This paper brings focus and attention to the aspect of time within health information behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to critically assess and present strengths and weaknesses of utilising the infodemiology approach and metrics as a novel way to examine temporal variations and patterns of online health information behaviour. The approach is shortly exemplified by presenting empirical evidence for temporal patterns of health information behaviour on different time-scales.,A short review of online health information behaviour is presented and methodological barriers to studying the temporal nature of this behaviour are emphasised. To exemplify how the infodemiology approach and metrics can be utilised to examine temporal patterns, and to test the hypothesis of existing rhythmicity of health information behaviour, a brief analysis of longitudinal data from a large discussion forum is analysed.,Clear evidence of robust temporal patterns and variations of online health information behaviour are shown. The paper highlights that focussing on time and the question of when people engage in health information behaviour can have significant consequences.,Studying temporal patterns and trends for health information behaviour can help in creating optimal interventions and health promotion campaigns at optimal times. This can be highly beneficial for positive health outcomes.,A new methodological approach to study online health information behaviour from a temporal perspective, a phenomenon that has previously been neglected, is presented. Providing evidence for rhythmicity can complement existing epidemiological data for a more holistic picture of health and diseases, and their behavioural aspects.

中文翻译：

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健康信息行为的节奏感

本文将重点和注意力放在健康信息行为中的时间方面。本文的目的是批判性地评估和提出利用信息流行病学方法和指标作为检查在线健康信息行为的时间变化和模式的新方法的优缺点。通过提供不同时间尺度上健康信息行为的时间模式的经验证据来简短地举例说明该方法。简要介绍了在线健康信息行为，并强调了研究这种行为的时间性质的方法学障碍。为了举例说明如何使用信息流行病学方法和指标来检查时间模式，并检验健康信息行为的现有节奏性假设，分析了来自大型讨论论坛的纵向数据的简要分析。显示了健壮的时间模式和在线健康信息行为变化的清晰证据。本文着重指出，关注时间和人们何时参与健康信息行为的问题可能会产生重大后果。研究健康信息行为的时间模式和趋势有助于在最佳时间创建最佳干预措施和健康促进活动。这对于积极的健康结果可能是非常有益的。提出了一种从时空角度研究在线健康信息行为的新方法论方法，该方法是以前被忽略的现象。