Why patients switch help from online to offline: An empirical investigation of emotions and effects of cognitions

People have different reactions when they encounter different levels of health threats. Individual cognitions towards the seriousness of health threat and emotions arise from health threats often motivate people to seek help online and offline. To examine the effects of cognitions and emotions on help seeking behaviors on different levels of health threats, we propose a research model based on protection motivation theory and cognition-emotion-behavior framework. Empirical data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed by Smart PLS. The results show that perceived susceptibility and perceived severity have positive significant influence on fear which leads on anxiety. Perceived health knowledge has negative influence on anxiety. Fear and anxiety can motivate individuals to seek help online and offline, especially in the high health threats condition. In addition, fear has significant influence on help seeking offline while anxiety has significant influence on help seeking online. Expectation confirmation has different effects on help seeking offline in different levels of health threats. This study extends PMT through the lens of cognition-emotion-behavior framework, and it expands research scope to help seeking behaviors

The information trust formation process for informal caregivers of people with dementia: a qualitative study

Purpose This paper provides new insights on trust formation during information-seeking processes of informal caregivers of people with dementia and identifies the sources of information deemed as trustworthy by caregivers. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a phenomenological qualitative approach in the form of in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a sample of 20 informal caregivers. Findings Caregivers trust sources that are perceived as authoritative and particularly value the information and advice provided by other caregivers. Trust in information can be divided into subjective and objective, but both are important precursors to the actual use of the information. The information available to caregivers is sufficient in quantity but inadequate in terms of ease of use, clarity and usefulness. Often, some key information needs remain unsatisfied due to the lack of timeliness, relevance and personalisation of the information. Practical implications This paper provides recommendations for information and healthcare providers on how to improve communication and information relevance for informal caregivers of people with dementia. Originality/value This paper contributes to a more comprehensive perspective on caregivers’ information trust formation processes, which takes into account both the characteristics of the information and caregivers’ individual factors

Check (it) yourself before you wreck yourself: The benefits of online health information exposure on risk perception and intentions to protect oneself

The current study contributes to a better understanding of health information acquisition (HIA) and ongoing public policy debates about the usefulness of online health information. We distinguish between types of health knowledge (i.e., objective vs. subjective knowledge) and health information sources (information on the Internet vs. information from a Health Professional's office visit), to examine risk perceptions and health behavior outcomes (i.e., health information seeking intentions, general prevention intentions, and vaccination intentions). Using the human papillomavirus, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the US among men and women aged 18–26 years, as the health context, field survey data were collected through a US online consumer panel and analyzed via structural equation modeling. We find that factually correct health information acquired by a health professional's office visit (rather than the Internet) leads to reduced risk perceptions, with potentially detrimental effects on health behavior change outcomes. Conversely, perceptions of knowledge acquired through the Internet (rather than information from a health professional's office), leads to enhanced risk perceptions with positive impacts on health behavior change outcomes. We discuss how this discrepancy can lead to a conundrum for public policy and efforts to effectively communicate health risks to individuals.Center for Risk Management and Insurance Research at the University of Texas at Austin

The influence of prior knowledge structures on website attitudes and behavioral intentions

© 2017 The Persuasion Knowledge Model identifies three knowledge structures (i.e., topic knowledge, persuasion knowledge and agent knowledge) that an individual has prior to exposure to a persuasive attempt. This study extends these knowledge structures by distinguishing between objective and subjective topic knowledge conceptualizations. Specifically, this study examines empirically how an individual's different knowledge structures, held prior to exposure to a web-based intervention, influence subsequent website attitudes and behavioral intentions. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) Live Well website relevant to weight control is used as the web-based intervention in this study. Results suggest that agent (i.e., NHS) knowledge is the most important predictor of website attitudes, while both agent and persuasion knowledge are associated with behavioral intentions to take weight control actions. The results also reveal that the distinction between objective and subjective weight control knowledge is essential given their differential effects on agent and persuasion knowledge. Goal frames, as indicated by the choice between the “healthy eating” and “lose weight” Live Well intervention web pages, are found to moderate the identified Knowledge-Attitude-Behavior links. Theoretical contributions, implications for practice and public policy and future research directions are discussed

