Assessment of the use of information technologies among patients with bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Background. The Internet is commonly used for health-related purposes. For many patients, it is one of the most important sources of health information. Ability to use Internet resources is associated with the increasing role of active patient participation in the process of treatment and care. Correct identification, understanding and assessment of health-related information available on the internet may have an impact on patients’ health and the quality of their interactions with healthcare professionals. Objectives. The objective of this study was an assessment of the use of the Internet to search for health information by patients with bronchial asthma (BA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Material and methods. The study was performed using a diagnostic survey based on a questionnaire addressing the burden of chronic disease, the use of information and communication technology (ICT), the use of the Internet for health purposes, and the assessment of the implementation of e-health services. Questionnaires were sent via post office to 1000 participants of training courses organized by the Kraków chapter of the Polish Society for Fighting Allergic Diseases. Results. A total of 95 respondents sent back completed questionnaires. An analysis was performed only on the data obtained from the questionnaires of respondents who suffered from BA or COPD. Computer use was declared by 82.1% and use of the Internet by 90.6% of the participants. Age influenced the use of the computer ( p = 0.009) and unaided use of the Internet ( p = 0.017). For 50.9% of respondents, the Internet was one of the main sources of health information. The average level of e-health literacy (the eHealth Literacy Scale – eHEALS) was 28.74 ±6.17. Internet is one of the major sources of health information for patients with chronic respiratory diseases.