Use Of Internet For Health Information Research Articles

Internet use leads cancer patients to be active health care consumers

Objective This study examines whether cancer patients’ Internet use leads them to prefer a more active role in medical decision making and whether the effects of Internet use on active participation preferences vary according to patients’ education levels. Methods Randomly drawn sample ( N = 2013) from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry, comprised of breast, prostate, and colon cancer patients, completed mail surveys in the fall of 2006 (overall response rate = 64%). Of 2013 baseline respondents, 85% agreed to participate in follow-up survey ( N = 1703). Of those who agreed, 76% ( N = 1293) completed follow-up surveys in the fall of 2007. Results Cancer patients’ Internet use for health information at wave one led them to want to be more active participants in medical decision making at wave two ( β = .06, p < .05). This applied to all cancer patients regardless of their education levels. Conclusion Higher levels of Internet use among cancer patients may lead patients to want to be more actively involved in medical decision making. Practice Implications Considering the beneficial effects of patients’ active participation in medical decision making, it will be worthwhile for health educators to recommend Internet use to cancer patients.

Consumers’ disease information–seeking behaviour on the Internet in Korea

This study was conducted to explain the relationships of the factors affecting consumers' disease information-seeking behaviour on the Internet in Korea. Similar to other countries, Korea is facing an increasing use of Internet as a resource of health information. With the paradigm shifts towards consumer-centred health service, it is expected that more health care consumers will use the Internet actively in the future. A survey was conducted using a self-selected convenience sample. A conceptual model was derived by extending technology acceptance model and tested via structural equation modelling. The overall goodness of fit of the conceptual model was acceptable. Consumers' health consciousness, perceived health risk and Internet health information use efficacy were found to influence consumers' beliefs, attitude and intention of use disease information on the Internet. But Internet health information use efficacy did not significantly influence perceived usefulness. It was also identified that consumers' perceived credibility of the information in the websites was the main determinant in forming of attitude towards disease information on the Internet. Technology acceptance model has been extended and examined successfully in explaining consumers' disease information-seeking behaviour on the Internet. It was found that consumers' cognitive and affective characteristics, determined as initiators in health-related behaviour, also impacted consumers' disease information-seeking behaviour on the Internet. These findings may be used to help nurses to predict and identify the factors affecting individual's use of disease information on the Internet. Based on this knowledge, nurses will be able to develop nursing intervention programmes for the patients' health management.

Factors Associated With E-mail and Internet Use for Health Information and Communications Among Australians and New Zealanders

Research into the use of e-mail and the Internet for health information and communications has predominantly hailed from North America and European Union countries. By drawing on an Australian and New Zealand survey sample (n = 406) of health Internet users, this article expands the field. It explores factors associated with a series of e-mail and Internet use behaviors including use of e-mail to communicate with doctors, presenting Internet information to doctors, perceptions of Internet information reliability, and checking of web site credentials. Regression results reveal a digital divide within the Internet using population; that those who e-mail doctors believe this improves communications; that more frequent Internet searchers had higher odds of finding information not previously provided by their doctor, and of taking Internet information to their doctor; that those expressing difficulty communicating with doctors had higher odds of believing Internet information to be more useful; and that older respondents were more likely to perceive Internet information to be reliable, yet less likely to check web site provider credentials. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Determinants of the frequency of online health information seeking: Results of a Web-based survey conducted in France in 2007

In the general population, social disparities in Internet practices have been less described than disparities in health information access. Aim is to determine whether there are differences in the frequency of Internet use for health information among health seekers. We conducted an Internet-based survey from November 2006 to March 2007. We considered the 3720 residents of France who had searched for health information during the previous 12 months. This study reveals different uses of the Internet for health information seeking (HIS) between men and women and between the general population and people who work in the health sector. Health status, taking care of somebody who is sick, and active Internet use were associated with higher frequencies of online HIS to varying degrees. The effects of age and level of education were not clear or were not significant. Greater health concerns and some issues in the physician–patient relationship were associated with higher frequencies of Internet use for HIS in the general population. Considering that this increasing use of online tools for HIS is consistent with current public health policies that promote the development of the ‘informed patient’, one should remain cautious about these social disparities in online HIS practices.

59: Multicenter Study of Internet Use by Emergency Department Patients in Boston

The Internet is an important source of health information. We sought to examine emergency department patients' Internet use for health information and its relation with ED utilization. We also sought to determine patients' willingness to use the Internet for participation in future research.

