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
VIRTA submission year: 2022
JUFO rating: 1