Patterns and predictors of online health information seeking and credibility assessment among youths in India

The internet is a major source of health information for youths, yet concerns about the credibility of online health information persist. Understanding patterns of online health information seeking behavior and the factors influencing credibility assessment is essential for promoting digital health literacy. This study examines the patterns of internet use for acquiring health information among youths, identifies predictors of online health information-seeking behavior, and evaluates factors influencing the verification of health information credibility. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Varanasi among 196 youths aged 16 to 24 years. Participants were selected using consecutive sampling method, and data were collected using a pretested semi-structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics summarized digital health usage patterns, and chi-square tests assessed associations between socio-demographic factors with online health information search and credibility verification. Most participants (87.8%) searched for health information online, primarily via smartphones (83.2%). However, only 5.1% actively verified credibility, while 68.9% did not check sources. Higher education levels and better digital skills significantly increased the likelihood of searching for online health information. Younger age, school-going or dropout status, and reliance on family-owned devices were associated with lower credibility verification. Language preferences varied, with 45.9% favoring Hindi, 28.6% English, and 25.5% both. Despite low mobile health app usage (12.8%), 87.8% expressed interest in learning new digital tools for health. Limited credibility verification highlights the need for targeted interventions to enhance digital health literacy and promote critical evaluation skills among youths.