Background/Purpose: Evidence shows that the Internet is used by many for researching health issues but there lacks sufficient information on the perceived health status or demographics of this population. This study investigated the relationship between perception of health and the use of the Internet to research a personal health concern when controlling for age, sex, race, and Internet use.
Methods: Utilizing data from the 2007 Health Tracking Household Survey, complex samples logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between health perception and health-related Internet research. Perception of health was evaluated using a dichotomized variable of those who responded their general health as Good, Very Good or Excellent versus responses of Fair or Poor. Internet use was evaluated by whether the Internet had been used within the last 12 months to get personal health information.
Analysis/Results: 67.9% reported that they obtained personal health information from the Internet within the last year. Those who reported a general health status of fair or poor are significantly more likely to have used the Internet to get personal health information than those who reported a general health status of Good, Very Good, or Excellent (OR: 1.60; CI: 1.35-1.90). Females are significantly more likely than males to use the Internet for health information (OR: 1.55; CI (1.40-1.70). No significant findings were observed for age or race.
Conclusions: Significant associations exist between perceived general health status and Internet use for health research. More studies are needed to strengthen existing methods of health communication via the Internet.
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