Search

Objective: To determine the proportion of South Australians seeking health information on the Internet and the relationship between searches for health information and self-reported health status. Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 3,034 South Australians in 2008 using a clustered, multi-stage, self-weighting area sample. Results: Compared to 2001, rates of Internet usage were 48% higher and Internet health seeking increased by 57%. All participant categories, except those in school or younger than 25, showed an increase in use of the Internet and online health information seeking. In multiple logistic regression, poorer self-reported physical and mental health were associated with greater likelihood of Internet health information searches but also less use of the Internet. Conclusions: South Australians' use of the Internet as a source of health information has risen between 2001 and 2008, even among groups that historically made little use of the Internet to search for health information. In Australia, health information on the Internet may be appropriately targeted towards groups who have previously been under-serviced in this medium. Key words: Internet, demographic and health surveys, South Australia. Aust NZ J Public Health. 2010; 34:422-6 doi: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2010.00576.x

A study to assess the accuracy of energy intakes reported by patients using the DietAdvice website and whether relationships exist between reporting status and patient characteristics is conducted. Results conclude a lack of accuracy in reporting and no relationship between reporting and patient characteristics.

More patients are self-diagnosing and sourcing health information online, according to separate reports. The NHS Choices 2010 annual report showed there was a 10 per cent increase in the number [...]

Nurses at NHS Direct surpassed their own targets for triaging urgent cases within 20 minutes over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Over the ten days up to and [...]