Figure 2
From: Internet access and use by COPD patients in the National Emphysema/COPD Association Survey
Modified Wilson’s 1996 Model of Information Behavior applied to COPD. The modified and simplified model depicts that a person develops an information need due to the stressor of having a COPD diagnosis, and that demographics and socioeconomic variables (intervening variables) define the access to the information source (Internet). After that, perceived and unmet needs (risks and rewards) further influence patients’ decisions regarding frequency of Internet use. A final feedback loop describing the actions taken (or not) is not modeled here. The current project tested this theoretical model.