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Abstract Background U.S. Latinos experienced disproportionate COVID-19 impacts in terms of morbidity and mortality. Vaccination against COVID-19 is an important strategy for mitigating health impacts, and yet, vaccine uptake was slower among U.S. Latino adults compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Vaccine hesitancy has been a significant barrier within Latino communities, and exposure to misinformation has been associated with negative attitudes toward vaccination. While some COVID-19 mitigation efforts have included community-based outreach, few studies have explored the impact of community-based digital messaging in Spanish to counter COVID-19 misinformation, build trust, and promote vaccination. To address this gap, we conducted a one-year repeated cross-sectional study to assess changes in COVID-19 vaccine uptake, intentions, and perceived norms, as well as barriers to accessing reliable information and levels of trust in COVID-19 information sources among Latino adults exposed to Brigada Digital de Salud social media content. This culturally-tailored content disseminated on Facebook, Instagram, and X platforms was amplified by community health workers and partners, and focused on COVID-19 risk and prevention, vaccine safety and efficacy, and correcting related misinformation. Results Statistically significant increases in COVID-19 vaccination and intentions to vaccinate children were observed from May 2022 (wave 1) to April 2023 (wave 2). Among perceived difficulties accessing information, respondents indicated the most difficulty in judging the reliability of COVID-19 information in the media; however, a statistically significant decrease in perceived difficulty was observed between waves. With regard to trust in COVID-19 information sources, levels of trust were highest for healthcare providers in both waves, and there were statistically significant increases in trust in the FDA to ensure COVID-19 vaccine safety and trust in the federal government to ensure child COVID-19 vaccine safety at wave 2. Conclusions Social media messaging by trusted community-based sources shows promise as a strategy for combating health misinformation and ameliorating information access gaps for language minority populations. This digital approach represents an important tool for deploying critical information to underserved populations in public health emergency and crisis contexts, and for supporting changes in attitudes, trust, and behaviors to improve health outcomes.

Background: U.S. Latinos experienced disproportionate COVID-19 impacts in terms of morbidity and mortality. Vaccination against COVID-19 is an important strategy for mitigating health impacts, and yet, vaccine uptake was slower among U.S. Latino adults compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Vaccine hesitancy has been a significant barrier within Latino communities, and exposure to misinformation has been associated with negative attitudes toward vaccination. While some COVID-19 mitigation efforts have included community-based outreach, few studies have explored the impact of community-based digital messaging in Spanish to counter COVID-19 misinformation, build trust, and promote vaccination. To address this gap, we conducted a one-year repeated cross-sectional study to assess changes in COVID-19 vaccine uptake, intentions, and perceived norms, as well as barriers to accessing reliable information and levels of trust in COVID-19 information sources among Latino adults exposed to Brigada Digital de Salud social media content. This culturally-tailored content disseminated on Facebook, Instagram, and X platforms was amplified by community health workers and partners, and focused on COVID-19 risk and prevention, vaccine safety and efficacy, and correcting related misinformation. Results: Statistically significant increases in COVID-19 vaccination and intentions to vaccinate children were observed from May 2022 (wave 1) to April 2023 (wave 2). Among perceived difficulties accessing information, respondents indicated the most difficulty in judging the reliability of COVID-19 information in the media; however, a statistically significant decrease in perceived difficulty was observed between waves. With regard to trust in COVID-19 information sources, levels of trust were highest for healthcare providers in both waves, and there were statistically significant increases in trust in the FDA to ensure COVID-19 vaccine safety and trust in the federal government to ensure child COVID-19 vaccine safety at wave 2. Conclusions: Social media messaging by trusted community-based sources shows promise as a strategy for combating health misinformation and ameliorating information access gaps for language minority populations. This digital approach represents an important tool for deploying critical information to underserved populations in public health emergency and crisis contexts, and for supporting changes in attitudes, trust, and behaviors to improve health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the key factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the elderly at Manatuto Villa Health Center, Kota Manatuto, Timor-Leste, with a focus on knowledge, social influence, personal experiences, emotional factors, and access to health information. A cross-sectional design was used, involving 278 respondents aged 60 years and above who completed the structured questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using univariate, bivariate, and logistic regression to identify the main determinants of vaccine acceptance. The results revealed that 72% of respondents lacked sufficient knowledge about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination, which was attributed to low education levels and limited access to information (p < 0.05). Additionally, 12% of the respondents reported negative experiences related to vaccine side effects, such as dizziness and nausea, which increased their hesitancy to receive subsequent doses. Social and family influences were also significant, with 71% of respondents following the advice of religious and community leaders in making vaccination decisions. Emotional factors, such as anxiety and fear of declining health due to old age, affected 67% of the respondents, becoming a barrier to vaccine acceptance. This study concludes that improving knowledge through community-based outreach programs, addressing anxiety, and involving trusted local leaders are essential strategies for enhancing vaccine acceptance among the elderly. The practical implications of these findings highlight the need for policies that focus on community education and outreach approaches to increase vaccination coverage in areas with limited access to healthcare.

