The results of a population-based survey showed that respondents with lower education levels less frequently access health information from internet websites, while individuals with university or higher education more frequently search the internet for health information. With respect to the role of education in the use of the internet for health information searching, it was reported that higher education is significantly connected to a higher probability of using the internet as the first source of health information. As suggested, there is a need to conduct more in-depth surveys to better understand how online health information–seeking behaviors influence the use of information in health-related decision making.
The impacts of internet search strategies on information retrieval and how patients use online health information have been of great concern however, the information search strategies for health-related problems have seldom been studied.
Because of the high heterogeneity of online health information sources, rather than merely relying on the first few results provided by the search engine, the need to check certain information against other information sources while searching for online information about medical problems has been strongly recommended.
As indicated by an experiment, the most popular method for seeking health information was to rely on the results of only 1 search engine page and to use unaccredited information to answer health questions without comparing and justifying them with other sources. An observational study on health information–seeking behaviors showed a high tendency of using search engines to look for health information. However, a high percentage (77%) of internet users tend to search for health information through search engines due to the decentralized nature of the internet. Īccording to systematic review studies, it has been concluded that the overall quality of online health information remains problematic and should be considered.
#SUDOKU STRATEGY ADVANCED FOR LAYPEOPLE VERIFICATION#
In sum, online health information without verification by experts could generate misinformation and inappropriate health behaviors and hinder the physician-patient relationship. The credibility of the diverse range of health information on the internet has been of great concern, as its inappropriate use may be potentially harmful to patients’ health and waste medical resources. ĭespite the use of the internet to search for health information making internet users more knowledgeable, patients seldom discuss the information they find on the web with their doctors. The result of a systematic review study showed that online health information improves patient-physician relationships as patients gain better access to online health information and discuss it with their physicians. In addition to medical decision making, online health information influences patients’ communication with physicians. Compared to infrequent users, frequent internet users prefer more health-related information and decision making and the internet enables them to make more informed medical decisions. The internet is regarded as a powerful and influential tool through which retrieving online health information may benefit patients’ empowerment, well-being health change, and healthier behaviors. Having better access to health information on the internet provides internet users with more possibilities to actively manage their own health and medical utilization behaviors. The issues regarding online health information–seeking behaviors of patients have attracted a great deal of attention, since the health information located on the internet obviously influences patients’ medical decision making. As reported by the Taiwan National Health Interview Survey, 1766 (64.4%) of the 2741 surveyed individuals used the internet to search for online health information or services. In Taiwan, it is estimated that 83.4% of residents aged 12 years and above have internet experience. As reported by the Pew Research Center, approximately 80% of American internet users search the internet for online health information. With its convenient and widespread access to abundant information, the internet has become the major source for patients and the general population to retrieve health information.
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