Application of theory of planned behavior in identifying factors affecting online health information seeking intention and behavior of women
Aslib Journal of Information Management
ISSN: 2050-3806
Article publication date: 2 February 2022
Issue publication date: 10 June 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Today, the Internet has become an attractive source for obtaining health information. Since women play an important role in maintaining the health of the family and community and since they are active seekers of health information through the Internet, it is essential to examine their online health information seeking behavior. Therefore, the main purpose of this article is to identify the factors affecting the online health information seeking intention and behavior of women.
Design/methodology/approach
The theoretical framework of this quantitative study was based on the theory of planned behavior. A total of five hypothesized relationships were formulated to develop a conceptual model. The study approach was quantitative. Using simple random sampling, 400 women referred to specialized and sub-specialized clinics of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran participated in the study and responded to the survey. Descriptive and inferential data analysis was performed using SPSS 21 and Smart PLS 3 software.
Findings
The results showed that the intention to find health information online is a function of psychological variables. These variables include attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Findings showed that attitude is the most important factor affecting online health information seeking intention. It was also found that online health information seeking intention has a positive and significant effect on women's information seeking behavior.
Originality/value
This study is the first attempt to use an important and universally accepted theory to identify the factors affecting the online health information seeking behavior of women referring to specialized and sub-specialized clinics and provides important practical concepts for health officials and managers to improve and develop online health information seeking behavior.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The study was funded by Vice-chancellor for Research and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences (No. 9904172447).
Ethical consideration: This study has been ethically approved by the Ethics Committee of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences with code number: IR.UMSHA.REC.1399.358.
Citation
Shamlou, Z., Saberi, M.K. and Amiri, M.R. (2022), "Application of theory of planned behavior in identifying factors affecting online health information seeking intention and behavior of women", Aslib Journal of Information Management, Vol. 74 No. 4, pp. 727-744. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJIM-07-2021-0209
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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