Health information needs and use habits of primary and secondary school students in Shanghai / 中国学校卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To investigate the health information needs and use habits of primary and secondary school students in Shanghai, and to provide a reference for appropriate health education.@*Methods@#An online survey was conducted from May to June 2022 for 979 primary and secondary school students in eight schools in Shanghai, using a self administered questionnaire, through stratified random sample method.@*Results@#Health information with the higher demand among primary and secondary school students in Shanghai were myopia prevention [5(4,5)], oral health [5(3,5)], physical fitness [5(3,5)], healthy posture enhancement [5(3,5)], accidental injury protection[5(3,5)], prevention of Internet addiction[5(3,5)]. The most frequently used channels of health information were WeChat[4(3,5)], family, friends, classmates[4(3,5)], websites or online forums[4(3,5)], school teachers[4(3,5)], video websites or APPs[4(3,5)],doctors and experts[4(3,5)] and school activities or clubs[4(3,5)]. The most interesting forms of health information dissemination were videos, cartoons, short videos[5(4,5)]. High trust recipients of help for health problems were parents[5(4,5)], doctors and other professionals[5(4,5)],grandparents[4(3,5)], school teachers[4(3,5)], as well as peers and friends[4(3,5)].@*Conclusion@#Shanghai primary and secondary school students had a high demand for health information. Most often obtained health information through social media and interpersonal communication. The most interested forms of health communication included videos, pictures,etc. The form and content of health education should be carefully designed according to the needs and characteristics of the audience. A three dimensional matrix of media, organizations, and interpersonal health communication should be created to strengthen the effectiveness of health education.