Shaheen Kanthawala|Amber Vermeesch|Barbara Given|Jina Huh
Answers to Health Questions: Internet Search Results Versus Online Health Community Responses
Michigan State University|University of Portland|Michigan State University|University of California, San Diego
background 6 million people search health information internet day united states patients caregivers search information prescribed courses treatments unanswered questions visit providers diet exercise regimens past literature indicated potential challenges around quality health information available internet however diverse information exists internet8212ranging governmentinitiated webpages personal blog pages yet fully understand strengths weaknesses different types information available internet objective objective research investigate strengths challenges various types health information available online suggest information sources best fit various question types methods collected questions posted responses received online diabetes community classified according rothwell8217s classification question types fact policy value questions selected 60 questions 20 fact policy value replies questions received community searched responses questions using search engine recorded results community responses answered questions search results overall search results effective answering value questions least effective answering policy questions community responses answered questions across question types equivalent rate answered policy questions least answered fact questions value questions answered community responses answers provided community incorrect fact question search results clinically valid conclusions internet prevalent source health information people information quality people encounter online large impact present kinds questions people ask online advantages disadvantages various information sources getting answers questions study contributes addressing people8217s online health information needs