Research on Influencing Factors of Online Surrogate Health Information Seeking: Based on the Health Belief Model and Social Support Theory postprint

Abstract: [Purpose/significance] Online surrogate health information seeking is an everyday life information practice mode based on interpersonal cooperation. It is of great significance of deeply understanding the information behaviors to explore the influencing factors and mechanisms of this behavior based on the classical theories. [Method/process] Based on the health belief model and social support theory, this paper constructed the influencing factors model of surrogate health information seeking and put forward 12 research hypotheses. 475 valid data were collected through questionnaire survey and analyzed by SmartPLS. [Result/conclusion] The results show that empathy, information support intention, perceived severity and perceived benefits have positive impact on online surrogate health information seeking intention (OSHISI), while perceived barriers have a negative impact on OSHISI. Perceived susceptibility and self-efficacy have no direct relationship with OSHISI. The mediating effect analysis showed that the relationship between perceived susceptibility and OSHISI is completely mediated by empathy. Empathy plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between perceived severity and OSHISI. The relationship between self-efficacy and OSHISI is partially mediated by information support intention. The results of this study provide a reference for further motivating, managing and intervening online surrogate health information seeking practices.