Health Information-seeking through Personal Health Records among Women Susceptible to Breast Cancer

Abstract

Objective: Health information-seeking is an essential component of health-related behavior and decision-making. Access to personal health records (PHRs), offered by healthcare providers, is an essential tool to access health information. However, little is known about predictive factors of use of PHRs as a medium of health information among women. In this study, we explored health information-seeking’s decision processes through PHRs among middle-aged and older women susceptible to developing breast cancer. Methods: We used data from the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey in the United States and employed a 2-part Hurdle model. The study sample included 1159 women aged 40 to 75 years. Results: The Hurdle estimation found that health information-seeking through PHRs consists of 2 distinct decision processes: (1) the use of PHRs and (2) the frequency of use; different sets of factors are associated with each decision process. Women’s demographic characteristics were found to be the primary factors for PHR use. In contrast, socioeconomic factors, salience, self-efficacy, and general health status were more likely to be the main factors affecting the frequency of use. Conclusions: Based on the findings, providing greater access to PHRs to women, particularly those with health needs or concerns, should be considered by policymakers. Additionally, the issue of the digital divide in PHR use should be addressed.