Assessment of internet usage for health-related information among clients utilizing primary health care services

Objective: This study aimed to identify the frequency and goals of Internet usage to access health-related information among primary health care service clients. Methods: The study was conducted in a primary health care centre with a sample of 788 adults. The data were collected through a questionnaire developed by the researchers. Results: The results showed that 81% (n = 640) of the participants used the Internet. All Internet user participants reported that they used the Internet to access health-related information. Of the participants, 67% reported that they used the Internet primarily to obtain information about diseases with 94% reporting that they found the online information reliable and 92% reported that they did not confirm the information they obtained online. The frequency of Internet use to obtain health-related information increased with increase in the level of education of participants. Participants with higher education found the online information to be more reliable and comprehensible. The results showed that while the use of Internet to obtain health-related information was high, the information presented online was not always checked for accuracy. Conclusion: Hence, provision of current and evidence-based information on health-related websites is crucial to preserve community health care.