Health information seeking and communication with a doctor via online: Implications for healthy behavior

Abstract

Although online health information seeking (OHIS) and online communication with a doctor (OCWD) have grown in popularity, their efficacy in assisting patients in enhancing their health remains debatable. The majority of research has focused on identifying the antecedents of OHIS. In addition, the imperfect nature of online health information may not always result in favorable outcomes when using the internet. This study aimed to explore the effects of OHIS and OCWD on healthy behaviors by comparing the use of the internet in three scenarios: (1) only OHIS, (2) only OCWD, and (3) both OHIS and OCWD. Data from the 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey were used to construct all measures in this study. We employed ordinary regression, a logit model, and propensity score matching methods to explore the effects of OHIS and OCWD on healthy behaviors. Individuals who used the internet for both OHIS and OCWD were more likely to sustain a healthy lifestyle. This study deepens our understanding of the benefits of OHIS and online communication with health care providers.