Web-based Health Advice Service Use Among Finnish University Students
Author Information
Author(s): Castrén Johanna, Huttunen Teppo, Kunttu Kristina
Primary Institution: University of Tampere
Hypothesis
Does the use of a web-based health advice service affect the self-reported health status and chronic conditions among Finnish university students?
Conclusion
The use of a web-based health advice service is not associated with self-reported health status among young, highly educated adults, but it may support the management of specific chronic conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- 12% of Finnish undergraduate students reported using the web-based health advice service.
- Male users reported higher rates of allergic rhinitis compared to non-users.
- Female users reported higher rates of chronic mental health problems compared to non-users.
- Self-reported health status was not significantly different between users and non-users.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether Finnish university students who use an online health advice service are healthier than those who don't. It found that using the service doesn't really change how healthy they feel.
Methodology
Cross-sectional study using a national postal survey with a random sample of Finnish university students.
Potential Biases
The response rate among male students was lower, which may introduce bias in the results.
Limitations
The study's results may not be generalizable to the entire population as university students are not representative of all young adults.
Participant Demographics
Participants were Finnish university students aged 19-35, with a response rate of 63% (n = 3,153).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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