Online health information seeking among Jewish and Arab adolescents in Israel: results from a national school survey

J Health Commun. 2013;18(9):1097-115. doi: 10.1080/10810730.2013.778360. Epub 2013 Jul 5.

Abstract

This study examined patterns and determinants of seeking online health information among a nationally representative sample of 7,028 Jewish and Arab 7th- through 12th-grade students in 158 schools in Israel. Nearly all respondents (98.7%) reported Internet access, and 52.1% reported having sought online health information in the past year. Arab students (63%) were more likely than Jewish students (48%) to seek online health information. Population-group and sex differences in health topics sought online were identified, although fitness/exercise was most common across groups. Multivariate regression models revealed that having sought health information from other sources was the strongest independent correlate of online health information-seeking among Jews (adjusted odds ratio = 8.93, 95% CI [7.70, 10.36]) and Arabs (adjusted odds ratio = 9.77, 95% CI [7.27, 13.13]). Other factors associated with seeking online health information common to both groups were level of trust in online health information, Internet skill level, having discussed health/medical issues with a health care provider in the past year, and school performance. The most common reasons for not seeking online health information were a preference to receive information from a health professional and lack of interest in health/medical issues. The closing of the digital divide between Jews and Arabs represents a move toward equality. Identifying and addressing factors underpinning online health information-seeking behaviors is essential to improve the health status of Israeli youth and reduce health disparities.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / ethnology*
  • Arabs / psychology*
  • Arabs / statistics & numerical data
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Information Seeking Behavior*
  • Internet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Israel
  • Jews / psychology*
  • Jews / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Schools
  • Students / psychology*
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires