Rhythmicity of health information behaviour

Abstract

Purpose This paper brings focus and attention to the aspect of time within health information behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to critically assess and present strengths and weaknesses of utilising the infodemiology approach and metrics as a novel way to examine temporal variations and patterns of online health information behaviour. The approach is shortly exemplified by presenting empirical evidence for temporal patterns of health information behaviour on different time-scales. Design/methodology/approach A short review of online health information behaviour is presented and methodological barriers to studying the temporal nature of this behaviour are emphasised. To exemplify how the infodemiology approach and metrics can be utilised to examine temporal patterns, and to test the hypothesis of existing rhythmicity of health information behaviour, a brief analysis of longitudinal data from a large discussion forum is analysed. Findings Clear evidence of robust temporal patterns and variations of online health information behaviour are shown. The paper highlights that focussing on time and the question of when people engage in health information behaviour can have significant consequences. Practical implications Studying temporal patterns and trends for health information behaviour can help in creating optimal interventions and health promotion campaigns at optimal times. This can be highly beneficial for positive health outcomes. Originality/value A new methodological approach to study online health information behaviour from a temporal perspective, a phenomenon that has previously been neglected, is presented. Providing evidence for rhythmicity can complement existing epidemiological data for a more holistic picture of health and diseases, and their behavioural aspects.

Time and temporality in library and information science

“…He suggests that these need to be seen as complementary, rather than as opposites. Tana (2019) develops what he calls an infodemiology approach to centre the role of time in health information behaviour. In particular, this foregrounds the rhythmicity of people's engagement with information and allows temporal patterns and variations in these to be explored and better understood (c.f.…”

Information literacy as a site for anticipation: temporal tactics for infrastructural meaning-making and algo-rhythm awareness

“…Fellow users are envisioned by means of theories about how the temporal regime facilitated by the service's algorithms operates and what conditions for actions this regime creates. The rhythmicity of information practices is structured around the temporal regimes algorithmic information systems afford (see also Tana et al , 2019).…”

Análise do comportamento de acadêmicos de Odontologia em tempos de pandemia do novo coronavírus a partir das imagens do Instagram

“…A análise de como as pessoas acessam, pesquisam, comunicam e compartilham informações na Internet pode fornecer informações valiosas para comportamento relacionado à saúde das populações, que antes não eram disponíveis. Sabendo que o comportamento em relação à saúde pode ser estudado por meio de informações on-line, o monitoramento torna-se um método de pesquisa que cresce significativamente (Eysenbach, 2009;Mavragani et al, 2018;Tana, 2019).…”

“…Uma compreensão avançada dos comportamentos nas plataformas de Redes Sociais pode ajudar a traçar estratégias de gestão em saúde, aumentar a vigilância epidemiológica tradicional e ajudar a alcançar a meta de prevenção e controle de doenças que afetam uma grande parcela da população (Tana, 2019;Xu et al, 2019).…”