Chronic disease and use of online health information and online health services

Abstract

This study examines the factors associated with computer use for the self-management of health among individuals diagnosed with chronic diseases (CD) in Israel. We distinguish between: (1) access to online health information, and (2) use of online health services (OHS). A geographic representative sample comprising 2008 individuals was contacted. 1406 individuals (67.6%) reported using the computer for health concerns. Four conditions – heart, cancer, diabetes and hypertension – were identified (N = 225). Using a series of logit regression models it is shown that CD increases access to online health information (OHI) but its effect of use of OHS is specific to: (1) type of CD, i.e., heart condition, and (2) type of provided service, i.e., medical updates. These results indicate that while computer use increases the odds for higher empowerment this may not necessarily lead to higher use of OHS provided by the healthcare provider among individuals diagnosed with CD decreasing the likelihood for better self-management. Implications for health policy are discussed.