The Role of Internet Engagement in the Health-Knowledge Gap

The current research posits that education leads to differential levels of Internet engagement, which moderate the association between Internet use for health information and general health knowledge. Using a nationally representative survey that covers adults between the ages of 40 and 70 in the United States, it is found that education is positively related to Internet engagement. Also, Internet use has stronger associations with health knowledge for people exhibiting high Internet engagement than for people exhibiting low Internet engagement. The implications of these findings for research on both Internet use and knowledge gaps are discussed.

Use of the internet for health information: A study of Australians and New Zealanders

This article presents descriptive data from surveys that probed the use of health information by Internet users in Australia and New Zealand. Using this data, the article also contributes to understanding of factors associated with a series of Internet health information use outcomes. Four hundred six respondents (151 Australians; 255 New Zealanders) had used the Internet for health information and were asked about emailing doctors, Internet searching, taking Internet information to the doctor and perceptions of Internet information reliability. Regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between key outcomes and independent variables. A bootstrap procedure was performed to select variables used in logistic regression models. Fifty-two percent of health Internet users had emailed their doctor. Few significant differences between Australian and New Zealand responses were found. Internet use for health information was below levels found in North American and European studies, but there was similar prevalence of emailing and presenting Internet information to doctors. Emailers were more likely to believe this improved communication with doctors (OR = 3.59; 95%CI 1.95, 6.61). Frequent Internet searchers were more likely to take Internet information to their doctor (OR = 2.41; 1.47, 3.92), and believe the Internet to be a more useful information source (OR = 2.47; 1.22, 5.03). Females were less likely to email their doctor (OR = 0.47; 0.26, 0.85). More educated respondents were more likely to email their doctor (OR = 1.99; 1.16, 3.39) and to check website credentials (OR = 2.61; 1.53, 4.43). This study suggests that there is a digital divide among health care Internet users. It shows that, for males, email could have health care advantages. Doctors may need to develop strategies to deal with patients presenting with Internet information, including how to source information and check its credibility.

Internet Use for Health Information Among Minority Patients With Chronic Conditions in Urban Underserved Community Clinics in Los Angeles

Internet Use for Health Information Among Minority Patients With Chronic Conditions in Urban Underserved Community Clinics in Los Angeles

Physician Trust Moderates the Internet Use and Physician Visit Relationship

Prior research found that Internet use for health information leads to more frequent physician visits. This study explores the conditions under which this effect works by examining whether trust in health information from health professionals plays a moderating role in the associations between Internet use and the frequency of physician visits. This study uses a two-wave panel dataset with a U.S. nationally representative sample gathered in 2005 and 2006. The results show that the effects of Internet use on physician visits are larger for those who have low levels of trust in both cross-sectional and panel analyses.

Interest in Internet Lung Cancer Support Among Rural Cardiothoracic Patients

The Internet may provide an alternative option for rural lung cancer patients who lack access to on-site cancer support; however, Internet access and use among rural patients is unknown. An anonymous waiting-room survey was administered to all outpatient cardiothoracic surgery patients over 3 mo. Survey questions included age, gender, and diagnosis, possession of a home computer and Internet service, estimated Internet use, and use of the Internet for health information. Patients with known or suspected lung cancer were asked to indicate their interest in on-site and Internet cancer support. There were 597 returned surveys (response rate 96%). The mean age was 64.6 y (SE 0.55), and 58% were men. Diagnoses included known or possible lung cancer (15.4%), lung disease (9.5%), heart disease (30.4%), other diagnoses (13.9%), and undetermined (30.6%). There were 343 patients (57.4%) with a home computer and 299 (50.1%) with home Internet service. Average Internet use was 8.5 h per wk (n = 298), and 225 patients used the Internet for health information. Of the 92 patients with lung cancer, 10 indicated interest in on-site support services while 37 expressed interest in Internet-based support. Based on survey results, a slight majority of rural patients have a home computer and Internet access. Internet use for health information appears relatively common. Overall interest for support services among lung cancer patients appears modest with a greater interest in Internet-based services compared with on-site support.

EHealth as a challenge to ‘expert’ power: a focus group study of internet use for health information and management

To investigate current use of the internet and eHealth amongst adults. Focus groups were conducted to explore participants' attitudes to and reasons for health internet use. The focus group data were analysed and interpreted using thematic analysis. Three superordinate themes exploring eHealth behaviours were identified: decline in expert authority, pervasiveness of health information on the internet and empowerment. Results showed participants enjoyed the immediate benefits of eHealth information and felt empowered by increased knowledge, but they would be reluctant to lose face-to-face consultations with their GP. Our findings illustrate changes in patient identity and a decline in expert authority with ramifications for the practitioner-patient relationship and subsequent implications for health management more generally.

