Health care consumer's use and trust of health information sources

Abstract

Although most individuals continue to use and trust their health care professional for health information, they are increasingly bombarded with health information from other sources such as the Internet, television, and family or friends. It is important to understand where variances in the use and trust of health information by various demographic factors occur, in order to monitor these sources to make sure that information provided is accurate and understandable. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to use data from the Annenberg National Health Communication Survey (ANHCS) to determine the relationship of demographic variables of age, race/ethnicity, educational level, gender, income level, and health status to use and trust of health information sources (health provider, television, Internet, and family or friends). Data were also analyzed to determine how these demographic variables increase or decrease the likelihood of using the various sources for health information. Results from the analysis showed that significant differences occur in use of health information when examined by demographic variables. Suggestions were made on how to make these health information sources more user-friendly and caution was expressed regarding the accuracy of sources.