From 2002 to 2003 there was no incr...

From 2002 to 2003 there was no increase in the number of the bulk of mankind who used the Internet to gaze for information about health topics, according to a latter Harris Interactive survey. Harris uses the limit cyberchondriacs to describe people who use the Internet for this intention This is the first year that no increase in the number of cyberchondriacs occurr The percentage of all adults who are cyberchondriacs increased from 27% in 1998 to 34% in 1999 47% in 2001 and 53% in 2002 This may mean the number of cyberchondriacs has reached a plateau or simply may indicate a pause in growth

In 1998 54 million (71%) of the family who use the Internet used it to find information forward health topics. This number increased to 109 million (78%) in 2003 The number of commonalty who never use the Internet for health information decreased from 29% in 1998 to 22% in 2003 The number of persons using the Internet has increased from 38% in 1998 to 67% in 2003 This includes Internet access from abode an office, a school, a library, or any other location.

Using a portal or search engine is the preferable way to find health care information online for in the greatest degree people (54%). Others (20%) visit a health-specific site, and about (17%) go to a specific site with a health care section. These proportions have not changed dramatically during the past three years. Cyberchondriacs are les likely to be older clan and people with low incomes; however, 21% of the public age 65 and older are cyberchondriacs, and 28% of those with household incomes les than $15000 have used the Internet to access health care information.

"No significant change in the numbers of 'cyberchondriacs'--those who walk online for health care information," Health Care freshs 3 (March 28, 2003).

COPYRIGHT 2003 Association of Operating stead Nurses, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group