A comprehensive and informed approach to managing personal health and making sound medical decisions relies heavily on accurate, current health information. This vital knowledge is attainable through a diverse array of sources. The provision and accessibility of health information assume paramount importance in enhancing healthcare quality and outcomes. Within the Indian context, where 70% of the population resides in rural areas, a pressing demand for health information persists, compounded by formidable obstacles to accessing healthcare services. This study seeks to illuminate the impediments and sources obstructing the flow and retrieval of health information within rural domains. Emphasis is placed on investigating the information-seeking behaviors, health-related needs, challenges, and comprehension of both rural inhabitants and healthcare institutions. Furthermore, the research delves into the interplay between traditional practices and conventional medical approaches, scrutinizing the role of folk medicine alongside established medical modalities. The study specifically focuses on the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh, chosen as a representative locale to decipher the structure, dynamics, and hurdles intrinsic to these systems. To assess the channels of information dissemination and access, a dual-pronged survey strategy was employed. The initial survey targeted health information providers and traditional healers, while the subsequent survey encompassed a randomized sampling of rural communities. Findings underscore the profound significance of both traditional healers and modern healthcare establishments in facilitating the distribution of high-caliber medical insights. Revelations highlight a substantial knowledge gap among rural residents concerning health matters, exacerbated by a pronounced disparity between population coverage and actual visits to healthcare centers. Moreover, the study underscores the potential of libraries to function as information hubs, mirroring health organizations in enhancing the diffusion of health information. By aligning with healthcare entities, libraries emerge as potent agents of bolstered public awareness, informed decision-making, and the empowerment of individuals in assuming control over their health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The objectives of this research protocol are as follows: to examine the influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on health and social care for migrant women in the Son Gotleu district of Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and to develop outreach tools to target this specific group. Design This is a qualitative study that uses content analysis to obtain in‐depth knowledge of personal experience (manifest content) and contextual experience (latent content) in a specific social setting. Methods: The study population are migrant women living in Son Gotleu district, who are segmented by their age and experience of COVID‐19, defined as positive or negative according to whether or not they have been infected with the disease. Results: The shortcomings and needs relating to communication and health care that affect this group's current and future quality of life will be identified. Conclusion: The study of migrant women offers a gateway allowing vulnerability in health care to be detected. An awareness of their needs will allow prototype tools to be developed to facilitate communication and care for general and acute health needs between the scientific community and the vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 was declared to be a pandemic in March 2020 by the World Health Organization. Timely sharing of viral genomic sequencing data accompanied by a minimal set of contextual data is essential for informing regional, national, and international public health responses. Such contextual data is also necessary for developing, and improving clinical therapies and vaccines, and enhancing the scientific community's understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The Canadian COVID-19 Genomics Network (CanCOGeN) was launched in April 2020 to coordinate and upscale existing genomics-based COVID-19 research and surveillance efforts. CanCOGeN is performing large-scale sequencing of both the genomes of SARS-CoV-2 virus samples (VirusSeq) and affected Canadians (HostSeq). This paper addresses the privacy concerns associated with sharing the viral sequence data with a pre-defined set of contextual data describing the sample source and case attribute of the sequence data in the Canadian context. Currently, the viral genome sequences are shared by provincial public health laboratories and their healthcare and academic partners, with the Canadian National Microbiology Laboratory and with publicly accessible databases. However, data sharing delays and the provision of incomplete contextual data often occur because publicly releasing such data triggers privacy and data governance concerns. The CanCOGeN Ethics and Governance Expert Working Group thus has investigated several privacy issues cited by CanCOGeN data providers/stewards. This paper addresses these privacy concerns and offers insights primarily in the Canadian context, although similar privacy considerations also exist in other jurisdictions. We maintain that sharing viral sequencing data and its limited associated contextual data in the public domain generally does not pose insurmountable privacy challenges. However, privacy risks associated with reidentification should be actively monitored due to advancements in reidentification methods and the evolving pandemic landscape. We also argue that during a global health emergency such as COVID-19, privacy should not be used as a blanket measure to prevent such genomic data sharing due