초록

Abstract

This study investigated what web users share on a health website and how the demographic characteristics of users reflect health information sharing behavior. By using a content analysis method, this study analyzed 1,042 randomly chosen messages in the discussion board of a health website. The results revealed that the health website users emotionally supported other users, provided health information, and built relationships between them. Two third of the health website users shared his/her thoughts or feelings about ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) on the health website and one fourth of the health website users connected with others who had ALS. A half of the users actively provided information as a direct response to a question. No significant differences were discerned with regard to total posting frequency by age and gender effect. However, the male users in the 50s answered questions to others more actively and tried to manage their life better than the other age groups.

초록

노인 당뇨병 환자들의 정보행태를 이해하기 위하여 선행연구 고찰을 통해 관련요인을 도출하고 측정도구를 설계하여, B병원에서 치료 중인 60세 이상 당뇨병 환자들을 대상으로 구조화된 면접조사를 수행하였다(N=543). 질환에 대한 인식, 건강정보이해능력, 정보요구, 정보추구, 정보이용, 정보원 이용 애로사항, 선호 정보서비스, 개인적 배경에 대한 기본통계량과 요인간의 관계를 분석하고 가설검증을 통하여 영향요인을 구명하였다. 노인 당뇨병 환자들은 질환에 대한 인식과 건강정보이해능력이 낮으며, 질환에 대한 인식은 정보요구도, 정보이용도와 상관관계가 있고, 건강정보이해능력은 정보이용도와 상관관계가 있다. 교육경험과 유병기간에 따라 정보요구도와 정보이용도에 차이가 있고, 정보환경, 성별, 나이, 학력에 따라 정보이용도에 차이가 있는 것으로 나타났다. 연구결과를 바탕으로 질환인식 캠페인 전개, 정보지원시설 홍보활동, 집단별 정보제공과 서비스 방안 등을 제언하였다.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand information behavior of older adults with diabetes. After reviewing previous research, related factors are identified and a questionnaire was devised. The structured interview was administered to the aged 60 and over in the B hospital (N=543). Data about awareness of the disease, health literacy, information environment, information need, information seeking, information use, information service, and personal background are collected and analyzed descriptively. Relationship between variables are examined and hypotheses are tested to find factors affecting information behavior. The level of the awareness of the disease and health literacy appeared to be low. It is proved that awareness of the disease is a factor affecting information need and information use. Health literacy affects information use. There is a statistical significant difference between information need and information use by disease education and duration. There is also a statistical significant difference between information use among groups divided by information environment, sex, age, and education. Based on the results, campaign to raise disease awareness, marketing promotion about information support facilities, customized information service for older adults are suggested.