Ninfa C. Peña-Purcell
Hispanics' use of Internet health information: an exploratory study
Texas A&M University System
purpose research examined use internet seek health information among hispanics united statesmethods secondary analysis used impact internet advertising patients physicians 20002001 survey data pearsons 2 test multivariate analysis variance manova analysis variance anova independent samples tests conducted test relationships differences facets hispanic nonhispanic white online health information seekingresults findings indicated lower internet health information seeking among hispanics 289 n72 nonhispanic whites 356 n883 scale 1 strongly agree 4 strongly disagree hispanics likely agree internet health information improves understanding medical conditions treatments m165 gives patients confidence talk doctors health concerns m167 helps patients get treatment would otherwise receive m223 hispanics viewed skills assessing internet health information good overall ratings also positive items related sharing internet health information doctor conflicting findings hispanics m333 nonhispanic whites m346 reported physicianpatient relationships worsened result bringing online health information visit scale 1a lot better 5a lot worseconclusion study provides evidence differences internet health information seeking among hispanics nonhispanic whites cultural discordance may possible explanation hispanics view internet negatively impacts physicianpatient relationships strategies increase hispanics access internet health information likely help become empowered educated consumers potentially favorable impact health outcomes