Open AccessMaking sense of conflicting health information: An exploratory study
Author(s) -
Wu Lei,
Ahn Hoyoung Anthony
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
proceedings of the american society for information science and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1550-8390
pISSN - 0044-7870
DOI - 10.1002/meet.14504701178
Subject(s) - health information , variety (cybernetics) , perception , psychology , exploratory research , qualitative research , public relations , health education , internet privacy , social psychology , health care , sociology , medicine , computer science , nursing , political science , public health , social science , artificial intelligence , neuroscience , anthropology , law
People can acquire health information intentionally or unintentionally from a variety of sources, and some health messages could contradict others. This study employed in‐depth qualitative interviews with college students to understand their perceptions of tanning‐related conflicting health information. We report on the inconsistency perceived by college students and their strategies to make sense of the conflicting health information. Practical suggestions for health campaign developers and health information providers are discussed.