Development of a Survey Instrument to Assess Health Information-Seeking Behaviors within the Southern Region of the National Urban League Young Professionals

The lay public has had more opportunities than ever before to take an active role in their own health care.  Despite these opportunities, questions remain regarding the basis for barriers relating to seeking preventive health information.  Examining the concept of health information consumption is critical in addressing heart disease and stroke health disparities in minority populations.

Members from the Southern Region of the National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP) were recruited to participate in the study. The NULYP Southern Region is a 24-chapter consortium across 11 states and the largest region of the NULYP network. A sequential mixed methods design was used to explore health information-seeking behavior. Phase I consisted of focus groups in four different states, followed by Phase II, an online survey administered to the NULYP Southern Region chapters.

Results revealed that health information was primarily obtained through the internet. Respondents valued credible information populated by researchers, healthcare providers, and large research-based agencies. Family members, close friends and civic organizations were viewed as trusted sources also. Phase 2 revealed that adults aged 21-40 do not see themselves at risk for stroke or other chronic diseases and would not ask their healthcare provider for this information.

A major component of preventive health practice is the availability and provision of information regarding health risks and promotional measures for enhancing health status and narrowing the health disparity gap. The study investigated factors associated with primary prevention of stroke among young African Americans adults, a topic that has received limited research attention.