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Showing 3 results for Uncertainty

Elaheh Hosseini, Mohammad Amin Erfanmanesh,
Volume 1, Issue 3 (12-2014)
Abstract

Background and Aim: the current study aims to determine factors which may cause negative feeling such as fear, uncertainty and anxiety during information seeking process. Method: In this review paper, different library resources and databases were searched in the areas of library anxiety, Internet anxiety, computer anxiety, information seeking, information searching and information retrieval to elicit factors which may cause information seeking anxiety. Results: Potential causes of information seeking anxiety were grouped and reviewed in 4 different categories, namely factors associated with information resources, factors associated with computers, the Internet and databases, factors associated with libraries and factors associated with information seeking process. Conclusion: Negative feelings during information seeking process may negatively affect the results of this process. By being aware of the causes of information seeking anxiety, librarians and information systems’ administrators will be in a better position to provide instructions and services which is effective to reduce levels of anxiety during information seeking process.  
Alireza Soltanzadeh, Dr Saeed Haghir,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (4-2019)
Abstract

Background and Aim: The issues of the contemporary world are becoming more and more complex in the light of the ever-increasing growth of tools and technologies in various areas of nowadays. This complexity, as well as the quick and easy access to information that somehow is known as bombing information, has a great impact on human mind. These effects must be known in order to prevent its destructive factors. The problem of knowing that humanity faces throughout its life will enter into more complex phases during this period. The emergence of new and diverse authorities poses a major threat to awareness. The study aims to examine the issue of confrontation with truth based on Karl Raymond Popper's ideas in the field of epistemology and epistemology. The main question of this research is whether the human mind is better able to face and solve problems in today's world due to extensive communications and abundant data?
Methods: This research is qualitative. In terms of purpose, this research can be considered exploratory and exploratory at the same time. Theoretical foundations of research are based on Popper's thinking that beliefs and knowledge must be constantly tested. The hypothesis is that, in spite of all the possibilities available to mankind for access to information, human remains faced with fundamental mistakes in recognizing issues and making decisions.
Results: The results of the research show that, despite the free flow of information and easy access to data sources, people continue to suffer from making false decisions and giving wrong answers to the most fundamental issues.
Conclusion: In solving many issues, even with collective decisions at high decision-making levels, misconceptions are still being used, which will be a surprise to decision-makers after reassessing the high level of mistakes
ِdr Shahnaz Khademizadeh, Mrs Fatemeh Rafieinasab, Dr Natarajan Radhakrishnan,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract

Introduction
With the emergence of the Internet and the expansion of information technologies in the current era, along with the increase in awareness and literacy levels in human societies, there has been a growing interest in accessing information in various fields. One type of information that has always captivated the general public is health-related information, as it directly impacts their quality of life. Health information encompasses a wide range of data that can influence decisions related to individual and social well-being. Electronic health resources play a crucial role in helping individuals manage important health issues, make informed decisions about their health, and communicate with healthcare providers. Studies have shown that internet users not only exhibit better adherence to treatment, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of security, but also demonstrate improved self-care behaviors compared to those who do not utilize online resources (Riahi, 2017). By seeking health information online, individuals can gain a better understanding of their health status, which in turn can lead to the formation of informed opinions, beliefs, and attitudes towards healthy behaviors, ultimately aiding in making informed decisions regarding healthcare (Ahedzadeh and Sharif, 2017; Brown, Skelly, Chew-Graham, 2020). Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the health information-seeking behavior of clients within health and treatment networks in Ahvaz city.

Methods and Materoal
The current research is an experimental study conducted using the pre-test and post-test intervention method. The research population consisted of 40 clients from Ahvaz Medical Center, whose average score of health information-seeking behavior was one point below the average. Of these, 20 individuals were randomly assigned to the control group. Additionally, two groups of 20 people each were formed using block randomization: one as the control group and the other as the test group for the intervention. The educational intervention took the form of a 4-hour online training workshop. To assess changes in online health information search behaviors, uncertainty, and cyberchondria in the study group, the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) method was utilized. The protocol used for online education on social networks was the SDI protocol (Bhushan 2006, Juyani et al. 2022). A questionnaire served as the data collection tool, completed by the test groups within one month and returned to the researchers. Data collection occurred at baseline (pre-intervention) and at one, two, and three months post-intervention. Baseline scores were used as covariates in the model to adjust for differences between the control and intervention groups. The results of the GEE model reflected changes in the desired factors at the three measurement points post-intervention. Furthermore, Bonferroni's post hoc test was employed to compare the distribution of online health information search scores, uncertainty, and cyberchondria between the two groups at each time point. All analyses were conducted using SPSS software version 26.

Resultss and Discussion
Findings: There was no significant difference in the effect of the educational intervention on changes in the online health information search score (P>0.05). For the control group, the average uncertainty score increased over time. However, there was a significant difference in the effect of the educational intervention on changes in the uncertainty score (P<0.001). Results of the external post-hoc test comparing changes in the uncertainty score between the two intervention groups and the control group showed a significant difference in the distribution of uncertainty scores before the intervention (P>0.046), as well as two and three months after the intervention (P>0.001). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the cyberchondria score before the intervention (P>0.076) and three months after the intervention (P>0.025) in each case.

Conclusion
Health information behavior training is a positive step towards increasing the decision-making self-efficacy of community members and patients. When combined with other efforts to promote health and care, it can lead to improved health outcomes. The effectiveness of educational interventions in different groups depends on the methods, materials, and content used. This study found that a patient educational intervention aimed at teaching information-seeking behavior skills to health center visitors had a positive impact on reducing cyberchondria and increasing certainty. The availability of information search platforms, the type of sources used, and the ability to utilize them based on age requirements are important factors in information seeking (Bahadir and Dundar, 2022). Uncertainty and doubt can drive individuals to seek health information online (Khademizadeh, Rafieinasab and Radhakrishnan, 2024), making educational interventions focused on empowerment dimensions beneficial in improving clinical and psychological outcomes. These interventions can enhance quality of life for both society and patients, taking into account factors such as age, education, occupation, and income status. This research presents a new approach to educational interventions that are cost-effective, accessible, and complication-free for health management and promotion in society.

 


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