More Indians seem to be seeking out Dr Web—albeit with their neighbourhood doctor's consent.
A new three-city survey has found that half of regular internet users seek health-related information, ranging from fitness regimen to side-effects of drugs. While exercise and fitness-related information topped the online search list, details about preventive measures and hospitals came a close second.
"Over 80% of those seeking health information were men," said the India Health Online Survey, which was conducted by a health engineering company, Via Media Health. The survey was conducted among 620 respondents spread across Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru in January.
It found that 44% of the seekers were in the 26-35 age group and most of them hailed from lower middle-class households. "This probably indicates that those who do not want to spend time and money trying to seek preliminary information from a healthcare professional depend on the internet as the first source of information," said the company's Swadeep Srivastava.
The survey also showed that as many as 90% of the seekers of health information trusted the content on the digital space. "Yet, they validate the information with their family doctor in the form of a 'second opinion'," the survey added.
Doctors, though, advise a bit of caution while surfing for health information. Dr Shashank Joshi, who is president of the Association of Physicians of India, said the surfing-for-health-information habit has positive as well as negative aspects. "There is no doubt that information empowers people. But the flipside is that they could get scared and anxious."
A new three-city survey has found that half of regular internet users seek health-related information, ranging from fitness regimen to side-effects of drugs. While exercise and fitness-related information topped the online search list, details about preventive measures and hospitals came a close second.
"Over 80% of those seeking health information were men," said the India Health Online Survey, which was conducted by a health engineering company, Via Media Health. The survey was conducted among 620 respondents spread across Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru in January.
It found that 44% of the seekers were in the 26-35 age group and most of them hailed from lower middle-class households. "This probably indicates that those who do not want to spend time and money trying to seek preliminary information from a healthcare professional depend on the internet as the first source of information," said the company's Swadeep Srivastava.
The survey also showed that as many as 90% of the seekers of health information trusted the content on the digital space. "Yet, they validate the information with their family doctor in the form of a 'second opinion'," the survey added.
Doctors, though, advise a bit of caution while surfing for health information. Dr Shashank Joshi, who is president of the Association of Physicians of India, said the surfing-for-health-information habit has positive as well as negative aspects. "There is no doubt that information empowers people. But the flipside is that they could get scared and anxious."
