Why do we want health information? The goals associated with health information seeking (GAINS) questionnaire

Figures & data

Figure 1. 2 × 2 matrix of health information seeking goals.

Table 1. Fit-indices of different factor structure SEM estimations of the GAINS.

Fit Index	Model 1a	Model 1b	Model 1c	Model 2	Model 3	Model 4
χ²	140.74	217.79	269.06	286.50	561.55	655.28
df	99	99	99	103	103	104
χ² / df	1.42	2.20	2.72	2.78	5.45	6.30
RMSEA	.054	.065	.058	.110	.174	.190
TLI	.96	.93	.96	.85	.62	.55
CFI	.97	.94	.96	.83	.57	.48
SRMR	.068	.055	.052	.094	.195	.193
AIC	5654.93	–	–	5792.69	6067.74	6159.47
BIC	5765.57	–	–	5891.38	6166.43	6255.16

Notes: Model 1a: four first-order factors and one second-order factor; Study 1. Model 1 b: four first-order factors and one second-order factor; Study 2. Model 1c: four first-order factors and one second-order factor; Study 3. Model 2: two latent factors (problem and emotion focus); Study 1. Model 3: two latent factors (promotion and prevention focus); Study 1. Model 4: one general first-order factor; Study 1. As no non-nested models were compared in Study 2 and 3, the AIC and BIC of Model 1 b and 1c are omitted.

Table 2. Correlations, means and standard deviations of the GAINS scales, ARES-K scales, SES-IB, Worry and Information Need in Study 3.

		1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
1 Total Score							3.87	0.73
2 Understanding		.85**					3.89	0.81
3 Action Planning		.78**	.68**				4.14	0.75
4 Reassurance		.88**	.64**	.53**			3.66	0.90
5 Hope		.87**	.58**	.52**	.75**		3.79	0.99
ARES-K
BIS		.12**	.03	-.03	.18**	.19**	2.52	0.76
BAS		.15**	.19**	.28**	.03	.06	3.04	0.48
SES-IB		.08	.14**	.16**	-.00	.01	3.45	0.60
Worry		.32**	.24**	.21**	.28**	.34**	53.95	27.84
IN		.46**	.46**	.41**	.37**	.35**	71.95	24.90

Notes: Total Score = Information need represented by GAINS total score (scale 1–5). BIS = Behavioural inhibition system (scale 1–4). BAS = Behavioural activation system (scale 1–4). SES-IB = Health information seeking self-efficacy (scale 1–5). Worry = Worry about health problem (single item; scale 0–100). IN = Information need (single-item; scale 0–100). **p < .01.

Data availability statement

Datasets are available on request. The raw data supporting the conclusions of this manuscript will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation, to any qualified researcher.