The state of health communication research: A content analysis of articles published in Journal of Health Communication and Health Communication (2010-2019).

This study presents data from a content analysis of original research articles published in Journal of Health Communication (JOHC) andHealth Communication (HC) from 2010 to 2019. The authors coded 2,050 articles using categories that identified health topics, theory, population characteristics, and methods used in each study. Distinctions between the published research in JOHCand HCare highlighted. Across both journals, articles are primarily conducted within the United States, most frequently use college student samples, often lack explicit theoretical frameworks, heavily rely on online survey methods, and most commonly use quantitative methodologies. The most frequently utilized theory across both journals wasSocial Cognitive Theory and the most studied health topic were behaviors related to smoking, tobacco, and e-cigarette use. The journals were significantly different in several areas, with HC containing more articles explicitly guided by theory and publishing more qualitative research, while JOHC had more racial diversity in its study samples. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for future research. Increased diversity in methodology and samples, as well as increased use of theory and continued use of interdisciplinary collaborations among researchers will allow for expanding and enhancing health communication knowledge going forward.

Online information seeking behaviors of breast cancer patients before and after diagnosis: From website discovery to improving website information.

Despite the internet being a common place breast cancer patients seek information, navigating this Wild West of content can be challenging. The present study analyzed open-ended data from breast cancer survivors (n = 77) regarding their online information seeking behaviors when looking for breast cancer information to help inform the creation of improved online educational materials. Participants were asked what prompted them to seek information, which websites and search terms they used both before and after diagnosis, what information was useful, what misinformation was found, and what they would like to see improved. Results indicated symptoms, tests, or diagnoses prompt women to seek breast cancer information online, and that many different search terms and websites are used. More search terms and websites were utilized after diagnosis compared to before diagnosis, but the most common search terms and websites did not change much from before to after diagnosis. Cancer specific and general medical websites were the most popular. The most useful information related to treatment, obtaining information from other breast cancer survivors, statistics, and positively-valenced information. Though misinformation was not reported by many participants, some mentioned outdated survival rates, inaccurate information about alternative treatments, and other breast cancer patients' experiences that did not align with their own. Participants desired improvements in treatment information, more factual information, a guide, and information that is easy to understand. Creation of a guide and use of search engine optimization to help breast cancer patients navigate this online information could be beneficial.

Preventive/office visit patient knowledge and their insurance information gathering perceptions.

OBJECTIVES: To better understand patients' levels of health literacy regarding what constitutes no-cost preventive visits versus possibly costly office visits and their ease of obtaining information about coverage and costs from providers and health insurance companies. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional online survey of 866 participants aged 18 to 82 years from 49 states. METHODS: Participants' knowledge of preventive versus office visits was assessed through a series of true/false questions. Participants rated their ease of obtaining information from health insurance providers and doctors about costs and coverage. They also described phone calls with their health insurance companies via an open-ended question. Logistic regression was used to predict how the ease of obtaining information is related to being erroneously charged for a medical visit. RESULTS: About two-thirds of participants were unable to answer all knowledge questions correctly regarding the differences between preventive and office visits. Participants reporting a greater ease of obtaining information from health insurance providers were less likely to indicate being erroneously charged for medical visits. About 15% rated their calls with insurance companies as negative. CONCLUSIONS: Many Americans have limited health literacy regarding what constitutes a preventive care visit. Support must continue to educate the population about preventive care visits and improve the ease of obtaining information from health insurance companies about preventive coverage.

Hashtag Health: College Health on Social Media and Students' Motivations to Follow, Interact, and Share Their Social Media Content.

Social media are advocated as a prime channel through which to reach college students with health-related information. However, how well are colleges and universities utilizing social media as it was intended-a means to be truly social and not just promotional? Social media can only be effective if students actually follow, interact, and share the content being produced. The following study completed a census of student health center Facebook accounts in the United States as well as investigated students' motivations to follow, interact with, and share health-related content. Facebook pages were found for about 20% of student health centers, and about two thirds posted content within the past 14 days. However, their median number of "likes" was between 191 and 496 despite being in existence for an average of 6 years. Additionally, the majority of these centers' most recent posts were promotional, instead of trying to socially engage with their followers. Students indicated that they would be likely to follow, interact, or share social media content from college health accounts if they were incentivized to do so, if they thought the content could be relevant to them, or if they simply knew that the account existed. Unless more attention is given to growing their followings, resources used by student health organizations to consistently post content might be better placed elsewhere. Recommendations for increasing engagement with students are discussed.