Assessing interest in an osteoporosis website: a survey among women eligible for osteoporosis screening

A survey was conducted to assess interest in an osteoporosis website. Two thirds of respondents indicated they would read about osteoporosis on a website, and half reported they might use the website more interactively. Women were receptive to the concept of web-based education and management of osteoporosis care.

As Americans increasingly use the Internet as a source for health information, healthcare providers continue to develop disease management and education websites. Providence Health & Services conducted a survey among female patients eligible for osteoporosis screening to assess interest in a physician-prescribed osteoporosis website.

In 2006, a self-administered survey designed to assess osteoporosis status, Internet use, and the likelihood of using an osteoporosis website for information and disease management was sent to 3,000 active female patients between the ages of 50 and 85 in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area.

Among 778 respondents, 80% reported having access to the Internet, and 70% indicated they were likely to use the Internet for health-related information gathering. While 65% of respondents indicated they would be likely to read about osteoporosis on a dedicated website, only about half reported they might use the website for more interactive disease management activities such as scheduling appointments, receiving test results, or consulting with their physician. Both Internet access and interest in the osteoporosis website declined significantly with age.

These data suggest that middle-aged women are moderately receptive to the concept of web-based care for certain components of osteoporosis management and education.