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OpenAI's ChatGPT is a source of advanced online health information (OHI) that may be integrated into individuals' health information-seeking routines. However, concerns have been raised about its factual accuracy and impact on health outcomes. To forecast implications for medical practice and public health, more information is needed on who uses the tool, how often, and for what. This study aims to characterize the reasons for and types of ChatGPT OHI use and describe the users most likely to engage with the platform. In this cross-sectional survey, patients received invitations to participate via the ResearchMatch platform, a nonprofit affiliate of the National Institutes of Health. A web-based survey measured demographic characteristics, use of ChatGPT and other sources of OHI, experience characterization, and resultant health behaviors. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Both 2-tailed t tests and Pearson chi-square tests were used to compare users of ChatGPT OHI to nonusers. Of 2406 respondents, 21.5% (n=517) respondents reported using ChatGPT for OHI. ChatGPT users were younger than nonusers (32.8 vs 39.1 years, P<.001) with lower advanced degree attainment (BA or higher; 49.9% vs 67%, P<.001) and greater use of transient health care (ED and urgent care; P<.001). ChatGPT users were more avid consumers of general non-ChatGPT OHI (percentage of weekly or greater OHI seeking frequency in past 6 months, 28.2% vs 22.8%, P<.001). Around 39.3% (n=206) respondents endorsed using the platform for OHI 2-3 times weekly or more, and most sought the tool to determine if a consultation was required (47.4%, n=245) or to explore alternative treatment (46.2%, n=239). Use characterization was favorable as many believed ChatGPT to be just as or more useful than other OHIs (87.7%, n=429) and their doctor (81%, n=407). About one-third of respondents requested a referral (35.6%, n=184) or changed medications (31%, n=160) based on the information received from ChatGPT. As many users reported skepticism regarding the ChatGPT output (67.9%, n=336), most turned to their physicians (67.5%, n=349). This study underscores the significant role of AI-generated OHI in shaping health-seeking behaviors and the potential evolution of patient-provider interactions. Given the proclivity of these users to enact health behavior changes based on AI-generated content, there is an opportunity for physicians to guide ChatGPT OHI users on an informed and examined use of the technology.

Self‐management and self‐care are the cornerstone of diabetes care and an essential part of successfully preventing or delaying diabetes complications. Yet, despite being armed with the required information and guidance for self‐management, self‐care and adherence to foot self‐care recommendations and compliance to medication among patients with diabetic foot ulcer and diabetic lower extremity amputations remain low and suboptimal. This study reveals in‐depth account of nine such patients' beliefs and perceptions around their illness, their self‐care, and their health‐seeking behaviours. Patients living with diabetic lower extremity amputation displayed profound lack of knowledge of self‐care of diabetes and foot and passive health‐related behaviours. The overarching sense that \"when nothing happens, nobody is afraid,\" points to a lack of motivation in taking charge of one's own health, whether this is with reference to treatment or care adherence, following recommended self‐care advice, or seeking timely treatment. The Health Beliefs Model provides the theoretical framework for probing into the factors for the participants' suboptimal self‐care and passive health‐seeking behaviours. Two themes emerged from data analysis: profound knowledge deficit and passive health‐related behaviours. The beliefs and perceptions around self‐care and health‐seeking behaviours for patients with lower extremity amputation are interpreted as the “ignorant self” with passive health‐seeking behaviours. Patients with diabetes and diabetic foot diseases may benefit from personalized education, motivational interviewing, and family support.

