title: Numeracy, information seeking, and self-efficacy in managing health: an analysis using the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS).
abstract: This study examined the unique effects of numeracy on self-efficacy in managing health and on information-seeking experience, and explored the mediating role of information-seeking experience. The proposed model was tested using a national random-digit-dial sample (n = 4,092) of adults participating in the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey. Findings from multiple regression analyses revealed that higher numeracy was associated with higher self-efficacy in managing health and better (i.e., more positive) health information-seeking experience, and that better information-seeking experience partially mediated the association between higher numeracy and higher self-efficacy. Findings indicated that communication factors (e.g., information seeking) partially mediated the relationship between cognitive abilities (e.g., numeracy) and self-efficacy. Theoretical implications are discussed, along with practical implications for individuals, health care providers, and public health professionals.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Communication , University at Buffalo, The State University of New York.
authors.forename: Yixin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Thomas Hugh
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Feeley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D057220:Health Literacy; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D020377:Self Efficacy; D055815:Young Adult