Search Your Way to an Accurate Diagnosis: Predictors of Internet-Based Diagnosis Accuracy

Many people search online for health information and make self-diagnoses. However, little is known about factors affecting whether a person is able to make an accurate Internet-based diagnosis. An online survey (N = 209) was conducted to explore the predictors of Internet-based diagnosis accuracy. A multiple regression analysis showed that approximately 22% of the variance of diagnosis accuracy was accounted for by the linear combination of health-information orientation, eHealth literacy, prior knowledge, and Internet search time. However, only prior knowledge and search time were significant predictors of diagnosis accuracy, with prior knowledge positively and search time negatively related to diagnosis accuracy. A paired t test indicated that participants' diagnosis accuracy increased after the Internet search. This study implies that simply searching all over the Internet for a long time may not produce accurate diagnoses. Online health searches can be beneficial supplements, but they should not replace the expertise of a physician.