GRATIFICATION OF DIGITAL HEALTH INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOR: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF DEMOGRAPHICS, SOCIAL MEDIA TRENDS, AND TRUST IN REMEDIES

Dr. Vineet Kumar, Dr. Abhishek Lachyan*, Prof. Bandana Pandey and Dr. Vaishali Billa

Introduction: The internet has revolutionized access to health information, empowering individuals to make informed health decisions independently. However, the vastness of online content raises concerns about its reliability, accuracy, and credibility. Understanding patterns of health information seeking and trust in online remedies is essential to guide public health strategies and improve digital health literacy. Method: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted over three months to explore digital health information-seeking behaviors. An online survey, distributed via email and social media, collected responses from 123 participants. The survey included questions on demographics, internet usage, trust in online health information, and behavioral outcomes. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression. Results: The majority of participants were young, with 111 participants (90.3%) aged 18–25 years, and 67 participants (54.5%) identifying as female. Most respondents, 121 (98.4%), reported accessing social media, and 103 (83.7%) had previously searched for health information online. A substantial 57 participants (46.3%) followed online remedies, with 73 (59.7%) rating them as useful and 22 (17.7%) as very useful. Trust in remedies provided by health professionals online was moderate, with 62 participants (50.4%) expressing trust in such advice. Despite this, 76 participants (61.8%) prioritized consulting a doctor for health decisions over relying on online sources. Conclusion: While online health information is widely accessed, individuals still rely on healthcare professionals for decision-making. The study highlights the need for targeted digital health literacy initiatives and accurate health information dissemination, especially for younger audiences. Further research is needed to explore the factors influencing trust in online health content and its implications for healthcare delivery.