Developing a framework for understanding health information behavior change from avoidance to acquisition: a grounded...

Area of Science:

• Health Communication
• Behavioral Science
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Health information avoidance is common but can hinder health.
• Understanding the transition from avoidance to acquisition is key for interventions.
• Limited research exists on the active change process from avoidance to seeking health information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the process of active change from health information avoidance to acquisition.
• To generate a grounded theoretical framework illustrating stages and influencing factors.
• To develop the Health Information Avoidance Change Model (HIACM).

Main Methods:

• Utilized Straussian grounded theory (Corbin & Strauss, 2015).
• Conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 adults experiencing a change in health information behavior.
• Analyzed data focusing on the change process and its influencing factors.

Main Results:

• Developed the Health Information Avoidance Change Model (HIACM).
• Identified a core category and 12 other categories.
• HIACM includes five non-linear stages (initiation, preparation, action, maintenance, abandonment) and seven moderating factors.

Conclusions:

• HIACM explains the dynamic, non-linear process of shifting from avoiding to acquiring health information.
• Interventions should be staged and consider individual and social factors.
• Health information change is a socialized behavior requiring collaboration among individuals, families, and healthcare systems.