Presentinga conceptual model of using health information websites by Tabriz university of medical sciencs’post graduate students, based on the theory of planned behavior

Abstract

Abstract intruduction: Health websites are a popular destination for consumers searching for health-related information. Aim: The goal of carrying out this study is to present a conceptual model of using health information websites and identifying effective factors in student’s use of health information websites. methods: This applied study carried out using a cross-sectional survey method. The research population were graduate students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 261 of whom were selected as the sample population using a simple sampling method. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which were approved (α=0.79). Data analysis was carried out using correlation tests and regression analysis using IBM SPSS version 2.2 and Amos and the final model was presented using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings: The findings show that attitude, subjective norms, and user friendliness have a direct and significant effect on student’s intention in using health information websites (P<0.000 and=0.43),(P<0.002 and β=0.17),(P<0.02 and β=0.13). Other findings indicate that Perceived Behavior Control and Intention have a direct and significant effect on student’s behavior in using health information websites. (P<0.001 ,β=0.24),(P<0.002 ,β=0.19). conclusion: The results of this study show that Theory of Planed Behavior (TPB) is an appropriate framework for explaining student’s behavior in using health information websites. The results of this study adequately identified the effective factors in using health information websites. The results of this research can be beneficial to health information website designers in order to make the optimal use of these websites possible.