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. 2017 Oct 24;6(1):212.
doi: 10.1186/s13643-017-0602-8.

Diabetes-related information-seeking behaviour: a systematic review

Silke Kuske  1 , Tim Schiereck  2 , Sandra Grobosch  2 , Andrea Paduch  2 , Sigrid Droste  2 , Sarah Halbach  3 , Andrea Icks  2   4   5
Affiliations

Diabetes-related information-seeking behaviour: a systematic review

Silke Kuske et al. Syst Rev. .

Erratum in

Abstract

Background: Information-seeking behaviour is necessary to improve knowledge on diabetes therapy and complications. Combined with other self-management skills and autonomous handling of the disease, it is essential for achieving treatment targets. However, a systematic review addressing this topic is lacking. The aims of this systematic review were to identify and analyse existing knowledge of information-seeking behaviour: (1) types information-seeking behaviour, (2) information sources, (3) the content of searched information, and (4) associated variables that may affect information-seeking behaviour.

Methods: The systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) requirements. MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CCMed, ERIC, Journals@OVID, Deutsches Ärzteblatt and Karlsruher virtueller Katalog (KvK) databases were searched. Publications dealing with information-seeking behaviour of people with diabetes mellitus published up to June 2015 were included. A forward citation tracking was performed in September 2016 and June 2017. Additionally, an update of the two main databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL) was conducted, considering studies published up to July 2017. Studies published in languages other than English or German were excluded, as well as letters, short reports, editorials, comments and discussion papers. A study selection and the critical appraisal of the selected studies were performed independently by two reviewers. A third reviewer was consulted if any disagreement was found. Data extraction and content analysis were performed using selected dimensions of Wilson's 'model of information behaviour'.

Results: Twenty-six studies were included. Five 'types of information-seeking behaviour' were identified, e.g. passive and active search. The 'Internet' and 'healthcare professionals' were the most frequently reported sources. 'Diet', 'complications', 'exercise' and 'medications and pharmacological interactions' were the most frequently identified content of information. Seven main categories including associated variables were identified, e.g. 'socioeconomic', 'duration of DM', and 'lifestyle'.

Conclusion: The systematic review provides a valuable overview of available knowledge on the information-seeking behaviour of people with diabetes mellitus, although there are only a few studies. There was a high heterogeneity regarding the research question, design, methods and participants. Although the Internet is often used to seek information, health professionals still play an important role in supporting their patients' information-seeking behaviour. Specific needs of people with diabetes must be taken into consideration.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42016037312.

Keywords: Diabetes; Information-seeking behaviour; Systematic review.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors’ information

Prof. Silke Kuske, Ph.D., is affiliated with the Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, Centre for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.

Tim Schiereck, Sandra Grobosch, Andrea Paduch and Sigrid Droste (deceased) are affiliated with the Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, Centre for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.

Sarah Halbach is affiliated with the Institute for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn.

Prof. Dr. Andrea Icks, MBA, is the Head of the Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, Center for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, and is also the Head of the Institute Paul Langerhans Group for Health Services Research and Health Economics, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center, at the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (professorship unlimited). She is a member of the German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA flow diagram
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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