Use of computers and the Internet for health information by patients with epilepsy

Epilepsy Behav. 2008 Jan;12(1):109-14. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2007.07.013. Epub 2007 Oct 23.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe computer and Internet use among an online group and a clinic-based group of people with epilepsy. Greater than 95% of the online group and 60% of the clinic group have access to computers and the Internet. More than 99% of the online group and 57% of the clinic group used the Internet to find health information. A majority of people reported being likely to employ an Internet-based self-management program to control their epilepsy. About 43% reported searching for general information on epilepsy, 30% for medication, 23% for specific types of epilepsy, and 20% for treatment. This study found that people with epilepsy have access to computers and the Internet, desire epilepsy-specific information, and are receptive to online health information on how to manage their epilepsy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Computers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Data Collection
  • Epilepsy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Information Storage and Retrieval / methods*
  • Male
  • Medical Informatics / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Online Systems / statistics & numerical data*