Measurement Properties of Health Information‐Seeking Behavior Assessment Tools in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Aims To undertake a comprehensive systematic review of currently available instruments designed to assess health information‐seeking behaviors among cancer patients, appraising their psychometric properties and methodological rigor to identify the most robust instrument for clinical application. Design A systematic review based on COSMIN methodology. Date Sources Nine electronic databases CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and APA PsycINFO were systematically searched from inception until February 2025. Review Methods Employing a rigorously validated search methodology developed by Terwee, we systematically interrogated nine multinational databases spanning Chinese and English publications from inception through February 20, 2025, and targeting cancer patient populations. Following independent dual screening by researchers, the psychometric characteristics of identified instruments were systematically assessed using COSMIN quality criteria for measurement tool evaluation. Results From the initial 6545 studies, 16 met the eligibility criteria, involving 11 instruments for evaluating health information‐seeking behaviors in cancer populations. High‐quality evidence revealed insufficient content validity for the BIAS and structural validity deficiencies in the HIOS, PSM, and MBSS, all assigned a class C recommendation, while the remaining seven instruments received class B ratings. Conclusion Compared to the other 10 instruments, the MHISBQ measurement attributes are relatively comprehensive and can be provisionally recommended for use. However, there is still a need for large‐scale studies involving diverse cancer populations to directly or indirectly compare psychological attributes, such as the stability and responsiveness of the MHISBQ. Additionally, these studies should track changes in HISB and explore its impact on patients, so that they can help guide the delivery of accurate health information and support for cancer patients. Registration PROSPERO (CRD42024606469).