Google or Call Mom? A Diary Study on the Health Information-Seeking Behaviour Among International Students

Abstract

The number of students studying abroad has increased considerably in recent years. International students often face barriers to accessing health information, affecting their mental and physical well-being. Using a repertoire-based approach, this study extends previous research that mainly focused on individual sources, online information, or specific contexts. By expanding the media repertoire approach to include an interpersonal dimension and analysing the combination of search modes, intermediaries, channels, and sources, the study provides a comprehensive examination of international students’ health information-seeking patterns in Germany, covering a wider range of topics. A two-week online diary study with 15 participants generated 102 search situations. Using a multilevel latent class analysis, the study is the first to examine health information repertoire types among international students, identifying Online Information Seekers and Online and Interpersonal Information Seekers. The findings reveal that online information is frequently used across a wide range of search purposes. Even for more serious health topics, participants relied more on lay information from the internet or trusted individuals than on health professionals. Among Online Information Seekers, the exclusive reliance on online sources warrants critical consideration, as it may reflect barriers to accessing health information and services. The study offers practical implications for target group–oriented health communication, considering varying sources and language preferences, including the introduction of dedicated health officers at universities.