The Relationship between Discrimination and Perceived Stress: Buffering Effect of Online Health Information Seeking among Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness

Young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH) face discrimination experiences placing them at risk for negative health outcomes. Prior research demonstrates discrimination and perceived stress among YAEH, yet few studies examine the protective role of online health information-seeking (OHIS) behaviors for YAEH. This study investigated the relationship among OHIS, discrimination, and perceived stress in YAEH (N = 1,426). Descriptive analysis and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were conducted. Results indicate that discrimination was significantly related to perceived stress. OHIS moderated the relationship between discrimination and perceived stress. Findings suggest that providing digital access and creating online informational resources are important engagement strategies for YAEH.

Automated summary

This study found that discrimination was significantly related to perceived stress among YAEH, and online health information-seeking behavior played a moderating role in this relationship. Therefore, providing digital access and creating online informational resources are important engagement strategies for YAEH.