Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this review was to systematically collect and summarize the available evidence on health information-seeking behavior among people living with the two common types of chronic diseases in LMICs. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and forward and backward citations from included studies. The preferred reporting items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) procedure were followed to develop and report the review. The pooled effect size and the effect's 95% confidence interval were calculated using a random-effect model meta-analysis for each research. A sub-group analysis was done to investigate potential sources of heterogeneity. To identify publication bias, Egger-weighted regression tests were employed. RESULTS: A total of 4281 articles were retrieved, with ten studies meeting the eligibility criteria for qualitative synthesis and only seven studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. The pooled extent of health information-seeking behavior among chronic disease patients was 50.5% (95% CI: 35.36-65.70, p = 0.00), with high heterogeneity (I(2 )= 98.25). Based on the sub-group analysis, it was found that 55% (95% CI: 29.9-79.4) of cancer patients and 40% (95% CI: 36.9%-43.9%) of DM patients sought out health-related information. In studies conducted before 2015, the level of health information seeking was 49%, increasing to 52% (95% CI: 41.0%-62.2%) after 2015. CONCLUSION: The overall health information seeking behavior among diabetes and cancer patients has increased over time, but remains relatively low, with only nearly half actively seeking information. The findings also emphasize that patients require health-related information on various topics.. Health educators and health professionals should consider this diversity when developing interventions and educational materials to provide patients with the most comprehensive information and education regarding their healthcare issues. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023433169.