Online Health Information-Seeking Behaviours and eHealth Literacy among First-Generation Chinese Immigrants

Ling Zhang (), Sherrie Chung, Wendan Shi, Dion Candelaria and Robyn Gallagher
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Ling Zhang: Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
Sherrie Chung: Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
Wendan Shi: Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
Dion Candelaria: Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
Robyn Gallagher: Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 4, 1-12

Abstract: Due to linguistic and cultural barriers, immigrants often have limited access to health information. Online health information is popular and accessible, but quality is questionable and its benefits dependent on an individual’s eHealth literacy. This study examined online health information-seeking behaviours, eHealth literacy and its predictors among first-generation Chinese immigrants. A sample of 356 Chinese immigrants living in Australia completed an anonymous paper-based survey, including sociodemographic, clinical data, English proficiency, health literacy, online health information-seeking behaviours, and eHealth literacy. Linear regression models analyzed predictive factors of eHealth literacy. Participants were aged mean 59.3 years, female (68.3%), 53.1% completed university, and their English proficiency was rated fair/poor by 75.1%. Participants perceived online health information as useful (61.6%) and important (56.2%) to their health. Health information accessed was often related to lifestyle (61.2%), health resources (44.9%), diseases (36.0%), and medications (30.9%). Inadequate health literacy and eHealth literacy occurred in 48.3% and 44.9%, respectively. Age, number of technological devices used, education, and health status were independently associated with eHealth literacy. While most Chinese immigrants used online health information, many had inadequate eHealth literacy. Healthcare authorities and providers should support older immigrants, those with lower education and poorer health, and those less engaged with technology in online health information use by providing culturally and linguistically appropriate information, directing immigrants to credible websites, and involving them in health material development processes.

Keywords: health literacy; eHealth literacy; digital health literacy; access to information; cultural diversity; ethnicity; emigrants and immigrants; vulnerable populations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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