Introduction Dental caries causes localized breakdown and destruction of the calcified tissues. Caries producing predisposing factors are most active among the school children, who often exhibit inappropriate dietary habits, and have very less or no guidance about basic oral hygiene. Children attending public schools or belonging to lower social-economic backgrounds are seen to have a higher occurrence of dental caries and poor status of oral hygiene.1 Oral infections result in loss of many productive hours every year worldwide, and decreases the quality of life.2 If oral disease during childhood is left unmanaged, it can lead to adverse consequences such as chronic pain, anomalies of oral cavity and face, abscess of teeth and soft tissues, bone destruction and spread of infections through blood. In the Eastern Mediterranean region, the pooled prevalence for carious dentition is 59-73% for children aged 6–15 years.3 The prevalence at the national level was reported to be 56-70% with some variation among the provinces.4 Dental caries have adverse effects on children’s dietary habits, consequently influencing their nutritional status.5 Four simple and effective interventions can prevent caries in children: proper tooth brushing, fissure sealants, periodic care seeking, and topical fluoride application. Parents play a fundamental role in maintaining the dental health of their children. Their attitude and knowledge undoubtedly are related to the dental health outcomes of children. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore their knowledge and practices regarding children's dental health is important as these ultimately effect the care seeking behaviors and the ...

Background The study aimed to investigate the effect of health literacy and patient activation on health‐seeking behaviour. In addition, the role of general health status and age variables in this effect was also addressed. Methods The research using quantitative methods is cross‐sectional. The participant information form, health literacy scale, patient activation scale and health‐seeking behaviour scale were used in the study. In addition to descriptive analyses, difference analysis, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used in the study. The study participants consisted of 1045 adult individuals living in Turkey. Results According to the correlation analysis results, it was determined that health literacy and patient activation were significantly positively associated with health‐seeking behaviour. According to multiple linear regression analysis, the independent variables of health literacy, patient activation, age and general health status significantly affected health‐seeking behaviour. Accordingly, patient activation and general health status positively affect health‐seeking behaviour, while health literacy and age have a negative effect. Conclusion To positively improve individuals’ health‐seeking behaviours, it is thought that it would be appropriate to focus on individuals whose general health status is not good, who are not actively involved in their treatment, who have high health literacy and who are elderly. Patient or Public Contribution Since the research examines the effect of patient activation and health literacy on health‐seeking behaviour, it is of great importance for the research that the public and patients are included in the study from the design of the research to the presentation of the findings. The emergence of the study was made possible by the public and patients’ evaluations of the research topics and their participation in the survey.

Objectives There is a notable rise in patient‐initiated imaging requests, with one possible reason being the increased availability of online health information. This study specifically examines the impact of patient‐initiated radiological exams on radiologists. Exploring their perspectives on how GPs acquiescing to patients’ medical imaging requests impacts healthcare resources and skew patients’ expectations of the capabilities of radiological studies. The findings of this study are crucial for understanding the evolving dynamics of radiology practice and its challenges. Method A comprehensive cross‐sectional opinion survey was administered to radiologists in private multi‐specialty medical centers across Australia between November 2023 and February 2024. The survey included structured and open‐ended questions distributed via an intranet platform within the same company and reached a wide range of radiologists. A total of 37 survey responses were received from the 100 surveys sent to radiologists, resulting in a response rate of 37%. Of these, 10 provided incomplete responses, leaving 27 for analysis. Results Nearly half of the participants (48%) had over 20 years of experience. The majority of radiologists self‐reported X‐rays (27%), ultrasounds (25%), and computed tomography (CT) scans (24%) as the most commonly requested non‐indicated imaging studies. Radiologists attributed these requests to patients’ exposure to online medical information and their desire for reassurance. Approximately 24% of radiological studies were deemed unnecessary due to a lack of correlation between clinical history and the imaging or procedure requested to address the clinical issue, with 30% of radiologists reporting feeling pressured by GPs and patients to expedite report completion. Proposed strategies included patient education, communication, and the establishment of clear guidelines. Conclusions The study highlights the potential for a growing burden of patient‐initiated imaging on radiologists. This burden is further compounded by patients’ unrealistic expectations and lack of understanding of diagnostic imaging's limitations, as considered by those surveyed. Radiologists have stressed the crucial role of the broader healthcare context in collaborating with such requests. Patient education was emphasisX‐ed to reduce unnecessary imaging and manage patient expectations. Practice Implications Educating patients about the limitations and appropriate use of diagnostic imaging can help reduce unwarranted requests and manage patient expectations. The study emphasises the need for clear, evidence‐based guidelines to assist GPs in addressing patient demands for unnecessary imaging studies. Another contribution from the study is the necessity for improved communication strategies among radiologists, GPs, and patients to ensure a collaborative approach to imaging requests, thereby reducing pressure on the radiologists’ workload. Finally, this study highlights how avoiding unnecessary imaging can alleviate resource strain, optimise workflows, and enhance the quality of patient care. Patients’ exposure to online health information often leads them to seek diagnostic imaging for reassurance, even when it is not clinically justified. GPs, acting as gatekeepers, feel pressured by such patient demands, as fears of litigation and the need to meet patient expectations complicate their gatekeeping role. The study found that 24% of scans were self‐reported as unnecessary by surveyed radiologists, with 30% indicating they were under increased pressure to expedite reports rapidly to appease anxious patients seeking results from their studies. The study concluded that collaboration among health providers is essential for managing patient expectations, reducing unnecessary imaging, and protecting health resources. These measures could be implemented through patient education, adherence to evidence‐based guidelines, and improved multidisciplinary collaboration communication.

