European Citizens' Use of E-Health Services
Author Information
Author(s): Andreassen Hege K, Bujnowska-Fedak Maria M, Chronaki Catherine E, Dumitru Roxana C, Pudule Iveta, Santana Silvina, Voss Henning, Wynn Rolf
Primary Institution: Norwegian Centre for Telemedicine, University Hospital of Northern Norway
Hypothesis
Do the users of Internet health services differ from the general population with respect to health and demographic variables?
Conclusion
The Internet is becoming an important source of health information and a potential e-health channel for European citizens.
Supporting Evidence
- 44% of the total sample reported using the Internet for health purposes.
- 71% of Internet users had used the Internet for health purposes.
- Women were more active health users among those who were online.
- One in four respondents used the Internet to prepare for or follow up doctors' appointments.
- Feeling reassured after using the Internet for health purposes was twice as common as experiencing anxieties.
Takeaway
Many people in Europe use the Internet to look for health information, and it helps them feel better about their health.
Methodology
Representative samples were obtained from the general populations in seven European countries through computer-assisted telephone interviews.
Potential Biases
Potential cultural bias in the questionnaire due to translation methods.
Limitations
The response rate could not be accurately calculated due to lack of data from polling agencies.
Participant Demographics
Participants were from Norway, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Poland, Portugal, and Latvia, aged 15-80.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website