Navigating the Digital Health Landscape: Benefits, Risks, and User Satisfaction in Online Health Information Seeking Among Academic Staff in Bayelsa State, Nigeria (Preprint)

With the increasing reliance on online platforms for health information, understanding user satisfaction, perceived benefits, and associated risks is critical for promoting informed health-seeking behaviors. This study seeks to address the gap in knowledge regarding users' perceptions of online health information and the factors influencing their trust in these sources.

This study aims to evaluate users' satisfaction with online health information sources, identify the perceived benefits and risks associated with seeking health information online, and investigate the factors influencing trust in these information sources. Additionally, the study will explore how these perceptions impact users' health-seeking behaviors.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 376 respondents, using structured questionnaires to collect data on satisfaction levels, types of health information sought, perceived benefits and risks, and trust in online health information sources. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were utilized to analyze the data

The findings indicate that a significant proportion of respondents reported high levels of satisfaction with online health information sources, with 52.1% somewhat agreeing and 18.6% agreeing with their overall satisfaction. The most sought types of information included specific medical conditions (27.4%) and symptoms (36.7%). Benefits of online health information were primarily identified as convenience and accessibility, while risks included misinformation and lack of accountability. Trust in information sources was found to be significantly correlated with perceived reliability and the anonymity of the information source.

Overall, users express satisfaction with online health information sources, recognizing both benefits and risks associated with their use. Trust emerges as a critical factor influencing satisfaction and health behaviors. It is recommended that health information providers improve the reliability and accountability of online health information to enhance user trust and satisfaction. Public health initiatives should also aim to educate users on evaluating online health information critically. This study underscores the importance of understanding users' perceptions of online health information, which can inform strategies to enhance the quality and effectiveness of digital health communication.