The use of information in online healthcare provider choice

In order to evaluate and facilitate the provision of health information online, we must first understand how it is perceived by those who use it. Two important considerations in research on patients’ information use in online healthcare provider choice are the need for a conceptual framework for studying information types and methods for studying information use. Therefore, our first contribution lies in using Donabedian's structure-process-outcome model of healthcare quality to identify specific patterns of preference and information use in online healthcare provider choice, and differences in information use between two healthcare provider types. Our second contribution lies in identifying differences in results between data collection methods (importance rating/selection, concurrent self-report of online information use and retrospective information use) in relation to choice tasks. In a mixed-methods design, provider type (primary and secondary care) was systematically varied during participants’ use of the infomediary NHS Choices. Participants preferred process topics over structure topics, in contrast with the results of concurrent and retrospective self-report. We conclude that the differences in results between the types of data collection method reflect underlying differences in choice task. Future research should address the use of novel infomediary user-interfaces, and infomediaries in relation to the use of other information sources and (e-)health literacy

Health Information Seeking as a Coping Strategy to Reduce the Stress of Informal Caregivers of Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Forms of Dementia

This study explored the relationship between information seeking and the perceived stress levels of informal Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers. An additional component was added to determine whether health literacy and emotional state moderated the relationship. The study involved conducting qualitative interviews followed by collecting survey data to answer the following research questions: 1) What motivating factors lead informal AD caregivers to seek out information? How do their information needs change? Why do informal caregivers choose to utilize certain resources more than others? Is there a correlation between information seeking and resulting stress levels? Does health literacy moderate the association between information seeking and stress? The study also investigated the following hypothesis: Informal caregivers with low health literacy and low self-efficacy will have increased stress levels and those who have high health literacy and high self-efficacy will have decreased stress levels. Qualitative findings revealed that caregivers tend to rely on mediated resources that they find credible, and interpersonal resources such as people with similar experiences to their own. Many participants were satisfied with information available, but others felt that their interactions with healthcare professionals created more stress and emotional anguish than anticipated. Quantitative results supported qualitative results in showing that participant information needs change based on care recipient needs. Results also showed that overall, there was no correlation between information seeking and perceived stress levels; however, there was a significant difference between low-level information seekers and mid-level information seekers. Additionally, health literacy does not moderate the relationship between information seeking and perceived stress, but emotional state and self-efficacy were significant predictors of perceived stress. This study offers an initial step in finding ways that mediated communication can meet the healthcare needs of those who attempt to fill their information needs. The study also reiterated the idea that in many cases, it is necessary to combine the efforts of mediated and interpersonal communication to have the greatest effect

Sociodemographic Factors as Predictors of Low Influenza Vaccination in Chicago, Illinois

Outbursts of seasonal influenza contribute to morbidity and mortality in the United States. Influenza is a contagious disease caused by influenza viruses. The main subtypes of the influenza virus are Type A and Type B. Influenza vaccines are among the most effective methods in preventing the spread of the influenza virus because they offer the best immune defense. However, health care providers face significant challenges due to low patient compliance with current vaccine recommendations and misinformation. Scholars have yet to expand and further explore the reasons for the gap in influenza vaccination between White individuals and minorities, such as the non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations. Following the social cognitive theory as a theoretical framework, the research questions for this study tested the potential association between sociodemographic factors that might predict the lack of flu vaccination in racial minorities living in Chicago, Illinois. A logistical regression and chi-square test were used to answer the research questions. The data analysis showed that, in Chicago, there is a statistically significant association between annual household income, age group, and flu vaccine refusal among racial minorities. This study contributed to filling the gap in the literature regarding the social and environmental factors associated with flu vaccination uptake in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Black adults living in the United States. The potential positive social change implications include the insight into how household income and age could relate to health behaviors and flu vaccination hesitancy among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Black adults living in the United States and apply this knowledge to future vaccination practice promotion activities

An examination of relationships between social media follower interactions and novice piano students’ music performance anxiety and self-esteem