to the significant benefits it provides towards public health responses and ongoing research activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 was declared to be a pandemic in March 2020 by the World Health Organization. Timely sharing of viral genomic sequencing data accompanied by a minimal set of contextual data is essential for informing regional, national, and international public health responses. Such contextual data is also necessary for developing, and improving clinical therapies and vaccines, and enhancing the scientific community’s understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The Canadian COVID-19 Genomics Network (CanCOGeN) was launched in April 2020 to coordinate and upscale existing genomics-based COVID-19 research and surveillance efforts. CanCOGeN is performing large-scale sequencing of both the genomes of SARS-CoV-2 virus samples (VirusSeq) and affected Canadians (HostSeq). This paper addresses the privacy concerns associated with sharing the viral sequence data with a pre-defined set of contextual data describing the sample source and case attribute of the sequence data in the Canadian context. Currently, the viral genome sequences are shared by provincial public health laboratories and their healthcare and academic partners, with the Canadian National Microbiology Laboratory and with publicly accessible databases. However, data sharing delays and the provision of incomplete contextual data often occur because publicly releasing such data triggers privacy and data governance concerns. The CanCOGeN Ethics and Governance Expert Working Group thus has investigated several privacy issues cited by CanCOGeN data providers/stewards. This paper addresses these privacy concerns and offers insights primarily in the Canadian context, although similar privacy considerations also exist in other jurisdictions. We maintain that sharing viral sequencing data and its limited associated contextual data in the public domain generally does not pose insurmountable privacy challenges. However, privacy risks associated with reidentification should be actively monitored due to advancements in reidentification methods and the evolving pandemic landscape. We also argue that during a global health emergency such as COVID-19, privacy should not be used as a blanket measure to prevent such genomic data sharing due to the significant benefits it provides towards public health responses and ongoing research activities.

We aimed to explore cancer risk and prevention perceptions, information access, and source credibility evaluation about cancer risk and prevention in adults in an Eastern cultural context (China). We conducted 32 in-depth interviews in two Chinese cities: Shanghai and Wuhan, from September 2016 to January 2017. Though not fully supported by scientific evidence, our findings showed that stress was among the top five concerns in the participants' perceptions of cancer risk and prevention. Obesity and infectious agents, significant cancer risks for Chinese populations, did not receive so much attention among the participants. Principles of Eastern culture, such as change, contradiction, and holism, were reflected in the participants' interpretations and understandings of cancer risk and prevention. Beliefs in fate or destiny, as associated with Eastern culture, were also apparent in the strongly fatalistic views towards cancer prevention of some participants. Individual responsibility for cancer risk, rather than collective responsibility (such as government or society), was emphasised by participants. Except for personal social networks, the information channels where the participants frequently accessed cancer risk and prevention information (the media) were completely different from the information channels they trusted (healthcare system). Our findings provide useful references for cancer risk and prevention communication and education in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been utilised globally for advancing social and economic development. As information becomes key to enlightening development initiatives, the role of mobile technology-based ICT services is becoming more significant. The aim of this study was to design and implement a mHealth data model with an intention of improving mothers’ knowledge of Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) services in rural environments and to remind mothers who do not have access to mobile phones to attend antenatal care. Methods The methodology adopted in this research was participatory action research. A phased approach was utilised to answer the research question. The phases were: diagnosis of the problem, action planning, action taking, evaluation and reflection. The study was conducted in Chamwino district of Dodoma region, Tanzania. Reproductive and Child Health sections of Buigiri dispensary and Chamwino health centre were purposively selected. Data were collected through key informant interviews, document review, focus group discussion and observation. Content analysis methods were utilised during analysis. Consequently, the data model was designed, implemented and evaluated. Results Challenges of information dissemination in low resource settings noted in this study are: mobile phone ownership and access of mothers, vertical coordination of health services and low staffing levels of health workers. Mothers who do not own mobile phones can leverage phone ownership of community leaders, TBAs, CHWs and relatives. This in turn facilitates communication of health messages to mothers. Conclusions Although this study was conducted in a low resource setting, mobile network coverage was good and thus SMS technology could be used. Research should be conducted on how to disseminate similar information in remote areas without mobile coverage.

