The association between women's health information use and health care visits

To determine the effect of the type of information sources used on health services use.

Population-based random-digit dialing survey of 498 women, between December 1999 and January 2000, on use of health information sources and health visits.

After adjustment for sociodemographic and medical factors, use of print health media and computer-based resources was associated with 1.9 and 1.6 more visits, respectively compared to non-use (Regression coefficients 1.9; [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.1, 3.7] and 1.6; [95% CI 0.3, 3.0]).

Print health media and computer-based sources are associated with a higher number of health care visits.