Background Breast cancer is a serious public health concern in Ghana. This study investigated the anticipated healthcare‐seeking behaviour and preferences of women for possible breast cancer symptoms. Specifically, the study examined women's first point of contact as well as the timeliness of seeking healthcare for possible breast cancer symptoms. Methods This cross‐sectional survey data involved 810 women in 14 rural communities in the Ashanti region, Ghana. The outcome variables were preferred first contact and timing for healthcare seeking. Descriptive analysis and two sets of binary logistic regression models were used. Results The results indicate that 58.9% of the participants would first contact a medical doctor, whereas 41.1% would contact alternative sources (herbalist/traditional healer, fetish priest/faith healer and pastor/Man of God). Almost all respondents (95.6%) anticipated seeking care early. Women who anticipated contacting alternative sources (e.g., herbalists, pastors or family members) over medical doctors had 2.58 times higher odds of anticipating delays in their healthcare seeking (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.28–5.21). Compared to women in agricultural/farming, those who worked in civil/government/private sectors had 7.87 times higher odds of anticipated delays in seeking healthcare (AOR = 7.87, 95% CI: 2.11–29.40). Women with tertiary education had 92% lower odds of anticipated delays (AOR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01–0.84). Additionally, women who based their healthcare decisions on advice from others had 66% lower odds of delaying healthcare seeking (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14–0.85). Conclusion Almost all women would seek healthcare early for possible breast cancer symptoms; however, a significant proportion anticipated contacting alternative/non‐medical sources. There is a need to raise awareness among women about the importance of consulting a medical doctor for breast cancer symptoms to ensure timely and appropriate medical assessment and treatment. Addressing hurdles such as limited access to medical facilities and financial constraints can improve health‐seeking preferences for breast cancer symptoms. Public Contribution At the start of the project, a community‐based project advisory board (CPAB) was set up. The CPAB included local government representatives from the Ghana Health Service (n = 1) and District Assembly (n = 4), traditional leaders (n = 3), public sector health services (health service providers and managers) (n = 4), community women representatives (n = 4), breast cancer survivor (n = 1) and breast health advocates (n = 2). In this study, the CPAB members assisted in gaining community access, recruiting local women as study recruitment links in each site and providing guidance on field work safety. The study results have been discussed with CPAB members and field workers in a series of project meetings. Trial Registration Not applicable.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease with a significant global impact, without treatment, the death rate from TB disease is high (about 50%) Aims: The study conducted in Bhubaneswar aimed to assess tuberculosis disease burden, health-seeking behaviour, and to find the gap of non-compliance in the medicine. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among TB patients in UPHCs Sahid Nagar and IRC Village of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. All new adult smear positive PTB patients diagnosed and treated in any of the government health facilities within these block PHC areas between 1 July to 31 September 2023, were identified, traced and interviewed using a pre-tested, semi-structured, coded interview. Results: On drug compliance, it was found that patients in the age group above 50 were compliant with treatment 86.2% by taking medicine regularly then their comparison age groups. Education beyond high school positively impacted compliance (100%), as did dependency status (88.9%). Alcohol addiction was prevalent among 47% of male patients and 11.4% of females, while smoking rates were 33.3% among males and 4.5% among females. Dependents consumed less alcohol (17.5%) than employed (55.8%), and younger patients smoked more (36.4%) than older age groups (31.7%). Non-educated patients smoked more (32.5%) than educated counterparts. Self-employed individuals smoked more (75%) than employed (37.2%). Chi square test highlighted that employment correlated with higher alcohol consumption (55.8%), impacting drug compliance negatively. Conclusion: Elderly patients, females, and those educated beyond high school exhibited better treatment completion rates. The study recommends targeted educational interventions to enhance TB treatment.