Does the Internet Displace Health Professionals?

Scholars have paid close attention to the effects of the rapidly changing health information environment. The issue of how Internet use for health information affects the frequency of contact with health professionals, however, has not been examined. Directly addressing this issue, a two wave panel dataset is used with a U.S. national representative sample gathered in 2005 and 2006. Overall, the results show that Internet use at Wave 1 positively predicts health professional contact at Wave 2, controlling for Wave 1 health professional contact and other potential confounders. The implications that these findings can have for future research in this area are discussed.

Health information seeking by parents in the Internet age

Studies have shown increasing Internet use for health information. We aimed to broadly examine parents' utilisation of information sources for their children's health, their trust in them and to define the role of the Internet for children's health information Interview of a convenience sample of parents of patients presenting to a tertiary paediatric emergency department (ED) (Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia) in 2006/2007. A total of 360 parents completed the interview. Parents had used on average five sources of health information for their children in the previous 6 months. In the previous 6 months and immediately prior to the ED visit, general practitioners were consulted for health information by 87% and 39%, chemists by 44% and 2%, the Internet by 43% and 6% and telephone advice health lines by 30% and 10%, respectively. Of these sources, parents 'greatly trusted' Royal Children's Hospital ED doctors and nurses 82% (n = 112) their regular general practitioners in 73% (n = 303), chemists in 45% (n = 160), telephone advice health lines (Nurse-On-Call) in 42% (n = 90) and the Internet in general in 10% (n = 112). Overall, 52% had sought health information for their children on the Internet. Only 20% knew and 11% had ever used the regional children's hospital web site (http://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo), but 97% of the Internet users reported they would trust this information. While using numerous different sources, parents in this study mostly use and trust traditional sources of health information. Scores of respondents use the Internet to seek health information for their children and would value easier access to Internet sources that they trust.

Hispanics' use of Internet health information: an exploratory study

The research examined use of the Internet to seek health information among Hispanics in the United States. A secondary analysis used the Impact of the Internet and Advertising on Patients and Physicians, 2000-2001, survey data. Pearson's chi(2) test, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), analysis of variance (ANOVA), and independent samples t tests were conducted to test for relationships and differences between facets of Hispanic and non-Hispanic white online health information seeking. Findings indicated lower Internet health information seeking among Hispanics (28.9%, n=72) than non-Hispanic whites (35.6%, n=883). On a scale of 1 (strongly agree) to 4 (strongly disagree), Hispanics were likely to agree that Internet health information improves understanding of medical conditions and treatments (M=1.65), gives patients confidence to talk to doctors about health concerns (M=1.67), and helps patients get treatment they would not otherwise receive (M=2.23). Hispanics viewed their skills in assessing Internet health information as good. Overall ratings were also positive for items related to sharing Internet health information with a doctor. Conflicting with these findings, Hispanics (M=3.33) and non-Hispanic whites (M=3.46) reported that physician-patient relationships worsened as a result of bringing online health information to a visit (scale 1=a lot better to 5=a lot worse). This study provides further evidence of differences in Internet health information seeking among Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. Cultural discordance may be a possible explanation for Hispanics' view that the Internet negatively impacts physician-patient relationships. Strategies to increase Hispanics' access to Internet health information will likely help them become empowered and educated consumers, potentially having a favorable impact on health outcomes.

The Roles of Patients' Internet Use for Cancer Information and Socioeconomic Status in Oncologist-Patient Communication

The majority of US adults are Internet users, and they increasingly search for online health information, particularly regarding specific diseases.1 Many seek cancer treatment and clinical trial information.2,3 Although few studies have evaluated patients' Internet use for health information,2 critics debate its influence on the physician-patient relationship and health care disparities.

