The role of care-seeking behavior and patient communication pattern in online health information-seeking behavior - a cross-sectional survey

INTRODUCTION: online health information-seeking behaviour has been on the increase and patients are seeking more responsibility in decisions about their health. Previous studies have mostly predicted online health information-seeking behaviour with demographic characteristics and not current behaviours driven by improving online information. The study attempts to bridge the gap between fast-developing patient online health information-seeking behaviour and health behaviour research. METHODS: a cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Ghanaian city of Accra. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to reveal frequencies and range of scores on measurement scales. All measurement scales used in the study were tested for reliability. Univariate analysis was used to find correlations and key properties of the dependent and independent variables. Multivariate analysis was used to test hypotheses. RESULTS: one hundred and eighteen (118) adults were surveyed. Cronbach alpha reliabilities of measurement scales ranged from .71 to .91. The hypothesis that care seeking behaviour and patient communication pattern predict online health information seeking behaviour, was supported (r = .45, standard error = 5.84) by a multiple linear regression. CONCLUSION: patients are engaged in online health information seeking because they want to be more active in decisions about their health. Findings further suggest that patients rely on online information to direct communications with their caregivers.