Online communication is a common component of contemporary life. However, research into its impact on well-being has found conflicting results. Although social media may have a detrimental impact on well-being, particularly in young adults (O’Reilly et al., 2018), some studies have found social media networking to have a beneficial influence on well-being (Ellison et al., 2007; Kim, 2017), which may contribute to improved academic performance among students (Al-Rahmi & Othman, 2013). The potential for such effects to extend to musicians in their experience of music performance anxiety (MPA) was the impetus for the current qualitative study, whose purpose was to explore friend and follower engagement on social media and its connection to self-esteem and MPA, using the PERMA Model (Seligman, 2011) to guide the inquiry. Six novice college-aged piano students completed State-Trait Anxiety (STAI-S) and Coopersmith Self-Esteem (CSEI) inventories, a demographic and social media use questionnaire, and two individual semi-structured interviews. Data were collected (1) at the outset of the study; (2) (a) after posting a short video excerpt of the piano performance on social media platforms and interacting with friends and followers, and (b) 30 minutes before the official performance at a live event; and (3) after the completion of the live performance. The findings suggest potential benefits of social media networking on novice music students’ well-being, Self-Esteem, and MPA. Social media interaction with friends and followers and novice piano students was frequently noted as a positive and significant contributing element to and preparation for participants’ successful performances. The awareness of the PERMA model assisted some participants in experiencing positive emotions, improving their well-being, elevating their self-esteem, and lowering their MPA. The feelings of happiness and well-being included in PERMA were linked to improved relationships between participants and their social media friends and were reported to improve their motivation, mastery, and achievement of goals, as well as feelings of support and encouragement. Negative comments did not affect participants with high self-esteem; however, it was not possible to observe the effects of negative comments on participants with low self-esteem since the one student with low self-esteem did not receive negative feedback. Despite findings from previous studies on the challenges and negative impacts of social media networking on students’ well-being, results of the current study indicate that it has the potential to be used positively. Mindful use of social media platforms may be an effective tool to help music students showcase their interests, talents, and achievements. As such, teachers may consider building strategies into their lessons to help students use social media as a learning tool for performance preparation. More research is needed on larger and more diverse groups of musicians to better understand the role of social media networking in music performance and its impact on musicians’ experience of MPA. Strategies for improving the practice and effectiveness of sharing music performances on social media platforms are discussed as pedagogical and performance-readiness tools. This study provides a starting point for music educators, administrators, and students in developing a more comprehensive understanding of the potentials and/or drawbacks of social media networking with regard to self-esteem and MPA.  

An investigation of antecedents of knowledge management among hospitality employees, with the focus on human factors, related to leaders and subordinates.

