publication
Online Health Information-seeking Behavior among University Students in Yangon, Myanmar
Abstract
Background: Globally, the internet is the most popular media among adolescents and young people. The internet is a rich source of health related information as well. Many people searched the information by using the internet. However, the quality of online health information is hard to say. The credibility issue of the online health information is a serious issue to be resolved. In Myanmar, the internet utilization suddenly increased since 3G mobile phone was introduced in 2015. Mobile phone ownership is up to 80% of total population in 2017. Most of the people access the internet via mobile. Facebook is the most popular social networking website in Myanmar.
Objective: The objective of the stydy is to assess the status of online health information-seeking behavior among the university students in Yangon, Myanmar.
Method: A cross-sessional study design with quantitative approach is applied. Study population is university students in the selected universities in Yangon, Myanmar. Convergence sampling method is used for recruitment of university students.
Results: 388 university students involved in the study. Among them, 91% of university students seek online health information. Only 10 to 30% of health information seekers utilize online health information. The most common health information source searched by university students is Facebook. However, Government health website is the most reliable websites reported by respondents. There are both positive and negative perceive outcomes.
Conclusion: The findings of the study would be supportive information for promoting online health promotion system in Myanmar.
KEY WORDS: Internet, online health information - behaviour, university students, credibility, online social networking