A survey of Internet use for health purposes in Poland

Abstract

We investigated the use of the Internet for health-related purposes in Poland. A telephone survey was performed of 1027 people between 15 and 80 years old who were selected from the Polish population by random sampling. The study showed that the Internet was used by 47% of the respondents (n = 483) and 37% of the respondents (n = 376) had used it at least once a week. Almost 80% of responders used the Internet to obtain information about health or illness (n = 383) and 43% of them did it at least once a month. The respondents used the Internet for health purposes mainly to read about health or illness (95%). Only 3% of them approached the family physician, specialist or other health professional over the Internet. However, when choosing a new doctor, 45% of respondents stated that the doctor's provision of Internet-based services was of importance. At present the Internet is not used as a health communications channel but it is clear that many Polish people are interested in Internet-based health services.