In pursuit of well-being: Health information-seeking patterns among university students in Indonesia

Abstract

Health information is a vital concern among young people, particularly university students navigating health challenges and transitions to adulthood. This study investigates how Indonesian university students seek health-related information, focusing on three key dimensions: information needs, perceived sensitivity, and source preferences. It also examines how gender influences these behaviors. A quantitative survey was conducted with 348 undergraduate students from Universitas Indonesia. The results show that students most frequently seek information on anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, disease, and medication use. Topics perceived as most sensitive include sexuality, anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, and sexually transmitted diseases, highlighting ongoing stigma surrounding mental and reproductive health. Students primarily use the Internet for impersonal health information, while mothers serve as the leading source for personal health advice, reflecting the role of family in shaping health behavior. Notable gender disparities emerged across all three dimensions, with women showing greater engagement in health information-seeking and reliance on a broader range of sources. This study underscores the importance of health information literacy (HIL) among students, especially in navigating digital environments. Practical implications include the development of targeted campus-based health information programs, while theoretical implications highlight the intersection of HIL and student well-being. The findings can support universities and government agencies in designing more inclusive, youth-centered digital health strategies.