Background Health-seeking behavior (HSB) involves any action or inaction taken by individuals who perceive themselves to have a health problem or illness aimed at finding appropriate medical treatments. Studies suggest a positive relationship between the availability and quality of health services and their utilization. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing health-seeking behavior among Sudanese immigrants in Saudi Arabia, to improve healthcare access and health outcomes. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting Sudanese residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Participants were recruited using convenient sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed electronically. A total of 494 participants were recruited for the study. Results This study showed that the majority of the participants (66.6%) visited a primary healthcare center when faced with a medical problem. However, the prevalence of self-medication in the past three months was 45.7%. Significant factors influencing health-seeking behavior included age (OR [95% CI]: 1.032 [1.000-1.066]) and lack of health insurance (OR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.00-1.02], p  = 0.019). Conclusions This study emphasizes the importance of understanding healthcare-seeking behavior among immigrant groups, particularly Sudanese immigrants in Saudi Arabia. It highlights the significance of insurance as a determinant of healthcare-seeking behavior and calls for reforming current policies to reduce disparities in accessing healthcare services.

In settings where traditional medicine is a crucial part of the healthcare system, providing culturally competent healthcare services is vital to improving patient satisfaction and health outcomes. Therefore, this study sought to gain insight into how cultural beliefs influence health-seeking behaviors (HSBs) among Mozambicans. Participant observation and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were undertaken using the ethnonursing method to investigate beliefs and views that Mozambicans (living in Pemba City) often take into account to meet their health needs. Data were analyzed in accordance with Leininger’s ethnonursing guidelines. Twenty-seven IDIs were carried out with 12 informants from the Makonde and Makuwa tribes. The choice of health service was influenced by perceptions of health and illness through a spiritual lens, belief in supernatural forces, dissatisfaction with and dislike of the public medical system on grounds of having received poor-quality treatment, perceived poor communication skills of health professionals, and trust in the indigenous medical system. This study confirmed the need for health professionals to carefully take cultural influences into consideration when providing care for their patients. We recommend an educational intervention that emphasizes communication skills training for healthcare workers to ensure successful physician/nurse–patient relationships.

Background Unscheduled health care constitutes a significant proportion of health‐care utilization. Parental decision making when accessing unscheduled care for their children is multifaceted and must be better understood to inform policy and practice. Design Nineteen semi‐structured interviews and one focus group (n = 4) with parents of children younger than twelve in Ireland were conducted. Participants had accessed unscheduled care for their children in the past. Data were thematically analysed. Results Parents accessed unscheduled care for their children after reaching capacity to manage the child's health themselves. This was informed by factors such as parental experience, perceived urgency and need for reassurance. Parents considered the necessity to access care and situated their health‐seeking behaviour within a framework of ‘appropriateness’. Where parents sought unscheduled care was largely determined by timely access, and inability to secure a general practitioner (GP) appointment often led parents to access other services. Parents expressed a need for more support in navigating unscheduled care options. Conclusions Better resources to educate and support parents are required, and structural issues, such as accessibility to GPs, need to be addressed to enable parents to better navigate the unscheduled health system and manage their children's health. The discourse around ‘appropriate’ and ‘inappropriate’ access to health care has permeated parental decision making when accessing unscheduled health care for their children. What constitutes appropriate access should be examined, and a shift away from this framing of health‐seeking behaviour may be warranted. Patient or Public Contribution There was no explicit patient or public involvement. All authors hold experience as users of the health system.