Understanding Internet-Based Medical Consultation Users in Croatia
Author Information
Author(s): Ivana Klinar, Ana Balažin, Bruno Baršić, Hrvoje Tiljak
Primary Institution: Pliva Croatia Ltd.
Hypothesis
What motivates users to seek medical consultation online instead of visiting a physician?
Conclusion
Younger users are more likely to seek online medical consultations due to privacy concerns and embarrassment.
Supporting Evidence
- 38% response rate from 2747 users.
- 77% satisfaction rate among users consulting only internet physicians.
- Privacy protection was a significant reason for seeking online consultations.
Takeaway
Young people often ask doctors questions online because they want to keep their health issues private and feel shy about talking in person.
Methodology
A web-based survey was conducted among users of an internet medical consultation service to assess their characteristics and satisfaction.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-selection of respondents who were already users of the service.
Limitations
The study sample may not represent the entire population of internet users in Croatia.
Participant Demographics
79% female, median age 24 years, 72% from Croatia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.203-3.272
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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