Reading is a valuable pastime that can add to our mental health. It is a form of exercise for our brains and helps to improve our memory.
This research utilized Qualtrics to randomly assign participants into 3 blog-type conditions: a personal narrative (story), a statistics condition, and a control condition. The results indicate that the type of blog significantly impacts evaluations and intentions for preventative health action.
1. Increased Self-awareness
Many patients write blogs to communicate with family and friends, share their experiences, and find support. Previous research shows that cancer patient blogs can alter perceptions of prognoses, and provide a way to stave off feelings of seclusion and isolation.
The present study sought to evaluate reader evaluations of blog content and intentions for preventative health actions. A convenience sample of participants read medical blog excerpts and rated the blog’s perceived credibility (ethos), understandability, informativeness, and interest on 1 to 7 Likert-type scales.
On the second measure of intentions, reading a blog with statistics led to greater intentions for skin monitoring and asking a doctor about one’s risk than either a personal narrative or general cancer-related blog condition. However, perceived barriers mediated the effects of blog type on these behaviors.
2. Increased Motivation
Many people write blogs to help express themselves, share experiences and educate others about their health conditions. Studies show that writing these blogs has a therapeutic effect on the patient. However, comparatively less research has focused on what happens to the readers of these blogs.
Results from 2 experimental scenarios indicated that the type of blog significantly influenced reader intentions to take future preventative health actions, with the statistics blog showing greater effectiveness in Study 1 and the personal story blog showing similar effectiveness in Study 2. These findings were independent of the participants’ perceived risk
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Additionally, in a nonexperimental sample of actual medical blog readers, 24 of 45 respondents reported taking action after reading a health-related blog. These included scheduling a screening appointment (29%), performing a self-exam, such as a skin check, (17%) or asking a doctor about their own health risk (21%). This suggests that blog content type can influence readers’ motivations to take preventative health actions.
3. Increased Confidence
Participants in this nonexperimental survey self-described blog readers and evaluated a sample post from each of the 3 blog types on their perceived ease of reading, understanding, informativeness, and emotionality (all measured on 1 to 7 Likert-type scales). Respondents did not evaluate the blogs differently depending on condition.
In fact, a greater proportion of respondents reported taking a preventative health action after reading the statistical-focused blog than the personal story-focused or general blog. This included scheduling a skin check or doctor appointment, requesting a test, or increasing supplement intake.
The results of the studies supported the hypothesis that content style significantly impacts preventative intentions. Knowing what type of information is most persuasive may help healthcare professionals recommend health blogs to patients. The data also suggests that reading a blog doesn’t change perceived barriers or susceptibility, which could lead people to assume they are less susceptible than others.
4. Increased Knowledge
In an ever-evolving healthcare industry, there is always something new to learn. Reading medical blogs is a great way to stay updated on all the latest trends and developments in the field.
According to one study, reading patient blogs impacted the reader’s intentions to take future preventative health actions. In the experiment, participants rated a blog that focused on a personal narrative as more understandable and more emotionally impactful than a statistic-focused blog.
In addition, the content that is posted on health blogs can be a mix of ethos (credibility, expertise) and pathos (emotional response). As such, readers can gain a sense of familiarity and friendship with the authors. They can also become inspired by what the author has to say. They can then make medical appointments, conduct additional research or buy supplements.
5. Increased Socialization
Many people read medical blogs to stay up-to-date with their loved ones’ health statuses. Studies have shown that reading and writing medical blogs can help patients stave off feelings of isolation and find community.
One study used Qualtrics XM survey software to randomly assign participants to 1 of 3 medical blog excerpt conditions-a personal narrative (story), a general cancer story, and a statistics condition (which included information and statistics on melanoma). Interested in exploring the world of blogs? Click here or visit our official website https://zorzdans.com for further details. The 3 blog types were rated as well-written, informative, emotional, and understandable, but no differences in self-reported health intentions or health beliefs were found between the three conditions. Additionally, reading a melanoma blog did not increase or decrease estimates of locus of control. However, the results do show that reading these blogs can inspire readers to take preventative action.
