The use of Internet for health education has been increasing rapidly. It is estimated that as of August 2012, 85% of the adult U.S. population used the Internet. Approximately 80% Internet users have used the Internet to search for health information. It is estimated that about 4.5% of all Internet search are health-related. The Internet is also changing the way people obtain and use health information. The Pew Internet and American Life survey revealed that 34% of internet users have read someone elseââ¬â¢s commentary or experience about health or medical issues online, 24% of internet users have consulted online reviews of particular drugs or medical treatment, 18% of internet users have gone online to find others who might have health concerns similar to theirs. This is particularly prevalence among people living with chronic and rare conditions. Although most of the health-related Internet use is associated to a current disease diagnosis, there has also been an increase in search for information about diet, fitness, and exercise on the Internet, suggesting that online internet users are increasingly interested in health information that could be unrelated to particular symptoms or disease condition. (The Use of Internet for Health Education, Phoenix Mo)
Last date updated on September, 2024