health information-seeking behavior of the faculty of nursing and pre-hospital emergencies students in abhar, iran

Introduction: health information is a basis for connecting societies with health and treatment systems, and people with a correct understanding of diseases can manage their health conditions. the present study aims to investigate the health information-seeking behavior of the faculty of nursing and pre-hospital emergencies students in abhar, iran.methods: the present research used a descriptive survey- method and a quantitative approach. of all faculty of nursing and pre-hospital emergencies students in abhar, iran, 450 were chosen for the study. using morgan's table, 208 people were chosen as the statistical population. a questionnaire was distributed to all students to collect data, and finally, 210 questionnaires were completed and collected. the collected information was analyzed using spss version 2021 and excel 2016 software.results: the findings showed that 95.2% of the students have a bachelor's degree. the smartphone is primarily used to search and access health information. among printed sources, medical books were used more than other sources. among the most important information channels for obtaining health information from the student's point of view are tv/radio, the internet, social networks, physicians, colleagues, and universities or hospitals. influential factors in evaluating health information acquisition channels include fresh and innovative content, up-to-date information, neutrality and lack of bias, comprehensibility of information content, mentioning scientific sources used, expertise and experience, and fame of the author of the content, the breadth and scope of the information, mentioning the publication date, considering the audience, the free access to the information, and the author's affiliation with a well-known and reputable institution. in addition, uncertainty about the accuracy of information on websites and social networks and the large volume of information were among the most critical obstacles to searching for health information.conclusion: students use print sources and health information acquisition channels (digital media, individuals, and organizations) to meet their needs to provide health information, and in this way, they face obstacles and problems. therefore, paying attention to the quality, validation, trust, and up-to-dateness of information can help students find the right way to seek information.