BACKGROUND
At present, it is common to use online diagnosis and treatment (ODT) information for self-medication, but its internal decision-making logic is still lack of understanding and verification.
OBJECTIVE
This paper takes quality and utility dimensions of ODT information as independent variables, takes trust and perceived value as mediating variables, and then constructs a conceptual model of self-medication intention for ODT information seekers.
METHODS
This paper takes quality and utility dimensions of ODT information as independent variables, takes trust and perceived value as mediating variables, and then constructs a conceptual model of self-medication intention for ODT information seekers.
RESULTS
Based on the data analysis of 352 respondents, we have three findings: relevance of ODT information is the most important factor for trust and perceived value, even professionalism cannot play such a key role. Trust has a greater impact on self-medication intention than perceived value, where the path coefficient reaches 0.56. the influence of relevance on trust and perceived value deserves more attention than other independent variables, since the path coefficients to trust and perceived value are higher than others. Timeliness and completeness of ODT information are not close related with perceived value, while understandability has little impact on trust. Finally, suggestions including strengthening personalized recommendation of ODT information, using readily comprehensible words, and regulating online medication guidance were put forward.
CONCLUSIONS
Suggestions including strengthening personalized recommendation of ODT information, using readily comprehensible words, and regulating online medication guidance were put forward.