Advice from a Medical Expert through the Internet on Queries about AIDS and Hepatitis: Analysis of a Pilot Experiment
2006

Online Expert Advice for AIDS and Hepatitis Questions

Sample size: 899 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Marco Javier, Barba Raquel, Losa Juan E, de la Serna Carlos Martínez, Sainz María, Lantigua Isabel Fernández, de la Serna Jose Luis

Primary Institution: Hospital Clínico San Carlos

Hypothesis

The study aims to analyze the effectiveness of an online 'ask-the-expert' service for HIV and hepatitis queries.

Conclusion

The study confirms a high demand for online expert advice on AIDS and hepatitis, highlighting the importance of anonymity and immediate responses.

Supporting Evidence

  • 80% of the questions were sent by males.
  • Most questions were about HIV infection (79%) compared to hepatitis (17%).
  • The highest number of questions were submitted on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Takeaway

People can ask questions about AIDS and hepatitis online, and many do, especially after weekends when they might have risky behaviors.

Methodology

A descriptive analysis of questions sent to an online expert service over 12 months.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the sponsorship by a pharmaceutical company.

Limitations

Missing demographic data such as educational level and socioeconomic status.

Participant Demographics

80% of questions were from males, with a mean age of 30.2 years; 68% from Spain and 32% from Latin America.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pmed.0030256

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