Does the Use of Social Media Affect Online Health Information-Seeking Behaviors among Underserved African Americans in Rural Alabama?

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed (1) to investigate levels of technology device access and social media use among African Americans in rural Alabama, (2) to examine the prevalence of online health information-seeking behaviors, and (3) to identify associations of technology device access and social media use with online health information-seeking behaviors. METHODS: A convenience sample of 185 African Americans aged 18 and older was recruited from a rural county in Alabama. Multilinear regression was conducted to examine the associations. RESULTS: Nearly 60% of participants had access to the internet, smartphone, and tablets/computers. The prevalence of online health information-seeking behaviors was low. Technology device access was not associated with online health information-seeking behaviors, while more social networking sites were associated with more online health information-seeking behaviors. CONCLUSION: Public health interventions are needed to promote internet use for health purposes among rural African Americans. Offline health information services should also target those lacking internet access.