This study examines how leaders and managers can influence knowledge management (KM) among front line hospitality employees. For this purpose, this study investigates knowledge oriented leadership (KOL), supervisory orientations, and Leader Member Exchange (LMX), as antecedents of KM. This thesis also examines the mediating effect of employee work attitudes, i.e. affective commitment, creative self-efficacy, and employee work engagement in the relationship of KM with KOL and LMX. It also discusses employee goal orientations including learning orientation, and performance orientation as mediator in the relationship of KM practices with supervisory orientations. This study also explores the right combination of leadership behaviours with different personality traits of employees i.e. which leadership behaviour works best with which personality trait in order to predict KM among employees. Furthermore, this thesis emphasises on the importance of KM in the hospitality sector by discussing service quality, service quality efficacy, and employee innovative work behaviour (IWB) as service outcomes of KM among employees. Furthermore this study explores the factors influencing the use of information system (IS) to create knowledge, through qualitative research methods. The qualitative findings can help the leaders and managers to take the actions accordingly in order to encourage employees to create knowledge. To identify the types of knowledge workers in the hospitality industry, cluster analysis is also conducted, to divide the employees into the clusters of low potential knowledge workers, loyal learners, moderate knowledge workers, personality driven knowledge workers, and high potential knowledge workers. Qualitative findings of the study are based on semi structured interviews of hospitality employees. For the quantitative study, this study collects primary data from 330 front line hospitality employees. To test the impact of leadership and managerial styles on KM, and to test the service outcomes of KM, this study uses SPSS, Smartpls, and AMOS graphics to apply structural equation modelling. For the cluster analysis, hierarchical clustering is employed using the wards method and Euclidian distance measure, which is followed by K-Mean clustering. Expectation maximization (EM) technique is applied to replace the missing values. Furthermore, the role of the demographics in determining the cluster membership is also examined. This research found that there is positive association of KOL with KM, creative self-efficacy, affective commitment, and employee work engagement. Furthermore, these work attitudes partially mediate the relationship of KOL and KM practices among employees. This study also found the positive and direct effect of supervisory end result and capability orientation on employee learning orientation. However, results do not support the negative influence of supervisory activity orientation on employee learning goal orientation. Supervisory end result orientation does not affect employee performance orientation significantly, however supervisory activity orientation is positively associated, and supervisory capability orientation is negatively associated with employee performance orientation. Results also found the positive association between employee learning goal orientation and KM practices, but no association is found between employee performance orientation and KM practices. Finally, supervisory end result orientation and capability orientation are found to have positive indirect effects on KM practices, but the indirect negative association of activity orientation and KM practices is not supported by the results. Results also indicate that LMX significantly and positively affects knowledge management, directly, and also indirectly through employee affective commitment, work engagement, and creative self-efficacy. Then this study examines the effect of KM on service outcomes, and reveals a positive direct effect of KM on employee and service quality efficacy. Furthermore, KM indirectly and positively affects service quality through employee and service quality efficacy. Results also support the direct positive effect of Service quality efficacy, and employee on service quality. Through qualitative data analysis this study explores different reasons why employees use IS to analyse multiple information in order to create new knowledge. Furthermore, qualitative methodology is also used to confirm the quantitative findings with a different approach. Qualitative results categorize the factors into three major categories: organizational, job related, and employee personal factors. Results of cluster analysis reveal that employee attitudes, personality traits, and goal orientation plays a crucial role to differentiate the knowledge workers. Furthermore, demographic factors including gender, education, and work experience are crucial in determining the cluster membership. Comparison of clusters through Mann-Whitney test indicates that cluster of high potential knowledge workers is most suitable for knowledge work, and loyal learners are the least suitable. Kruskal-Wallis test shows that cluster membership plays a significant role in influencing KM among employees. This thesis contributes to the existing knowledge by improving and extending the construct of KOL, and also by examining the role of KOL in predicting KM, for the first time in the hospitality sector. It investigates the creative self-efficacy, and work engagement as predictor of KM among hospitality employees. It also examines employee affective creative self-efficacy, commitment, and employee work engagement as mediators in the association of KOL and KM, for the first time. Hospitality researchers mainly discuss knowledge sharing, which is only one element of KM , other practices like documenting, and applying need further research. This study considers the whole construct of KM which is the combination of knowledge acquiring, transfering, documenting, and applying the knowledge. Eexamination of indirect association of supervisory orientations with KM, through the mediation of goal orientation is one of the main achievement and contribution of this research thesis. Another contribution of this study is the ranking of the given set of leadership behaviours according to personality trait of employees, which provides a framework of leadership behaviour in accordance with employee personality trait to positively influence KM. it also contributes by establishing the connection between four different concepts in a single model i.e. KM, employee IWB, employee service quality efficacy, and service quality. Existing hospitality literature does not investigate the indirect effect of KM on service quality through IWB, and service quality efficacy. This study fills this gap. In the broader perspective it is the first study to discuss the use of IS for knowledge creation, especially in the hospitality sector. By exploring the factors influencing the IS use, this study also propose enhancements in the existing technology acceptance model (TAM) which incorporates very few factors. This study goes a step further than the technology acceptance, as it discusses the use of IS specifically to create knowledge. Furthermore this study categorise the factors influencing the IS use for knowledge creation as organizational factors, personal factors, and job related factors. Clustering of hospitality employees as low potential knowledge workers, loyal learners, moderate knowledge workers, personality driven knowledge workers, and high potential knowledge workers is also a major contribution, which can be used by hospitality managers for number of purposes

The role of informational support in online groups for people on the autism spectrum

Background and aims: Over the past twenty years, there has been an exponential increase in the numbers of people believed to be on the autism spectrum, both diagnosed and undiagnosed. People on the autism spectrum are known to be a vulnerable group who experience marked health and social inequalities, and the need for more effective support is widely recognised. This research aimed to investigate informational support within online groups for people on the autism spectrum in the UK. Methods: The research consisted of two qualitative studies, firstly, a thematic analysis of posts to an online group for people on the autism spectrum, and secondly, semi-structured interviews with fifteen people who identified as being autistic, and had used online groups for autistic people, which were also analysed thematically. Results: Thematic analysis of the online group posts and semi-structured interviews with online group users resulted in five overarching themes: the world is a hostile information environment for autistic people; making sense of autism; distinctive autistic information needs and information behaviours; online groups are a valuable autistic resource; and balancing the benefits of online groups with risks and downsides. These results were used to develop a model of the participants’ autism information journeys. Conclusions: Informational support plays an important role within online groups for autistic people. The online groups provide information, in addition to emotional and social network support, that some users cannot find or access elsewhere. In particular, the informational support found and shared within the online groups forms an important part of some users’ autism information journeys. Informational support helps group users to make sense of autism and life experiences, and to share strategies and advice for coping with life difficulties. However, online groups do not replace the need for specialised professional support and information