Use of Health-related Internet (HRI) in US population

Background: The worldwide access to internet empowered the healthcare consumers with vast amount of health information on their fingertips. In this study is we assessed the health-related internet (HRI) usage and its impact on health using a population-based data. Methods: In 2009, the information about HRI usage was first collected and added in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) database. If the participants stated that they accessed the Internet to look up health information, to learn about health topics in chat groups, to refill prescriptions, to schedule appointments, or to communicate with their provider, they were included in ‘HRI user' group. The prevalence of HRI usage was stratified by age groups. Further two logistic models were run to analyze the predictors of using HRI and impacts on health status. Results: Among all HRI users, age-stratified prevalence was: 25% in 18-30, 20% in 31-40, 32% in 41-55, 15% in 56-65, and 8% in >65 years old. Younger age, females, being married, higher education, higher PIR, ever worked status, and presence of other chronic conditions were associated with elevated usage of HRI. Especially subjects in 18-30 age group accessed HRI 8.8 (CI 6.9-11.2, P <.0001) times more than 56-65 age group. About 60% (CI 0.3-0.5, P <.0001) less utilization was observed in African Americans and Hispanics compared to Whites. After controlling for socio-demographic variables, subjects who used HRI in the last 12 months were 1.4 (CI 1.2-1.6, P=0.0005) times more likely to report that their health status is better or about the same compared to 12 months ago. Conclusions In this study, we captured a snapshot of overall HRI usage in US population and how it could potentially affect the health outcome. People who utilized the internet for health issues reported to have better health outcome than those who did not.