The Indirect Effects of Health Information Seeking on Health Lifestyle : Health Literacy Matters

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)113-121
Number of pages9
Journal / PublicationHealth Education and Behavior
Volume52
Issue number1
Online published22 Sept 2024
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2025

Abstract

To unpack the process of how health information seeking influences health behaviors, we examined the mediating roles of interpersonal discussion and online information sharing in the associations between health information seeking and healthy lifestyle behaviors and the moderating role of health literacy in the associations among health information seeking, interpersonal discussion, online information sharing, and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Data from a large-scale, representative survey (N = 916) revealed that interpersonal discussion and online information sharing mediated the associations between health information seeking and healthy lifestyle behaviors. The associations between health information seeking and interpersonal discussion and between health information seeking and online information sharing were stronger for individuals with high health literacy than those with low health literacy. Findings advance the understanding of the influence of health information seeking and provide practical guidance for promoting a healthy lifestyle. © 2024 Society for Public Health Education.

Research Area(s)

  • health information seeking, interpersonal discussion, information sharing, health literacy, health behaviors

Bibliographic Note

Full text of this publication does not contain sufficient affiliation information. With consent from the author(s) concerned, the Research Unit(s) information for this record is based on the existing academic department affiliation of the author(s).