Sociodemographic And Health-Related Predictors Of Online Information Seeking On Healthcare Providers In Russian Adults

The objective of this study was to examine the factors of online information seeking on healthcare providers in Russian adults. Material and Methods — Our online survey involved 1,319 participants and regarded their sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, along with online information seeking on healthcare providers. The association of factors to online information seeking on healthcare providers was examined via Pearson’s chi-squared test. The odds ratios for determined predictors of online information seeking were obtained from multiple logistic regression model fitted to the data. Results — Majority of Russian adults – 58.6% (95% CI: 55.9%-61.2%) – used the Internet to collect information on healthcare providers. The most rigorous online information seeking on healthcare providers was exhibited by females (OR: 1.951, p<0.001), adults with graduate degrees (OR: 2.870, p=0.036), adults using the Internet more often (OR: 2.623, p<0.001), adults with two or more chronic diseases (OR: 1.699, p=0.005), and those who had 7 or more medical appointments during the last year preceding the survey (OR: 2.438, p=0.002). However, the age of participants was not significantly associated with online information seeking on healthcare providers (p=0.922). No statistical difference was found between those residing in rural, suburban, and urban areas (p=0.518). Conclusion — Sociodemographic and health-related factors affect patients in terms of their online information seeking on healthcare providers. The current demand for online information on healthcare providers existing in various groups highlights the need to increase patient engagement and empower the less active among them.