Information-seeking behaviour and sources of health information: associations with risk factor status in an analysis of three Queensland electorates

Abstract

Making a special effort to gain health information has been associated with healthy behaviour. This paper identifies the information-seeking dimension and the sources of information people use and examines whether there is an association between these and individual health status. In November 1989 a randomly selected sample of 2134 adults in the electorates of Maryborough, Toowoomba and Port Curtis (Gladstone) completed a self-administered questionnaire which aimed to measure health-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. Factor analysis identified clusters of items representing different dimensions of risky health behaviour as well as different perceived barriers to seeking preventive health care. Multiple regression analysis was then used to determine sociodemographic, attitudinal and behavioural variables related to a tendency not to seek health information and to be at risk for preventable diseases. The findings have implications for the development of future health promotion programs in provincial Australian cities. Both age and sex were significant in predicting where people obtain information on health. Women were more likely than men to seek health information and their sources of information reflected this proactive attitude to health. While there was no significant difference between the perceived health status of males and females, reported behavioural risk factors were much more prevalent in males. Most respondents had consulted a general practitioner in the previous twelve months and stated that they would change their behaviour on the advice of a medical practitioner. However, few nominated medical practitioners as their main source of health information.