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Internet use and stigmatized illness.

Magdalena Berger1, Todd H Wagner, Laurence C Baker

  • 1VA Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94025, USA.

Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|July 21, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Individuals with stigmatized illnesses increasingly use the internet for health information and communication. This online engagement can lead to increased healthcare utilization for these populations.

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Area of Science:

  • Digital Health
  • Health Communication
  • Medical Sociology

Background:

  • Stigmatized illnesses often deter individuals from seeking healthcare and education.
  • The internet presents a potential avenue for health education and outreach for underserved populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine internet usage patterns for health information among individuals with and without stigmatized illnesses.
  • To compare healthcare utilization and communication behaviors related to internet use between these groups.

Main Methods:

  • A national survey of 7014 internet users in the USA was conducted.
  • Respondents with self-reported stigmatized conditions (anxiety, depression, herpes, urinary incontinence) were compared to those with other chronic illnesses.
  • Cross-sectional analysis assessed associations between stigmatized illness and internet use for health information, communication, and healthcare utilization.

Main Results:

  • Individuals with stigmatized illnesses were significantly more likely to use the internet for health information.
  • Internet use led to increased healthcare utilization for those with stigmatized conditions.
  • Communication with clinicians via the internet was also higher among those with stigmatized illnesses.

Conclusions:

  • The internet serves as a valuable tool for health communication and education for individuals with stigmatized illnesses.
  • Online platforms can facilitate greater engagement with healthcare services for these populations.
  • Further research can explore optimizing digital health interventions for stigmatized conditions.

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