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The purpose of this multi-method study was to examine the role of selected information source factors and situational factors in a gendered Web use behaviour: women seeking health information on the Web. The conceptual framework was constructed on theoretical foundations in information science and health sciences. The independent variables in the conceptual framework were information source characteristics, both information source quality (relevance and reliability) and information source accessibility (physical and cognitive access); Web self-efficacy; family caregiving role and experience and uncertainty associated with health information need arising from personal health conditions. Although they were not included in the theoretical model, seven socio-demographic variables commonly studied in the social sciences and health sciences disciplines were examined. The dependent variable was frequency of seeking health information on the Web.
About the author
Christine Marton has an academic background in health sciences, education and library and information science. She has held a variety of positions in the academic and health sectors, including secondary school science teacher; university instructor; health records analyst; clinical placement coordinator and consumer health and medical librarian.
