5069.0: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 9:00 AM

Abstract #28916

Relationships among using Internet health information, patient behavior and self-efficacy in newly diagnosed cancer patients

Sarah Bauerle Bass, PhD(c), MPH1, Sheryl Burt Ruzek, PhD, MPH1, Linda Fleisher, MPH2, and Nancy McKeown-Conn2. (1) Department of Health Studies, Temple University, 304 Vivacqua Hall, P.O. Box 2843, Philadelphia, PA 19122, 610-544-2626, sbass000@nimbus.temple.edu, (2) Atlantic Regional Office, Partnership Program, Cancer Information Service, A Program of the National Cancer Institute, 510 Township Line Road, 2nd Floor, Cheltenham, PA 19012

This presentation outlines the results of a study (N=300) that surveyed callers of the Cancer Information Service (CIS) Atlantic Region who were newly diagnosed with cancer to understand their use of Internet health information and to understand the relationship of this use to both patient behavior with physicians and perceived self-efficacy.  This study compared Direct users of Internet health information (people who accessed information themselves) to Indirect users of Internet health information (people who received information that was obtained by friends or family members) and Non-users of Internet health information (people who had not accessed information at all).  Callers were accrued when they called the CIS for cancer information and were then surveyed by phone six to eight weeks later.  Significant findings include a major shift in Internet user category, with over 25% of Indirect users and Non-users changing categories.  In addition, Direct users were found to ask significantly more questions of their physicians as well as make lists and do research before an appointment.  There were also significant relationships between Internet use and a number of self efficacy measures, including maintaining independence, indicating that those using Internet health information felt more confident in being able to deal with their illness.  This is the first study that has attempted to associate Internet use with behavior outcomes and has great potential in helping public health professionals begin to understand the complex relationships between new technology with what is already known about the use of health communication as a tool for behavior change. 

Learning Objectives: 1. To understand the relationships found among Internet health information use and patient behavior with physicians and perceived feelings of self efficay in dealing with illness in newly diagnosed cancer patients. 2. To beging to draw conclusions about the effects the use of Internet health information might have on other patient populations.

Keywords: Internet, Self-Efficacy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA