FROM HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO Dr. GOOGLE: ANALYSIS OF ONLINE HEALTH INFORMMATION SEEKNG (OHIS) BEHAVIOR AMONG PAKISTANI YOUTH

Abstract

In recent years, many individuals have turned to the internet and social media platforms to learn about their health. These online tools provide a vast platform for accessing and sharing health information. Youth has grown up in an environment where internet is easily accessible and being digital natives they are addicted to the internet. In Pakistan, there is a higher tendency among young individuals to use social media platforms. But when it comes to using online sources for sensitive information such as health information, it is vital to consider the online health information seeking patterns or behavior of youth because health information found in online sources can be insufficient and incorrect. The current study investigates the online health information seeking (OHIS) behavior and its determinants/factors among youth. A survey involving 500 youth respondents (M= 215, F= 285) was conducted to fulfill the research objectives. The results indicated that youth frequently seek information from online sources. The tendency of searching health symptoms and medicines was greater among youth. The findings also revealed that search engines like Google are the most preferred source of OHI among youth followed by social media platforms. Socioeconomic status and significant health issues were found to have more influence on OHIS behavior among youth. Overall, this study provides valuable information that may be used to develop targeted interventions to enhance or regulate the online health content and support youth in accessing and managing online health information (OHI).