Cultural differences in the health information environments and practices between Finnish and Japanese university students
Year: 2010
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction. The aim of this study was to identify cultural differences in the information environment and information practices, namely active seeking and encountering, of web-based health information between Finnish and Japanese university students.Method. The data were gathered with a Web-based survey among first-year university students at the University of Oulu, Finland, in 2007, and the University of Tsukuba, Japan, in 2008.
Analysis. The data were analysed quantitatively with SPSS 17.0 for Windows using mainly cross-tabulations and Chi-squared tests.
Findings. The statistically significant differences focused on the general information environment, and to the information practices used within several health information topics, including weight management related topics.
Conclusion. The cultural differences may influence the seeking of Web-based health information and should be examined more thoroughly in future studies, which should be apply both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Source: Information Research
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2105428245