Predictors of online health information seeking behaviour of non-medical undergraduate students might vary.

Abstract

Background: As more people across Generations X, Y, and Z continue to use the Internet meet their information needs, this study assesses the characteristics influencing the online health information seeking behaviour (OHISB) of non-medical university students. Previous studies on the subject in Nigeria have largely assessed the concept of OHISB among university students without examining the determinants of such behaviour.

Objective: To determine the predictors of OHISB among non-medical undergraduate students of a Nigerian private university.

Methods: Adopting a cross-sectional research design, the study utilized a semi-structured questionnaire administered via Google forms. Some 361 non-medical undergraduate students were recruited purposively with a response rate of 84.2%. The questionnaire obtained data on students' socio-demographics, Internet usage, and OHISB.

Results: Presence of a chronic condition, gender, and college showed significant associations with students' OHISB. 'Mothers' occupation' and 'prior experience' became significant predictors of students' OHISB.

Discussion: The results align with studies that stressed that chronically ill persons would search for health information on the internet and that presence of chronic illness is among the predictors of OHISB.

Conclusion: These findings add to evidence from other countries that had identified health literacy and presence of chronic illness as significant predictors of OHISB among students.