The Role of Health Blogs in Self-Care

Health blogs are a popular means for people to communicate about health-related issues. These blogs often provide first hand information on topics such as cancer and weight loss management.

In 2 experimental scenario-based studies and a qualitative study with real blog readers, participants indicated that reading medical blogs influenced their intentions to take preventative health actions. This effect remained even after controlling for perceived barriers to taking such actions.

Health Education

Health bloggers often publish content based on personal experiences, research or opinions that they wish to share with the world. This content may be aimed at educating, informing, motivating or entertaining.

Studies of cancer patients have shown that writing about their diagnosis and treatment paths has therapeutic value for them [1]. Some of these bloggers make their blogs public, allowing other people to read the content. Many readers find these blogs emotionally and informative. Reading these blogs influences the behavior of people; it has been found that a blog about melanoma can lead its readers to take preventative health actions, such as scheduling a skin check.

However, comparatively little research has focused on the effect of these blogs on their readers. Two experimental studies found that reading a health blog was associated with intentions to take future preventative health actions. These results were independent of the readers' perceived susceptibility or severity of their illness. The type of blog (personal narrative, statistics) also influenced these intentions.

Community Health

Health blogs give authors a platform to publish content for multiple purposes. They offer information based on real-life experiences such as cancer or weight loss management. They also serve to communicate with other people who share their concerns.

There are a number of health blog sub-niches ranging from fitness to diet to disease and disorder. Personal blogs may be based on a chronological diary of events. They can be first or third person and often include open comments. Running blogs for example are focused on training and exercise while nutrition blogs are concerned with healthy food and supplements.Those that need to comprehend business blogs, they will see here https://unitechinv.com/ .

Several studies have shown that reading medical blogs influences future preventative health actions. However, the type of blog and reader's perception of their disease risk impacts intention to take future action differently.

Business

Health blogs often feature recipes, exercises and tips for a healthy lifestyle. They also provide inspiration and motivation for those pursuing health goals. For example, Shots is NPR's collaborative health blog which focuses on a variety of topics including physical, mental and nutritional health. The blog is updated frequently and provides first hand information on health related issues such as cancer or weight loss management.

Other health blogs take a more personal approach and share their own experiences in regards to certain health topics such as weight control, diseases and societal trends affecting health. For instance, a blogger might write about their experiences with running to help other runners reach their fitness goals.

In addition to educating readers, health blogs have become an effective tool for promoting business products and services. A blogger might use their blog to advertise products, supplements and/or fitness programs in their area of expertise. Alternatively, they may write about other health related business and offer helpful advice.

Influencing

Writing health blogs empowers patients, especially those with chronic illnesses, to share their experiences and feelings with others. They also provide a way for readers to learn about medical conditions and treatments. In the case of cancer patients, researchers found that blog writers wrote for several reasons: to report events and explain medical terms; to express emotions, reflections and thoughts; to build legacies and find community; to connect with others; to share information about their prognoses; and to gain a sense of hope.

A study that surveyed real blog readers found that reading health blogs led to greater intentions to take future preventative health actions such as scheduling skin checks or doctor appointments. In contrast to previous research, however, the type of blog (personal narrative versus statistical) and readers' perceptions of their disease risk did not mediate these effects. Participants also rated the 3 blog types on their readability, informativeness and interest. These evaluations did not differ across the 3 blog types, suggesting that the blog type itself is influencing intentions.