Explaining online health information seeking of foreign domestic workers: a test of the comprehensive model of information seeking

By explaining online health information seeking in terms of health-related and information carrier factors, this study contributes in two ways to conversations about communication and technology in the context of migration health. First, it examines the heuristic value of the Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking (CMIS) on the internet. Second, it explores antecedents of online health information seeking by female foreign domestic workers (FDWs), one of the overlooked and vulnerable groups because they are often unfamiliar with the healthcare system in countries of destination and have limited financial and informational resources. Drawing empirical evidence from a survey with Filipino FDWs in Hong Kong (HK), this study suggests that CMIS can be extended to the online health information seeking of FDWs. Salience and trustworthiness positively influenced utility. Moreover, trustworthiness and utility figured significantly in why Filipino FDWs in HK seek online health information. Theoretical and programmatic implications for communication and technology regarding positive health behaviors among migrants are discussed.