Health information-seeking behaviour (HISB), also known as health information seeking, health seeking behaviour or health information behaviour, refers to a series interaction that reduce uncertainty regarding health status, but also to construct a social and personal sense of health. HISB is a key strategy for many people to understand their health problems and to cope with illness. Recently, thanks to the development of the technologies and networks, people have a trend of seeking health information on the Internet. Particularly, when it comes to the following scenarios, people tend to carry out online HISB:

Encountering health issues

Received conflicting information

The cause is relevant to known people (such as family members and friends) Out of curiosity

Health information-seeking behaviour

See also

Health literacy

References

Health care

Information theory

Health informatics

Patient advocacy

Health information-seeking behaviour