| Health information-seeking has been studied extensively due to its positive contributions for both individual and public health. This study attempts to explain why some individuals do not always seek health information when they need it. The study tested the influences of personal relevance, socioeconomic status (SES), and social engagement on various health information-seeking dimensions based on uncertainty management theory, knowledge gap hypothesis, and social capital theory. The interaction effects of personal relevance and SES on health information-seeking were also tested, as well as the interaction effects of personal relevance and social engagement on health information-seeking. This study used the 2007 ANHCS survey, and several OLS hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. The findings partially support the hypotheses that personal relevance and social engagement influence the method, scope, and depth of health information-seeking. Theoretical implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed. |
