Patterns of computer and Internet usage among urology patients in two rural Northern Ontario communities

We wanted to determine if the Internet can be used as a potential health promotion tool among urology patients in Northern Ontario. We identified patients' computer and Internet access and use patterns in Kirkland Lake and Kapuskasing, Ontario.

This study was reviewed and approved by the ethics boards of the Kapuskasing and Kirkland Lake hospitals and Brock University. Data were collected by hand-written questionnaires in English and French. We performed a descriptive analysis of the data obtained.

Out of the 137 questionnaires distributed and collected, we achieved a 95% response rate (7 questionnaires were incomplete). There were 67 men (52 %) and 63 women (48%) ranging in age from 24 to 84 (mean 56). Languages spoken were English (57%), French (38%) and other (5%). We divided the responses into 3 groups: non-Internet users, those with a computer but no Internet access and Internet users. Internet and non-Internet users were studied. Our results indicated that younger respondents, those with higher education and higher paying jobs, used the computer and Internet more often. The main reason behind their Internet was to seek health information for themselves, family and friends.

About half of the respondents (55%) used the Internet to access health information. Patients' reactions toward online communication with their family physician were mixed. One limitation of this study is the small sample size, which inhibits making far-reaching conclusions. Our results demonstrate that individual empowerment, access to health information and access to services via emerging technologies are important issues for urology patients in rural Northern Ontario.