Analysis of visits to websites with health information: a presentation of visits and the visitors’ most common questions

Abstract

Introduction: Internet use is important for health education, patient support, professional medical education and healthcare quality. Medical information is amongst the most important information on the internet.Aim: The aim of the research was an analysis of modern information sources, especially the websites and email of the Institute of Public Health of Ljubljana (IPH Lj).Methods: Using statistical analysis of the website, its' "behaviour" online was evaluated in detail. This was done with a tool for presenting statistical data - Google Analytics. We reviewed how IPH Lj provides information to users online: general information about the activities of the Institute at www.zzv-lj.si, and information on travel medicine at www.zdravinapot.si.Results: In 2009, there were 107,233 visits to www.zzv-lj.si and 528,175 viewed pages, and 138,694 visits and 667,280 viewed pages at www.zdravinapot.net. In the period between 2003 and 2010, users asked 2,063 questions, 52 % were about travel medicine. Frequently asked questions, submitted by email (info@zzv-lj.si), were analysed. Questions were divided into seven areas, covered by the Institute's activities, though a proportion of the questions regard areas not covered by the Institute.Conclusion: Statistical analysis of the web portals gave us information that will help improve the quality of the IPH Lj website and adjust its contents.