Internet health info ‘increasingly popular’
The internet is becoming an increasingly popular source for health information, according to American research, which found 80% of all adult internet users – 50% of the US population as a whole – have searched the web for health information.
This makes online health seeking the third most popular online activity, after emailing (93%) and researching a product or service before buying (83%), according to researchers at the Pew Internet & American Life Project.
Director of research Susannah Fox and senior research fellow Deborah Fallows, asked almost 2000 people whether they have used the net for at least one of 16 major health categories.
These included searching for information about specific diseases or treatment, health insurance, exercise, diet and sexual health, to advice about a specific doctor or hospital, how to quit smoking or deal with alcohol and drug problems.
They found respondents used the net to gather information when other sources of help are not available – at any time of the day or night – or to research a diagnosis or prescription; glean advice on how best to prepare for or recover from surgery; or share practical tips or emotional support with other sufferers or caregivers.
More than half of online health seekers have visited web sites specifically designed to address a particular condition.
In contrast, very few have communicated with their doctors online. But those who have, reported great advantages of this form of interaction, with a speeding up of repeat prescription applications and scheduling appointments.
Despite the belief of 73% of online health seekers that the internet has boosted their quality of health knowledge and services, doctors appeared polarised in their stance on this form of information. The better-informed status patients pleased some doctors, whereas others cautioned against the use of online information.
The trend that finds women more likely to seek health information offline, was also identified online, with 85% of women, compared to 75% of men, having searched the net within one of the 16 topics.
Despite the large population of health seekers, this online behaviour is not frequent, with 80% of respondents reporting they only use the net for this purpose every few months or even less frequently.
On a typical day just 6% look for health information online, whereas 49% use email, 19% research product or service and 5% buy a product, and more than half of online health seekers conducted their searches on behalf of a spouse, child or other close acquaintance.
Users identified some shortcomings in this source of health information, with some reporting difficulty in finding the information they needed.
More information on drug interactions and diagnostic tools such as a symptom finder were among the services health seekers desired, along with better sources of information on particular doctors and electronic medical records and test results.
