 and System 2.
• System 2 processing, a methodical approach, aligns with strategies for higher-quality decisions.
• Improving online health information quality requires consumer education and decision aids on health websites.