The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #61460

Kate Bundorf, PhD, MBA, M¹, Laurence Baker, PhD¹, Sara Singer, MBA², and Todd Wagner, PhD³. (1) Health Research and Policy, Stanford University, HRP Redwood Building, Rm 257, Stanford, CA 94305, 650.725.0067, bundorf@stanford.edu, (2) Center for Health Policy, Stanford University, Encina Commons, Stanford, CA 94305, (3) VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Rd., 152-MPD, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Objective: While the growth of the internet has revolutionized access to health information, relatively little information exists on how consumers obtain and use this information. This study examines whether the uninsured are more likely than the insured to turn to the internet for information. Study Design: Our analysis is based on a simple theoretical model in which demand for health information depends on the expected costs and benefits in acquiring it. We hypothesize that individuals facing higher costs in accessing information from health care professionals, those without health insurance and those who live a greater distance from their usual source of care, and individuals for whom the expected benefits of health information are greater, those with chronic conditions, are more likely to search for health information on the internet. We surveyed a nationally representative random sample of 6,535 adults aged 21-64 during 2001-2002 regarding their use of the internet for health and health care. Using this data, we estimate logistic regression models of the probability of consumers’ use of the internet or e-mail for searching for health care information; communicating with family, friends, health care providers or other patients about health care matters; and purchasing prescription drugs. The independent variables of primary interest are insurance status (private, public, none), an indicator of the presence of at least one of five self-reported chronic conditions (depression, heart problems, diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure), and the interaction between insurance status and the presence of a chronic condition, controlling for other individual characteristics. Principal Findings: Individuals with reported chronic conditions are more likely than those without to search for information on health and health care on the internet. Among those without reported chronic conditions, the uninsured are less likely than the insured to seek health information on the internet. However, poor health has a larger effect on the probability of turning to the internet frequently for health information for the uninsured than the insured. Conclusions: Individuals for whom the expected benefits of health information and the costs of accessing traditional health care providers are high are likely to turn to the internet for health information. The internet may be an effective way to provide information about health and health care, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions. However, policymakers may play a valuable role, particularly for the uninsured with chronic conditions, through interventions that guide consumers to high quality websites.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand what types of individuals are likely to search for health information on the internet.

Keywords: Internet, Insurance-Related Barriers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.