Health blogs provide insights into medical conditions, preventative care, and healthy living. However, researchers know comparatively little about the readers of these blogs. Results from these studies indicate that blogging content influences readers’ intentions to engage in protective health behaviors, including daily sunscreen use and asking a doctor about cancer risk. Specifically, blogs with statistics induced greater health intentions than personal story blogs.
Blogs are a great source of information
Many people read medical blogs to obtain information about illnesses and their treatment. These blogs can inspire readers to take preventative health actions, such as scheduling doctor appointments or requesting health screenings. They may also conduct additional research or donate to organizations. Caregivers of ill patients also write blogs about their experiences. They report on events, explain medical terms, express feelings, reflect and advocate. They often write for a variety of reasons, including social support and engagement, building legacies, and altruism.
Two experimental studies and a qualitative survey of real blog readers found that the type of blog affected future protective health behavior intentions, partially through influencing perceived barriers. Moreover, blog content was more persuasive when it was presented as a personal narrative than as statistical data, confirming previous findings that the author’s expertise influences persuasion. Using plain language to describe medical concepts also increases reader engagement. This includes linking long sentences with shorter ones, and avoiding obscure words that could confuse readers.
They give you an opportunity to learn new things
Health blogs can be a good way to learn about new health and wellness topics. However, you should always keep in mind that you need to identify your target audience and the types of information they are most interested in. It is also important to use plain language in your blog posts. Using a lot of jargon will just alienate your readers. Individuals who wish to know Health Blog, they can visit here.
Several participants cited feeling connected to the person who was writing the blog, or hearing positive news about their treatment, as the primary motivator for reading a specific blog. Other reasons included being able to stay updated without having to impose on friends or family members, or learning how other people had managed their condition.
Across 2 experimental scenario-based studies, participants were randomly assigned to read one of 3 sample cancer blogs: a personal narrative, a story with statistical data, or a general cancer story. Each blog was evaluated by the participants on 7-point bipolar scales for ease of reading and understanding, informative, interesting, and emotional content. In both studies, the statistical blog was the most effective in impacting readers’ intentions to take future preventative health actions, and this effect did not vary by the participant’s perceived severity of their own risk.
They are a great source of motivation
Many patients write blogs to share their experiences, cope with the stress of their illness, and connect with others. Writing about their experience can also help them gain perspective and find hope. A patient’s blog can help readers understand what the person is going through, and this can be a great source of motivation for them to follow their own treatment paths.
While previous research has focused on the therapeutic value of writing for patients, less attention has been paid to the impact of reading these blogs on health behaviors. This study surveyed real self-described readers of medical blogs and found that reading these posts increases intentions to take preventative health actions such as scheduling skin checks or doctor appointments. Moreover, this increase in intentions occurs regardless of the perceived risk of the condition or severity of the disease. Compared to content in other media sources, such as newspaper articles and TV shows, health blogs are more likely to focus on specific health concerns. They can also be updated more frequently and contain information based on real-life experiences.
They are a great source of inspiration
Bloggers who focus on health and fitness can inspire their readers by sharing their knowledge and experiences. They can also help their readers get motivated and stay on track with their goals. They can even encourage their readers to make changes in their lifestyle, including eating healthy and getting enough sleep.
Similarly, blogs written by nutritionists can be great sources of inspiration for healthy eating. Studies have shown that people are more likely to follow dietary advice from bloggers who seem credible, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Hyperlinks and references improve the perceived credibility of these bloggers, while interactivity between readers and authors can foster a sense of connection.
This article uses 2 scenario-based, experimental studies and a qualitative survey of real blog readers to explore the effects of blogs on health intentions. In the latter, participants reported that reading medical blogs inspired them to take preventative health actions, including scheduling a doctor’s appointment, requesting a screening for their condition, or conducting additional research online