Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Department of Community Medicine, Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
Abstract
Background: In health care, the rapid proliferation of health information on the internet has resulted
in more patients turning to the digital media as their first source of health information and acquiring
knowledge. The present study was conducted to assess use of the digital medium as a medical
information resource in health-related states and to determine their experience and perceptions about
the quality and reliability of the information available among the participants.
Methodology: The study was done in an urban settlement of Delhi among adults who use any digital
media. A sample of 321 were selected though convenient sampling. The information was collected
through a semi-structured, self-administered, pre-tested questionnaire which contained questions
on socio-demographic profile, internet usage and awareness about Digital India. Bivariate analysis
was done to determine the association between various socio-demographic variables associated
with internet usage for health information.
Results: In the present study, 88.2% (283/321) were using the internet for health information
through digital media. This study found out that younger age group (18-30 years), literate and
higher socioeconomic group (upper middle and above) population were more likely to access health
information via digital media which was found out to be statistically significant.
Conclusion: Access to health information through digitization can improve health literacy among
the population and help in promoting a preventive aspect to health problems and disease. They can
be the building blocks to build “Swasth Bharat (Healthy India)”.
Keywords
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