About 80% of Adults Online Use Internet for Health Information, Survey Finds
About 80% of U.S. residents who use the Internet have searched the Web to seek out health information, and most say doing so helps improve their quality of care, according to a Pew Internet & American Life Project survey released on July 17, USA Today reports. The study was based on a December 2002 phone survey of 2,038 American adults, 1,220 of whom use the Internet. The phone survey was supplemented by a 20-question online survey to which 2,000 people responded (Kornblum, USA Today, 7/17). The survey found that:
- About 85% of women and 75% of men who use the Internet search for health information;
- About 73% say online health information helps improve their quality of care;
- About 63% look for information on particular diseases or medical conditions;
- About 57% search for health information on behalf of others;
- About 54% seek out health support groups;
- About 47% look for information on treatments or procedures; and
- About 30% send online health information via e-mail to others and 7% send it to doctors.
Diseases and treatments ranked as the top two research topics, followed by diet, exercise, medications, alternative medicine and health coverage (Harper, Washington Times, 7/17). However, the study found that only about 25% of online searchers "thoroughly check the source and timelines of online information," USA Today reports (USA Today, 7/17). According to the Journal, "one message that comes from Web-savvy patients [is]: Don't be intimidated, even if you encounter resistance or hostility from physicians who caution you to avoid online information" (Wall Street Journal, 7/17). The Pew report is available online. Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the report. This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.
