Explicit and implicit information needs of people with depression: a qualitative investigation of problems reported on an online depression support forum

摘要

BackgroundHealth management is impeded when consumers do not possess adequate knowledge about their illness. At a public health level, consumer knowledge about depression is particularly important because depression is highly prevalent and causes substantial disability and burden. However, currently little is known about the information needs of people with depression. This study aimed to investigate the explicit and implicit information needs of users of an online depression support forum.