Items | Factor loading | Total (n = 305) mean ± SD | Young adults (n = 141) mean ± SD | Older adults (n = 164) mean ± SD | p-value |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Factor I. Asking healthcare professionals | |||||
 Asking a pharmacist | 0.89 | 3.36 ± 1.07 | 3.29 ± 1.08 | 3.43 ± 1.06 | 0.27 |
 Asking a doctor | 0.86 | 2.80 ± 1.19 | 2.71 ± 1.20 | 2.88 ± 1.18 | 0.20 |
 Asking a nurse | 0.77 | 2.35 ± 1.09 | 2.25 ± 1.10 | 2.43 ± 1.08 | 0.14 |
Factor II. Using the internet | |||||
 Using general search engines | 0.80 | 3.34 ± 1.16 | 3.66 ± 1.03 | 3.07 ± 1.20 | < 0.001 |
 Using governmental websites | 0.78 | 1.88 ± 0.94 | 1.84 ± 1.03 | 1.92 ± 0.87 | 0.45 |
 Using pharmaceutical companies’ websites | 0.76 | 1.93 ± 0.97 | 1.77 ± 0.94 | 2.07 ± 0.98 | < 0.01 |
Factor III. Using printed materials | |||||
 Reading health-related magazines | −0.86 | 1.44 ± 0.70 | 1.24 ± 0.51 | 1.60 ± 0.80 | < 0.001 |
 Reading books on health topics | −0.85 | 1.71 ± 0.93 | 1.45 ± 0.77 | 1.95 ± 1.00 | < 0.001 |