Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
2019
Abstract
Introduction: Nowadays, the need for health information has grown all over the world, and this information often changes behavior and health decisions. This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the seeking behavior and health information channels in students of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: In this Analytic-descriptive study, 115 individuals from health department, 110 individuals from nursing department, 93 individuals from medical department and 112 individuals from paramedical department were randomly selected and analyzed. The data collection tool was a questionnaire whose validity and reliability were obtained in previous studies. Collected data analyzed using SPSS 20.
Results: The findings show that more students are seeking information about the type of sickness with a mean of 3.29 and their treatment with an average of 3.20, and internet resources and doctors are the most commonly used among students. There is a significant difference between the use of different sources of health information seeking among students (P<0.05). There was also no significant difference between the use of different sources of health information seeking among students at different faculties (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study provide a clear picture of the health information seeking behavior in students of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences. According to the goals of seeking for health information and resources, It can be said that the results of seeking for students can affect their decision making and choice in treating sickness and promoting their health. Therefore, improving the health literacy of students can have a positive effect on their health promotion.