Online Health Information Seeking Among Jewish and Arab Adolescents in Israel: Results From a National School Survey

Abstract

This study examined patterns and determinants of seeking online health information among a nationally representative sample of 7,028 Jewish and Arab 7th- through 12th-grade students in 158 schools in Israel. Nearly all respondents (98.7%) reported Internet access, and 52.1% reported having sought online health information in the past year. Arab students (63%) were more likely than Jewish students (48%) to seek online health information. Population-group and sex differences in health topics sought online were identified, although fitness/exercise was most common across groups. Multivariate regression models revealed that having sought health information from other sources was the strongest independent correlate of online health information–seeking among Jews (adjusted odds ratio = 8.93, 95% CI [7.70, 10.36]) and Arabs (adjusted odds ratio = 9.77, 95% CI [7.27, 13.13]). Other factors associated with seeking online health information common to both groups were level of trust in online health information, Internet skill level, having discussed health/medical issues with a health care provider in the past year, and school performance. The most common reasons for not seeking online health information were a preference to receive information from a health professional and lack of interest in health/medical issues. The closing of the digital divide between Jews and Arabs represents a move toward equality. Identifying and addressing factors underpinning online health information–seeking behaviors is essential to improve the health status of Israeli youth and reduce health disparities.

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by a grant from Israel National Institute for Health Policy Research (Yehuda Neumark and Ronny Shtarkshall, co–principal investigators).

Notes

^a Weighted.

Note. Jewish versus Arab difference: *p < .01; **p <.001; ***p < .0001.

Note. Odds ratios from unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained from logistic regression models.