Worried and wired: effects of health anxiety on information-seeking and health care utilization behaviors.
Although online health information-seeking has been widely studied and findings suggest a variety of motivations behind an individual's health information-seeking behavior, little is known about how this information influences health utilization behaviors. Thus, the current study investigates the relationship between online health information seeking and health care utilization such as visiting a doctor. Additionally, this project expands the literature by examining the moderating role of health anxiety. Results suggest that an individual's level of health anxiety moderates the relationship between online health information seeking and health care utilization decisions.
Eastin
Matthew S
MS
School of Communication, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA. eastin.3@osu.edu
Guinsler
Natalie M
NM
D022126:Access to Information / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*