Dissertation Information for Gilda Baeza OrtegoNAME:
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SCHOOL: ADVISORS: COMMITTEE MEMBERS: MPACT Status: Fully Complete Title: Health information seeking behavior of rural consumers in the Big Bend region of west Texas
Abstract: This study describes research on health information-seeking behavior by rural consumers in the Big Bend region of the West Texas borderlands. The Big Bend region consists of three sparsely populated but large counties: Brewster, Presidio, and Jeff Davis. Residents in this region have been identified as medically at-risk because of geographic isolation, paucity of medical professionals and services, and demographic characteristics generally associated with poor health status. The study incorporates two components demographic/health characteristics of consumers (independent variables) and sources of health information (dependent variables). Questionnaires were distributed to respondents over 18 years of age who acknowledged having had a health information need in the previous year. The questionnaire was designed to identify primary sources used by Big Bend residents to satisfy health information needs. Data derived from the questionnaires were analyzed to determine if different patterns of information-seeking existed between population segments. Data collected was also used to determine perceived utility of primary health information sources (useful or not useful in satisfying health information needs); to identify social, familial, or medical networks utilized by Big Bend consumers regarding health concerns; and to ascertain if residents perceived a need for a Health Information Center in the Big Bend region. |
MPACT Scores for Gilda Baeza OrtegoA = 0 Advisors and Advisees Graph |