HEALTH INFORMATION AVOIDANCE AMONG ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN NANJING, CHINA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v7i1.946Keywords:
information avoidance, elderly, qualitative study, health communication, ChinaAbstract
Health information avoidance will be conceptualised as the intentional decision to evade health-related knowledge, often employed as a coping strategy when such information is perceived as threatening or emotionally burdensome. This qualitative study will explore the lived experiences and underlying motivations of health information avoidance among elderly residents in Nanjing, China. Guided by Stress–Coping Theory, Social Support Theory, and Self-Determination Theory, the study will examine how psychological, interpersonal, and cultural factors interact to shape avoidance behaviour. Data will be collected through ten in-depth semi-structured interviews with participants aged between 60 and 78 years. Thematic analysis will be employed to identify recurring patterns and meanings within the data. Four major themes are expected to emerge: (1) emotional protection and fear of diagnosis, where avoidance will function as a mechanism to preserve psychological well-being; (2) family mediation and filial filtering, reflecting the role of family members in managing and filtering health information; (3) technological barriers and digital mistrust, highlighting difficulties related to digital health platforms and scepticism toward online information; and (4) cultural beliefs and acceptance of fate, rooted in traditional values and perceptions of ageing and illness. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of health information behaviour within China’s collectivist context and will provide practical guidance for developing culturally sensitive, age-appropriate health communication strategies and interventions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 HUANHUAN TANG, MIHARAINI MD GHANI, JULIANA ABDUL WAHAB
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