60.5% of the Spanish population consults on their health on the internet. This is one of the main conclusions drawn from the report 'Citizens before e-Health' prepared by the National Observatory of Telecommunications and the Information Society (Ontsi).In fact, 52.1% of the Spanish population browses the Internet to search for information about a diagnosis or illness and, in addition, 50.9% browse web pages to know the symptoms of a pathology that affects both the user and a close relative.
By conducting this pioneering research study in Spain, through 5,500 surveys, it is intended to know in depth what are the perceptions, attitudes and uses of citizens in relation to the application of ICT in the health sector, as Consalud.es has collected.
women are informed about health on the internet
In response to sociodemographic variables such as gender in the use of the Internet for health-related issues, this work reflects that women use, to a greater extent, the internet to advise on health issues.Specifically, 63 , 4% of the female population in Spain uses this source of information , while 36.6% do not use it for this purpose.On the other hand, among men, 57.2% use the internet and 42.8% prefer other routes.
When taking into account age groups, the report reveals that there are large differences according to the range studied.For example, 75% of the citizens of the age group between 16 and 49 use Internet for health-related consultations. However, after 50 years of age, the percentage of Spaniards who use this source of information decreases considerably.In fact, only 18.1% of those over 64 years of age access online to get advice on health.
70% consult the doctor first
The report 'Citizens before e-Health' also indicates that approximately 70% of the Spanish population does not seek information on the Internet before going to a medical consultation.In this regard, the study highlights that 69 , 8% of the citizens of our country put the first medical opinion before the advice and indications that appear in the network.
From the Ontsi they also point out that 25.7% of the inhabitants consult on the internet before attending their medical appointment. If this information is transferred to the number of Internet users, that is, those with usual presence in the network, the percentage in our country would amount to 31.5%.
If we look at the population strip that searches for health information on the internet before visiting their doctor, the study indicates that 60% share the results obtained online with their doctor. On the other hand, citizens who choose to reserve the information they offer in the consultation barely exceed 14%.The search for advice and indications after the consultation follows a similar pattern, although the proportion of people who do not seek information never exceeds 58%, while 37.2% of the inhabitants extend the medical diagnosis through the network.
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