Using the internet for health purposes: Ρerceptions and attitudes of Greeks in the 15-35 years age group
Journal Title: Αρχεία Ελληνικής Ιατρικής - Year 2009, Vol 26, Issue 2
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the attitudes and perceptions of late adolescents and young adults (15-35 years) about the use of the Internet for health and illness (H&I information) in Greece. METHOD Data were collected within the frame of the WHO eHealth Consumer Trends Survey, conducted in seven European countries in October 2005 and May 2007. Data was gathered through telephone assisted interviews and the sample included 1,000 people in each country. The questionnaire was translated using the dual focus method. The current analysis concentrates on young adults from Greece (n=744). RESULTS In Greece, use of the Internet for H&I information has tripled in the last years (32.1%, 52.8%: 15-35 years). Internet is the 4th most important source of information for young adults (53.3%), whereas in the general population it ranks last among all sources of health information (44.8%). Additionally, 51.8% of young respondents consider the existence of a website as an important criterion for selecting a medical practice or specialist and 78.5% consult the Internet in order to decide whether to visit a health professional, making the Internet undoubtedly an important decision tool for health-related issues. With respect to eHealth services, only 27.1% feel comfortable with remote medical visits via a computer or a video-phone, but 59.4% are positive towards sending their medical records to a doctor they have never met, in order to get a rapid and valid diagnosis. Furthermore, three in four young respondents (75.1%) would like to have online access to their Electronic Health Record (EHR) and 66.8% of these would be willing to pay an annual fee of 30 € for this service. CONCLUSIONS The Internet and eHealth has the potential to change the framework of health care provision in Greece and internationally. Use of the Internet for H&I is popular among young adults and may contribute to cost containment and service quality improvement in the health sector. It is thus imperative that innovative eHealth services gain the support and trust of policy makers, health professionals, and consumers through awareness initiatives and incentives that emphasize service quality and security of the eHealth content and services offered. This is the only way the digital divide can be bridged and the Internet exploited for H&I information to its full potential.
Authors and Affiliations
T. ROUMELIOTAKI, C. CHRONAKI
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP84455
- DOI -
- Views 78
- Downloads 0
Linear regression models in predicting acute myocardial infarction progression from serum levels of TNI, CRP and AST
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is often followed by complications, such as a second infarction, chronic arrhythmia or heart failure. The ability to predict the progression of an AMI is therefore of importance. An atte...
About scientific explanation
Explanation along with prediction are the two main components of scientific knowledge. Today, we think of scientific explanation as the answer to the question "why this phenomenon happens?". The nature of scientific expl...
Inferior vena cava thrombosis due to external pressure from metastatic lung cancer to the adrenals
No abstract available
The contribution of implant sonication to the conventional and molecular methods for microbiological diagnosis of implant associated infections
This is a review of clinical and laboratory aspects of implant associated infections, with an emphasis to the periprosthetic infections. The conventional microbiological methods for diagnosis of these infections are desc...
AML with t(16;16)(p13.1;q22) (previous M4eos) and pulmonary aspergillosis
The physical examination revealed pallor, purpura in the lower extremities and signs of bleeding in his gums. The full blood count revealed hemoglobin of 9.1 g/dL, a white cell count of 34×109/ L, neutrophil count of...