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ABSTRACT
This study applied the comprehensive model of information seeking (CMIS) to online cancer information and extended the model by incorporating an exogenous variable: interest in online health information exchange with health providers. A nationally representative sample from the Health Information National Trends Survey 4 Cycle 4 was analyzed to examine the extended CMIS in predicting online cancer information seeking. Findings from a structural equation model supported most of the hypotheses derived from the CMIS, as well as the extension of the model related to interest in online health information exchange. In particular, socioeconomic status, beliefs, and interest in online health information exchange predicted utility. Utility, in turn, predicted online cancer information seeking, as did information-carrier characteristics. An unexpected but important finding from the study was the significant, direct relationship between cancer worry and online cancer information seeking. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.
Notes
1. Using a one-item measure is a typical way of measuring health information seeking and it is consistent with many previous studies, according to a systematic review of the literature (Anker et al., Citation2011). Although a single-item measure is susceptible to measurement error, it has the advantage of reducing participants’ fatigue and, therefore, is frequently used in nationally representative surveys.
2. For the latent constructs measured by three indicators, the CFA model is just-identified, and the model fit is (0) = .00; CFI = 1.00, TLI = 1.00, RMSEA = .000, SRMR/WRMR = .000.
3. Since the CFA model is under-identified, the two indicators’ loadings were set to be equal (Kenny, Citation2012) so that the model is just-identified.