Internet use by a referral gastroenterology clinic population and their medical information preferences

Internet use is growing rapidly in Iran. However, little is known about the rate of Internet access and Internet use habits of gastroenterology patients and their health information preferences in the country.

A two-part questionnaire was presented to a convenience sample of 401 consecutive outpatients (mean age: 43.7 years) of a referral gastroenterology clinic in Tehran from February 21 to March 13, 2004.

Of all literate patients (92%), 62% self-estimated their disease-related knowledge as nothing to little. The most common sources of information were media (62%) and printed materials (58%). Printed material (57%) and media (35%) were the most preferred means of receiving health information; the Internet was the most preferred means among Internet users and almost all of them were interested in getting online medical services. The cause (65%) and treatment (56%) of disease were the most favorite knowledge topics. Of all patients 28% could use Internet. Males, more educated and younger subjects were more likely to use the Internet. Of the Internet users, 37% had already performed at least one search for medical information.

Though Internet is not yet a popular means of patient education in Iran, considering the speedy growth of Internet use and its undeniable advantages and prospects in a young country like Iran, it seems wise for private and public health sectors to start more vigorous planning to develop web-based patient education systems run by trusted bodies and encourage and cultivate its use among patients.