Online health information-seeking behaviour and mental well-being among Finnish higher education students during COVID-19

• DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad143
• Publication Date: 2023-11-09T18:00:48Z
• Authors: Hanna Rouvinen; Hannele Turunen; Pirjo Lindfors; Jaana M Kinnunen; Arja Rimpelä; Leena Koivusilta; Markus Kulmala; Kevin Dadaczynski; Orkan Okan; Marjorita Sormunen
• Keywords: Pandemic; Information Seeking Behavior

Abstract Online health information-seeking behaviour has increased since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in March 2020. This study examined whether health-related information on searched internet was associated with mental well-being among higher education students. A cross-sectional survey conducted 18- to 34-year-old students Finland (N = 2976; mean age 24.61 years and median 24) spring of The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square tests, Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric H two-way ANOVA. results indicated that most (86% females, 82% males) used search for COVID-19. Students’ self-perceived abilities determine relevance online well-being.