The use of mobile devices and applications for health information: A survey of Croatian students

Abstract

This study aims to understand the information behaviours of youth seeking health information on mobile devices and to explore differences by prior knowledge, gender and grade level. A survey was conducted in two high schools in Osijek, Croatia. Results indicate that among the total 408 participants, 84.3% reported having used mobile devices for health information and 54.7% reported having used applications for health information. Students seek health information about physical activity and eating issues/nutrition mostly on mobile devices. Students with more prior medical knowledge tend to have more information needs, perceive mobile devices as more beneficial, search health information and use health-related applications more frequently, and consider the tracking/recording/monitoring feature of applications more useful. Students with less prior medical knowledge tend to consider the video feature of applications more useful. Students rely heavily on searching health topics in search engines on mobile devices, rather than browsing or using applications. This study provides implications to better assist young people in using mobile devices and applications to manage their health issues.