In-Center Hemodialysis Patients’ Use of the Internet in the United States: A National Survey

Education is critical to help patients with chronic kidney disease self-manage their illness by thoroughly understanding their treatment options, medications, diet and fluids, and symptoms. This study assesses in-center hemodialysis patients' use of the Internet in general and for health information seeking, both independently and by proxy-asking a family member or friend. Patients (n = 1,804) were recruited from 37 randomly selected dialysis clinics in 18 End-Stage Renal Disease Networks. Respondents completed a survey in English or Spanish. Across the entire sample, 34.7% had used the Internet themselves compared with 38% of disabled Americans. Internet use was more likely among patients who were younger, non-Hispanic, from the Southeast or Texas, and more highly educated. Median education level of English-reading respondents was 12th grade. Their total Internet health information use was 43.5% (24.7% independently, 18.8% by proxy). Median education level of Spanish-reading respondents was 6th grade; their total Internet health information use was only 25.5% (8.5% independently, 17% by proxy). Reasons for not using the Internet related more to not having access to a computer or knowledge (70.4%) than to lack of interest (21.3%). Alerting patients to Internet access at public libraries or providing a computer in dialysis clinic waiting rooms may help overcome this barrier. Proxy use may extend the reach of the Internet to patients who do not have access on their own.

Reducing disparities in the access and use of Internet health information. A discussion paper

Internet health information is rated highly by users and is used to compensate for gaps in health information provided by health professionals. Greater understanding of health issues and changes to personal health management has been reported as a consequence of Internet use. However, there are significant disparities in the access and use of Internet health information linked to income, education and ethnicity. In this paper a case is presented that on-line health information particularly benefits the already privileged in terms of health care; well-educated people with access to economic resources. Several intervention points are suggested to improve Internet health information accessibility and use for all population groups. Interventions at an institutional level include improving equity of Internet access through the provision of free services at strategic sites and improving the readability and cultural acceptability of health information. Individually focused interventions involve skill development to enable effective navigation of Internet sites, identification of patient and families’ information needs and support to develop evaluation skills. The effectiveness of these interventions in reducing disparities is reliant on nurses and other health professionals’ expertise in accessing, evaluating and using Internet health information in their clinical practise. On-line health information is a powerful medium for quick and dynamic knowledge distribution. The challenge for nurses and other health professionals is directing that knowledge to the groups most disadvantaged in the current health care systems, with an agenda of reducing inequalities in access to health information.

Internet use is associated with utilization of genetic counseling for BRCA 1/2 mutations in women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer

10654 Background: Women obtain breast cancer risk information from a variety of sources including mass media, the internet and personal and professional sources. Little is know about how internet use for health information influences choices about breast cancer risk evaluation and decision making. Methods: Case control study of 408 women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, of whom 217 underwent genetic counseling for BRCA 1/2 testing (cases) and 191 women who did not (controls). Participants received primary care within a large health system in greater Philadelphia, PA. Results: Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer who reported frequent use of the internet for health information (&gt;1–2 times a month) were significantly more likely to undergo genetic counseling for BRCA 1/2 testing than women that rarely used the internet to obtain health information (&lt;2 times a year) (odds ratio 2.6; 95% CI 1.7–4.0). This association persisted after adjustment for age, race, education and Gail risk (adjusted odds ratio 2.1; 95% CI 1.05–4.2) Conclusions: Frequent use of the internet for health care information is associated with higher use of genetic counseling for BRCA 1/2 mutations in women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. The association can not be explained by differences in education, cancer risk, age or race. A possible hypothesis for this association is that internet use exposes women to more information about genetic testing, BRCA testing opportunities and the experiences of other women who have utilized BRCA counseling services. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Internet health information use and e-mail access by parents attending a paediatric emergency department

Objectives: To document internet access and health related usage patterns by families of children in a large paediatric emergency department (ED), and to discover if parents want the internet to...

Relationship of Internet Health Information Use With Patient Behavior and Self-Efficacy: Experiences of Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients Who Contact the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship of Internet health information use with patient behavior and self-efficacy among 498 newly diagnosed cancer patients. Subjects were classified by types of Internet use: direct use (used Internet health information themselves), indirect use (used information accessed by friends or family), and non-use (never accessing Internet information). Subjects were recruited from callers of the National Cancer Institute's (NCI's) Cancer Information Service, Atlantic Region. They were classified by type of Internet use at enrollment and interviewed by telephone after 8 weeks. There were significant relationships among Internet use and key study variables: subject characteristics, patient task behavior, and self-efficacy. Subjects' Internet use changed significantly from enrollment to 8 week follow-up; 19% of nonusers and indirect users moved to a higher level of Internet use. Significant relationships also were found among Internet use and perceived patient–provider relationship, question asking, and treatment compliance. Finally, Internet use was also significantly associated with self-efficacy variables (confidence in actively participating in treatment decisions, asking physicians questions, and sharing feelings of concern). The results of this study show that patients who are newly diagnosed with cancer perceive the Internet as a powerful tool, both for acquiring information and for enhancing confidence to make informed decisions.