A1 Journal article (refereed)
Ethnicity and Perceived Influence of Social Media-Based Health Information on Health Decisions and Behaviors : A Test of the Social Diversification Hypothesis (2022)

Rosenberg, D., Mano, R., & Mesch, G. S. (2022). Ethnicity and Perceived Influence of Social Media-Based Health Information on Health Decisions and Behaviors : A Test of the Social Diversification Hypothesis. Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet, 26(1), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1080/15398285.2021.1997055

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Rosenberg, Dennis; Mano, Rita; Mesch, Gustavo S.

Journal or series: Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet

ISSN: 1539-8285

eISSN: 1539-8293

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 02/01/2022

Volume: 26

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 1-22

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15398285.2021.1997055

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: Channel is not openly available

Abstract

The current study examined ethnic differences in the perceived influence of health information found on social media websites on health decisions and behaviors. These differences were examined through the lens of the social diversification hypothesis. The data were collected through a telephone survey. The sample included Israeli adult social media users who reported engaging in health information seeking on social media websites (n = 234). The results of the logistic regression analyses suggest that respondents from the Arab group were more likely than respondents from the Jewish group to report that health information on social media websites has persuaded them to stop or cut down on smoking, undertake medical tests, and purchase private health insurance. In addition, respondents from the Arab group were more likely than respondents from the Jewish group to report being influenced by health information on social media websites in multiple health domains. These findings provide extensive support for the social diversification hypothesis. They point to the need for increased investment in the provision of up-to-date and precise health information to members of disadvantaged population groups in a given society.

Keywords: health education (curriculum subjects); health behaviour; health education; health promotion; health care guidance; social media; websites; online communities; network communication; efficacy; ethnic groups

Free keywords: ethnic differences; health behavior change; health information; social media

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1