Research trends in teens’ health information behaviour: a review of the literature

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to examine trends in studies of teens' health information behaviour. Methods: Eighty-two articles published between 2000 and 2012 were selected and analysed in various aspects: health topics by year, information sources, data collection methods, use of theories and models, collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts and published journals. Results: Fifty-seven per cent of the studies focused on specific health topics, such as sexual health, while the rest covered general health topics. Almost half of the studies examined how teens search for and use health information on the Internet. Surveys were the most popular data collection technique. Only 12.2% were based on a theory or model. About 42% were conducted collaboratively by authors from multiple disciplines. Discussion and Conclusions: With the increasing attention to specific health topics and online resources, the health information behaviour of teens has been examined more frequently since the mid-2000s. Its interdisciplinary nature was evidently shown from various disciplines that the authors were affiliated with and the journals of the published studies represented. This study suggests that there should be efforts to reflect new technology tools, apply mixed methods and increase the engagement level of collaboration to evolve this research domain.Keywords: information literacy; research capacity; review, literature Key Messages• Health librarians should recognise their clients' challenges in grasping the trends of teens' health information behaviour studies because of their interdisciplinary and quickly evolving nature.• Health librarians should provide research support and information literacy programmes that reflect the various involved disciplines and their research trends in teens' health information behaviour.• Future studies should devote effort to including new technology tools, applying mixed methods and increasing the engagement level of collaboration to evolve this research domain.

Medical Comorbidity and Complications

“…Research has shown that the health provider is a trusted source of information that adolescents and their families look to for advice on drug use, even more so than the internet or social media sources [66,67]. …”

Thirty years of practitioner‐based projects

“…This issue showcases the range and breadth of manuscripts submitted to the Health Information and Libraries Journal , informing both strategy and operational practice at an organisational and individual level, and innovative practices to inspire and continue to extend the perceived role of the health library and information worker …”

“…and Libraries Journal, informing both strategy [1][2][3][4] and operational practice [5][6][7][8][9] at an organisational and individual level, and innovative practices to inspire and continue to extend the perceived role of the health library and information worker. [8][9] The challenges for health libraries in demonstrating their contribution to organisational objectives are explored by Chamberlain in his grounded theory study using focus group data, library statistics and an analysis of the literature.…”

“…While Chamberlain used a range of techniques to consider health libraries' contributions to organisational objectives, 1 Kim et al 2 noted that surveys continue to use the most commonly used data collection tool in their review of teens' health information behaviour despite 42% of studies being conducted with authors from multiple disciplines. Additionally, only 12.2% of the studies included in their review were based on a theory or model.…”

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“…Since the inception of the Health Information and Libraries Journal review series, we've published an incredible 40 reviews including 11 literature reviews, 11 systematic reviews, five overviews, three comparison review, two state‐of‐the‐art review, a systematic search and review, a systematic review containing bibliometric information, a scoping review, a rapid review, a mixed methods review, a mapping review, a comprehensive review and the typology of review types …”