Health Attitudes and Behaviors of Internet Health Information Seekers
Author Information
Author(s): Mohan J Dutta-Bergman, John Rice Licciardone
Primary Institution: Purdue University
Hypothesis
People who gather information on the Internet are more health-oriented than non-users of Internet health information.
Conclusion
Individuals who searched for health information on the Internet were more likely to be health-oriented than those who did not.
Supporting Evidence
- Internet searchers reported higher levels of health-information orientation and healthy activities.
- Consumers seeking medical information online held stronger health beliefs than non-searchers.
- Those looking for disease-specific information were more health-oriented than those who did not.
Takeaway
People who look for health information online tend to care more about their health and do healthier things than those who don't search online.
Methodology
The study used data from the Porter Novelli HealthStyles database, which included nationally representative postal mail surveys.
Potential Biases
The mailback panel used in the study suffers from problems of attrition and panel bias.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported measures, which may affect validity, and the sample was predominantly white, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
The sample included a range of sociodemographic characteristics, with a mean age of 42, 48% men, and 52% women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website