The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41517

Noel T. Brewer, MS, Deapartment of Psychology, Rutgers University, 152 Frelinghuysen Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854, 732-445-3247, brewer@aesop.rutgers.edu

Despite substantial public debate, few studies have assessed empirically the effect of searching for health information on the Internet. Two correlational studies and an experiment were conducted to examine this question. Studies 1 and 2 examined the relationship of Internet searching to knowledge and healthcare utilization among MS patients (N=82) and HIV-positive patients (N=111). These two diseases have their highest incidence among younger adults in their 30?s and 40?s, the same age cohort most likely to be using the Internet. Heavy Internet searchers saw or called their physician more often than infrequent Internet users (p<.05). However, patients using the Internet the most showed only minor elevations in knowledge of their disease, suggesting that knowledge obtained from Web searching is transitory in its effects.

Study 3 tested how Internet searching affects knowledge using an experimental paradigm. Non-patient participants were randomly assigned to search the Internet for 40 minutes for information on either MS or HIV infection (N=91). Searching on MS improved accurate knowledge about the disease but also created overconfidence (ps<.05). In other words, searchers believed themselves to be more accurate than they actually were. The studies, taken together with previous work by Brewer (in press), suggest that information found while searching is processed shallowly, and leads to increased knowledge, altered attitudes, and increased healthcare utilization.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

• Articulate the difference between knowledge and perceived knowledge.
• List two key findings related to perceived knowledge.
• Anticipate how Internet use would differently affect new and experienced searchers.

Keywords: Internet, Health Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.