John Powell1, Aileen Clarke. 1. Health Sciences Research Institute, Medical School Building, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK. john.powell@warwick.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A major use of the of the internet is for health information-seeking. There has been little research into its use in relation to mental health. AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of internet use for mental health information-seeking and its relative importance as a mental health information source. METHOD: General population survey. Questions covered internet use, past psychiatric history and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. RESULTS: Eighteen per cent of all internet users had used the internet for information related to mental health. The prevalence was higher among those with a past history of mental health problems and those with current psychological distress. Only 12% of respondents selected the internet as one of the three most accurate sources of information, compared with 24% who responded that it was one of the three sources they would use. CONCLUSIONS: The internet has a significant role in mental health information-seeking. The internet is used more than it is trusted.
BACKGROUND: A major use of the of the internet is for health information-seeking. There has been little research into its use in relation to mental health. AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of internet use for mental health information-seeking and its relative importance as a mental health information source. METHOD: General population survey. Questions covered internet use, past psychiatric history and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. RESULTS: Eighteen per cent of all internet users had used the internet for information related to mental health. The prevalence was higher among those with a past history of mental health problems and those with current psychological distress. Only 12% of respondents selected the internet as one of the three most accurate sources of information, compared with 24% who responded that it was one of the three sources they would use. CONCLUSIONS: The internet has a significant role in mental health information-seeking. The internet is used more than it is trusted.
Authors: Ulla Närhi; Marika Pohjanoksa-Mäntylä; Anna Karjalainen; Johanna K Saari; Hannes Wahlroos; Marja S Airaksinen; Simon J Bell Journal: Pharm World Sci Date: 2008-09-13