International Journal of Health Sciences

Online Health Information Seeking Behaviors among African Americans
Delores C.S. James, PhD, RD, LD/N; Cedric Harville, II, MPH

Abstract
Many individuals embrace the practice of self-care through online health information-seeking behaviors (HISB). However, these practices have not been explored among African Americans (AA). This study examined sources of health information and online HISB among AA. A convenience sample of 903 AA completed a self-administered survey. The most popular sources of information were physicians and the internet. Women were more likely to obtain information from physicians and nurses (p<.0001), while men were more likely to obtain information from TV and newspapers (p<.001). Most online searches were for general health/wellness and nutrition/dieting. Women were more likely than men to have searched for information on nutrition/dieting, medication, diabetes, asthma, mental health, and children’s health (p< .05 for all). The study also found significant relationships between the diagnosis of various health conditions and HISB. Opportunities exist to create credible online health information that is culturally and gender specific.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v7n3a2