Objective: This study examined the direct and indirect influences of health literacy and access to health information on the quality of life among 205 women living with breast cancer in Ghana.Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed. The interviewer-administered instrument included the health literacy scale, questions on access and satisfaction with healthcare information, depression and anxiety scale, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer.Results: Access to health information and health literacy had significant indirect effects on quality of life through depression and anxiety. Whereas health literacy had direct influence on quality of life after controlling for other factors, access to information had no direct influence on quality of life.Conclusion: Health literacy and access to health information improve quality of life in women living with breast cancer by reducing the levels of depression and anxiety. Depression and anxiety serve as possible mechanisms for the positive impacts of access to health information and health literacy on improved quality of life among breast cancer patients.Practice Implications: Health care providers need to ensure that the information needs of patients are met in oncology practice to reduce their negative emotional states which would lead to improved health and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Rural residents may have lower access to and use of certain health information sources relative to urban residents. We investigated differences in information source access and use between rural and urban US adults and whether having low health literacy might exacerbate rural disparities in access to and use of health information. Methods: Six hundred participants (50% rural) completed an online survey about access and use of 25 health information sources. We used logistic regression models to test associations between rurality and access to and use of health information sources and whether rurality interacted with health literacy to predict the access and use. Findings: Compared to urban residents, rural residents had lower access to health information from sources including primary care providers, specialist doctors, blogs, and magazines, and less use of search engines. After accounting for sociodemographics, rural residents only had lower access to specialist doctors than urban residents. Rural residents with limited health literacy had lower access to mass media and scientific literature but higher use of corporations/companies than rural residents with adequate health literacy and urban residents regardless of health literacy level. Conclusions: Some differences in access to and use of health information sources may be accounted for by sociodemographic differences between rural and urban populations. There may be structural barriers such as shortage of specialist doctors and limited media exposure that make it harder for rural residents to access health information, especially those with limited health literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to relevant health information is essential for helping people to take good decisions to enhance their health and well-being. The research examined the importance, level and sources of access to health information for patients with chronic diseases in two Federal Government Teaching Hospitals in South East Nigeria. The research is a cross-sectional survey that used questionnaire to collect data. Sample was 784 patients in two Federal Government Teaching Hospitals in South East Nigeria. Research questions focused on the importance of health information, extent of patients' access to disease, coping and treatment information. Findings show that while large majority indicated high access to treatment information, about one third to half indicated little or no access to many aspects of disease - specific and coping information. Major source of health information were health professionals. Internet, books, newspapers, pamphlets were also sources of health information. Health information providers can consider areas of low information access for possible focus when planning health information disseminating activities. For medical and public libraries in the zone, sequel to building good consumer health information collections, they should extend their services by engaging in outreach programmes to their user communities. This will serve the dual purpose of creating awareness of their collections and also improve access to quality health information to patients with chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immigrants encounter cultural adaptation challenges impacting their health behaviors and outcomes, with health information and cultural factors influencing their actions. A survey of 340 participants from Finland, Norway, and Sweden was conducted, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modelling. Results show that health beliefs and access to health information, mainly via the Internet, significantly predict immigrants' intentions to engage in health-related actions, while perceived barriers negatively affect their adoption of healthy behavior. The findings underscore the importance of information professionals in providing culturally relevant health information and resources to immigrants and emphasize the need for policymakers to consider cultural factors and information sources in health promotion efforts targeting immigrant populations. This study adds value to the information science literature by highlighting the role of information access and cultural context in shaping health-related actions among immigrants in Nordic countries. • Integration of health belief, cultural psychology, and information-seeking in understanding immigrant health behavior. • Culturally adopted and tech-based solutions are key to delivering health information to immigrants effectively. • Health beliefs and information access significantly predict immigrants' health-related intentions in Nordic countries. • Internet is the primary source of health information for immigrants, highlighting its importance in shaping health actions. • Tailored interventions, considering demographic factors, are crucial in promoting health behaviors among immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary care physicians (PCPs) need a wide range of health information resources to manage their patients. The present study aimed to investigate the barriers that obstruct the health information seeking behavior of primary care physicians in Pakistan from their practice setting. A survey was carried out in 77 basic health units (BHUs), seven rural health centers (RHCs), and two tehsil headquarters (THQs) of Multan District, Pakistan. A three-part questionnaire containing participants’ demographic information, barriers in seeking health information, and required sources and services, was distributed to primary care physicians through post, email, and personal visits to participating healthcare facilities. The data was analyzed statistically using SPSS. Chi square and Kruskal Wallis tests were applied to determine if there were any significant differences in demographic information of different healthcare facilities