The role of health information behaviour research for informing health communication: exploring and mapping connections and impact pathways

Abstract

Purpose This article explores the theoretical, methodological and practical contributions health information behaviour (HIB) research can make to health communication (HC). Design/methodology/approach Process of critical reflection. Author reflection on the contribution of a prior HIB study to HC, including review of other similar HIB studies (2000–2024) and reinterpretation of the output of the author's prior study with reference to the WHO Strategic Communications Framework. Findings Whilst the number of HIB studies reporting HC-relevant findings is exponentially increasing; depth of theoretical, methodological, and practical connections between fields appears limited. Review and reinterpretation of HIB research output in HC terms identifies and illustrates important connections, including the potential for HIB research to address calls for better understanding of HC complexity and extend understanding of concepts and research methods applicable to HC research. Research limitations/implications Interdisciplinary connections are made within the limitations of a single HIB study retrospectively reviewed. Further studies are called for to extend understanding further, including how to incorporate HC considerations into HIB research from outset. This article provides initial guidance for future HIB research to build upon. Practical implications Advances understanding of HIB research translation and impact pathways; and addresses calls to extend conceptual and methodological support and guidance for WHO Framework. Originality/value Advances our theoretical, methodological and practical understanding of interdisciplinary connections between HIB and HC, including novel integrated mapping to WHO Framework.