Abstract
BackgroundPeople use a variety of means to find health information, including searching the Internet, seeking print sources, and talking to healthcare providers, family members, and friends. Doctors are considered the most trusted source of health information, but people may be underutilizing them in favor of searching the Internet.MethodsA multinomial logistic regression of cross-sectional data from Cycle 4 of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) was conducted. Independent variables included gender, age, rurality, cancer history, general health, income, race, education level, insurance status, veteran status, Internet use, and data year; the dependent variable was the first chosen source of health information.ResultsThe most frequent initial source of health information was the Internet, and the second most frequent was healthcare providers. There were significant differences in odds of using healthcare providers as the first source of health information. Those likely to use doctors as their initial source of health information were older adults, black adults, adults with health insurance, those who do not use the Internet, and adults who do not have a college degree.ConclusionsPeople who use healthcare providers as the first source of health information may have better access to health care and be those less likely to use the Internet. Doctors may have to provide more information to those who do not use the internet and spend time verifying information for those who do use health information from the internet.
Highlights
People use a variety of means to find health information, including searching the Internet, seeking print sources, and talking to healthcare providers, family members, and friends
Data collection This study used data obtained through the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 4) [14], an annual survey fielded to a representative sample of United States (U.S.) adults over 18 years of age, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which explores the public’s use of cancer-related information
Our analysis describing the first source of health information showed that the majority of survey respondents continue to report using the Internet as a first source of health information (n = 6353, 68.72%) followed by doctor/healthcare provider (n = 1798, 15.26), publications (n = 1138, 8.89%), and family/ friends/co-workers (n = 444, 4.97%)
Summary
People use a variety of means to find health information, including searching the Internet, seeking print sources, and talking to healthcare providers, family members, and friends. Individuals frequently distrust information they find on the Internet, seeking to verify the information obtained with a doctor, through other websites, print sources, or with friends and family [5]. This distrust is well warranted - researchers have shown that the quality of information provided on the Internet varies widely by website, and that there is potential for harm due to inaccurate information [6]. Healthcare providers are often in the only position to know whether the information that individuals receive are appropriate for their conditions, ensuring patients are informed and are using accurate information when making decisions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