participants, the barriers they faced in seeking health information, and the required sources and services available to them. The major barriers included: no onsite library, no health sciences librarian, scarcity of health information resources, inaccessibility of health information system, and lack of information and technological infrastructure. Consultation with seniors, improved connectivity and document delivery services were among the sources and services most required by primary care physicians. The study concluded that primary care physicians encounter multiple barriers that obstruct their health-related information seeking behavior, which compromises patient care. Medical librarians should design outreach library and information services in health sciences and health information literacy programs to overcome the barriers primary care physicians face while seeking health information from their practice settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Confidence in health information access is a measure of the perceived ability to obtain health information. One's beliefs or perceived ability to access health information is particularly important in understanding trends in health care access. Previous literature has found that access to health information is lowest among society's most vulnerable population groups. These groups include older, less educated, and low-income populations. While health confidence has previously been used as a scale to measure health outcomes, additional research is needed describing the demographic factors associated with users' confidence in health information access. This may be a key component of health information seeking that affects beneficial health outcomes such as prevention and treatment., Objective: This study examines the demographic factors associated with the levels of confidence in using the internet to access health information for adults 18 years and older in the United States., Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, secondary data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 5, Cycle 3 (2019) were analyzed (N=5374). An ordinal regression stratified by internet use was used to determine the association between demographic characteristics and level of confidence in health information access., Results: When the internet is the primary source for health information, high school graduates (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.58, 95% CI 0.37-0.89) compared to those with a college degree or more had significantly lower odds of being confident in obtaining health information. In addition, non-Hispanic Asian participants (AOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.24-0.82) compared to non-Hispanic White participants, male participants (AOR 0.72, 95% CI 0.54-0.97) compared to female participants, and those who made between US $20,000-$35,000 annually (AOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.98) compared to those who made US $75,000 or more annually had significantly lower odds of being confident in obtaining health information via the internet. Moreover, when the internet is the primary source for health information, those with health insurance had significantly higher odds of being confident in obtaining health information (AOR 2.91, 95% CI 1.58-5.34) compared to those who do not have health insurance. Lastly, a significant association was observed between confidence in health information access and primary health information source and frequency of visiting a health care provider., Conclusions: Confidence in accessing health information can differ by individual demographics. Accessing health-related information from the internet has become increasingly more common and can provide insight into health information-seeking behaviors. Further exploration of these factors can inform the science of health education by providing deeper insight into improving access to health information for vulnerable populations., (©Kasi Lou Van Heel, Anna Nelson, Daniel Handysides, Huma Shah. Originally published in JMIR Formative Research (https://formative.jmir.org), 11.04.2023.)

Relevant health information is recognized as essential for helping people to take good care of their health. The purpose of the research was to examine the importance, level and sources of access to health information for patients in two Federal Government Teaching Hospitals in South East Nigeria. The research is a cross-sectional survey that used questionnaire to collect data. Sample was 784 patients with chronic diseases in two Federal Government Teaching Hospitals in South East Nigeria. Findings: Majority of respondents considered access to health information important in the management of their chronic diseases. While large majority (74% to 90.4%) indicated high access to treatment information, about one third to half indicated lacking information on vital aspects of disease-specific and coping information needed to understand and cope with chronic diseases. Major source of health information were Medical doctors (93.7%). Television (67.7%), books (44%), newspapers (43.5%), Internet (24.5%) were also sources of health information. Majority of respondents (80.7%) did not access health information from the library. Health information providers can consider areas of low information access for possible focus when planning health information disseminating activities. For medical and public libraries in the zone, sequel to building good consumer health information collections, they should extend their services by engaging in outreach programmes to their user communities. This will serve the dual purpose of creating awareness of their collections and also improve access to quality health information to patients with chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Library of Medicine's (NLM) AIDS Community Information Outreach Program (ACIOP) was launched in 1994 to provide the HIV/AIDS affected community with access to vital health information resources increasingly becoming available on the Internet. Three hundred awards have been made mostly to community-based organizations. An evaluation in 2012 found that most program objectives are being met; a principal recommendation going forward was that NLM seek to enhance the capacity of community-based awardees to conduct evaluations of their own projects. This article reports on a workshop whose invitees were drawn from AIDS serving organizations, along with scientists, clinicians, and information technologists, to review the evaluation findings and recommendations. They considered alternatives for improving awardees’ evaluation capabilities with the help of expert consultation, identified additional steps that could be taken to make individual project results more transparent and sharable, and looked at external influences ranging from mobile health devices to the latest HIV/AIDS scientific research findings that could be used to align future awards with unmet needs in the community. The paper identifies efforts subsequently made by ACIOP managers to prioritize and operationalize guidance from the evaluation and the workshop, and discusses the benefits of community engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]