The role of information in health behavior: A scoping study and discussion of major public health models

• Published in: Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology 2016-12, Vol.67 (12), p.2831-2841
• Main Authors: Greyson, Devon L., Johnson, Joy L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: cognitive models; Health; human behavior; information use; Libraries; Public health; Scientists; Textbooks; Texts
• ISSN: 2330-1635; 2330-1643
• DOI: 10.1002/asi.23392

Information interventions that influence health behavior are a major element of the public health toolkit and an area of potential interest and investigation for library and information science (LIS) researchers. To explore the use of information as a concept within dominant public health behavior models and the manner in which information practices are handled therein, we undertook a scoping study. We scoped the use of “information” within core English‐language health behavior textbooks and examined dominant models of health behavior for information practices. Index terms within these texts indicated a lack of common language around information‐related concepts. Nine models/theories were discussed in a majority of the texts. These were grouped by model type and examined for information‐related concepts/constructs. Information was framed as a “thing” or resource, and information practices were commonly included or implied. However, lack of specificity regarding the definition of information, how it differs from knowledge, and how context affects information practices make the exact role of information within health behavior models unclear. Although health information interventions may be grounded in behavioral theory, a limited understanding of the ways information works within people's lives hinders our ability to effectively use information to improve health. By the same token, information scientists should explore public health's interventionist approach.