2010-03-23-皮尤-Chronic_Disease_and_the_Internet_67页_1mb

Summary of "Chronic Disease and the Internet" (Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2010)

Core Content

This report explores the relationship between chronic disease and internet access, highlighting the digital divide among individuals living with chronic illnesses. It emphasizes the role of the internet in health information seeking and the importance of online communities for those affected by chronic diseases.

Key Findings

Internet Access Gap

• 62% of adults with chronic disease go online, compared to 81% of those without.
• The more chronic conditions an individual has, the less likely they are to have internet access:
  • 68% with one condition
  • 52% with two or more conditions
• Chronic disease is associated with being older, African American, less educated, and in lower-income households.
• Internet use is associated with being younger, white, college-educated, and in higher-income households.
• When demographic factors are controlled, having a chronic disease independently reduces the likelihood of internet access.

Health Information Gap

• 51% of adults with chronic disease look for health information online, compared to 66% of those without.
• Lack of internet access, not lack of interest, is the primary cause of the information gap.
• Once online, individuals with chronic disease are slightly more likely to seek health information than those without.

Information Sources

• 93% of adults with chronic disease consult health professionals for information.
• 60% ask friends or family.
• 56% use books or printed materials.
• 44% use the internet.
• 38% contact insurance providers.
• 6% use other sources.

Online Engagement

• Blogging and online health discussions are more common among individuals with chronic disease.
• These activities help them connect with peers, share experiences, and find practical tips.
• Despite low overall participation, those who engage in these activities often value the information they receive.

Impact of Online Health Information

• 36% of adults with chronic disease say they or someone they know has been helped by online health information.
• 2% report being harmed by online health information.
• 45% of adults without chronic disease report similar positive impacts.
• When asked about the impact of their last online session, those with chronic disease are significantly more likely to say it made a difference.

Technology Adoption

• Adults with chronic disease are less likely to adopt new technologies.
• Cell phone ownership is lower among those with chronic disease:
  • 76% with one condition
  • 70% with two or more conditions
• Wireless access is also less common:
  • 32% with one condition
  • 24% with two or more conditions
• The presence of chronic disease has a small but significant negative effect on wireless adoption.

Daily Internet Use

• 60% of internet users with chronic disease use the internet daily.
• 74% of those without chronic disease do so.
• Daily internet use is lower among those with chronic disease, who also engage less in activities like banking online, using Wikipedia, or accessing financial information.

Health Topics Searched Online

• 69% of adults with chronic disease search for information on specific diseases.
• 55% search for information on medical treatments.
• 49% search for exercise or fitness information.
• 48% search for health professionals.
• 43% search for prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
• 38% search for hospitals or medical facilities.
• 37% search for health insurance.
• 33% search for weight control information.
• 28% search for mental health issues.
• 27% search for other health issues.
• 23% search for experimental treatments.

Demographics of Chronic Disease

• 36% of U.S. adults have at least one of the five chronic conditions studied (high blood pressure, lung conditions, heart conditions, diabetes, cancer).
• 13% have two or more conditions.
• Age, race, education, and income are key demographic factors associated with chronic disease.

Family Status

• Adults with chronic disease are more likely to be widowed or not living with children.
• 60% of those with chronic disease have children under 18 at home, compared to 40% of those without.

Conclusion

The report underscores that while chronically ill adults are disproportionately offline, those who are online engage in meaningful health-related activities, particularly blogging and online discussions, which serve as vital sources of support and information. The internet can be a powerful tool for these individuals, especially when they are connected to online communities. However, the digital divide remains a significant barrier to accessing online health resources, which may affect their ability to make informed health decisions.