E-health networks, p-
2
exaggerated, e.g., Tu & Hargraves, 2003).
Table One shows the percentage distribution of the US population in terms of Internet
use, and various types of medical and health information seeking behaviors, in 2000 and 2002.
As summarized in this table, over half the population uses the Internet; of that half, two-third use
it to seek healthcare information, with perhaps one of out of 20 using it for that purpose within
any given day. Clearly, then, at least in the US, the populace has embraced the online world as an
important health resource.
--- Table One about here ---
People with a specific question or issue they need addressing are often motivated to
access the web for health information. One study found that 77% of patients did this (Boston
Consulting Group, 2001). Understandably, people engage in wide-ranging search behavior in
order to meet these specific aims (Malin, 2002). In 2001, 65% of health seekers used general
search engines and banner ads to find information, 24% used general health portals, and 11%
used disease-specific websites (Boston Consulting Group, 2001). Whether searching for more
information on clinical diagnoses or alternative treatments, 80% of health seekers say that they
found most or all of the information they were looking for the last time they logged on (Pew,
2002). Of those in a September 2002 Pew survey (n=2092 respondents, 1318 Internet users) who
do seek health care information online, 58% report they would first go online for reliable health
care information, while 35% say they would first contact a medical professional. Percentages for
all Americans were 31% turning to the Internet and 59% contacting a medical professional.
Those with more education are disproportionately more likely to be health seekers than
just Internet users. Concerning race, Whites and “Other” use the Internet more than Blacks, but
are even greater health information seekers than Hispanic and Blacks. Those with higher income
Convention