Understanding the Health Information Needs of British Internet Users Seeking Health Information Online and Their Perceptions of the Quality of the Internet as a Source of Health Information

Abstract

Statistical results from three Web survey studies on consumer health information from the British Life and Internet Project demonstrate (1) health information needs motivate online health information seeking; (2) these health topics are robust predictors of various measures of online health information seeking in logistic regression models: health conditions and illnesses; new treatments; healthy lifestyle; prescription drugs; sensitive health topics; alternative medicines; and doctor’s visit and doctor or hospital; (3) online health information is not perceived as being completely credible; but (4) online health information can effect positive health outcomes, notably improved eating habits and increased exercise and relaxation; and (5) although official consumer health sites in the UK may be deemed more credible than unofficial consumer health sites, unofficial sites may be viewed as having more relevant content than official sites. A recent EU study confirms the perception by UK Internet users of the usefulness of the Internet in self-care, care of others, and effective positive health outcomes. These findings may be helpful to consumer health librarians working in hospitals and public libraries alike in understanding their clients’ health information needs and their perceptions of the Internet as a source of health information. Findings may also influence collection development and management.

KEYWORDS:

• consumer health information
• health information needs
• health information seeking online
• health topics
• logistic regression analysis
• perceived information source relevance
• perceived information source reliability
• statistical results