Research Article
Online Health Information-Seeking Behaviour and its Associated Factors Among Patients in the Outpatient Department of Dompe E-hospital, Sri Lanka
Authors:
S. R. M. Senarathne ,
University of Sri Jayewardenepura, LK
About S. R. M.
Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
M. K. D. L. Meegoda
University of Sri Jayewardenepura, LK
About M. K. D. L.
Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
Abstract
Background and Objective: Access for information is a fundamental need for human beings. Internet plays a significant role in accessing health information. Literature shows a paucity of data regarding online health information (OHI) behaviour of patients in developing countries. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess the OHI-seeking behaviour and associated factors among patients attending the outpatient department (OPD) of Dompe E hospital, Sri Lanka.
Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients attending the OPD of
e-hospital, Dompe for treatment. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was distributed amongconveniently selected 102 adult patients who were able to use the internet. The data were analysed usingSPSS (Version 26). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used.
Results: The response rate was 93%. The highest number of respondents was females (62.7%) and between 26-35 years of age (33%). Out of 102 participants, only 59 were OHI-seekers. Among them, the widely used device was the smartphone (98.3%) and most (83%) sought OHI for their family members. The main reasons for seeking OHI were: to find a doctor or health care facility (61%) and for knowledge or curiosity (52.5%). Only 20% of respondents use health monitoring devices or apps to track health. When considering patient’s experience with doctors regarding OHI, only 34% of participants had ever asked the doctor about OHI that they had found. Findings show that there is a significant association between age and OHI-seeking (p< 0.05).
Conclusions: More than half of the participants were OHI-seekers. Most have used the smartphones; main reason was to consult a doctor. Sharing or asking about OHI with doctors was minimal. Age is the only factor associated with OHI-seeking behaviour. The study suggests the vital need for healthcare professionals to understand how OHI can be utilized for improving the health outcomes of patients.
How to Cite:
Senarathne, S. R. M., & Meegoda, M. K. D. L. (2022). Online Health Information-Seeking Behaviour and its Associated Factors Among Patients in the Outpatient Department of Dompe E-hospital, Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Journal of Nursing, 1(2), 24–35. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljn.v1i2.34
Published on
31 Dec 2022.
Peer Reviewed
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