Health Information Seeking in the Digital Age: A National Survey of Women with Disabilities

Disabil Rehabil, 2023 · DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2105960 · Published: August 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study explores how women with physical disabilities use the internet to find health information. It looks at the types of health topics they search for, how useful they find the information, and their comfort level with using online health resources. The research highlights the need for better online health resources that are accessible and easy to understand for women with disabilities.

Study Duration

January and February 2020

Participants

508 women with physical disabilities

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Women with disabilities use a wide variety of online health resources.
2
Bowel/bladder issues and finding a physician were the most frequently searched topics.
3
Many participants found online health information seeking difficult, frustrating, and were concerned about the quality of the information.

Research Summary

This study investigated online health information (OHI) seeking among women with physical disabilities, focusing on their use of the Internet, frequently searched topics, perceived usefulness of OHI, and eHealth literacy. The findings revealed that while participants utilized various OHI resources and possessed confidence in their eHealth literacy, many encountered difficulties and frustrations in their information-seeking experiences and had concerns about information quality. The study concludes with a call to action for disability and rehabilitation scientists, health care providers, and other health professionals to enhance the availability and accessibility of OHI to empower women with physical disabilities in making informed health decisions.

Practical Implications

Improve Online Health Information

Enhance the availability and accessibility of high-quality online health information tailored to women with disabilities.

Address Information Quality Concerns

Ensure the reliability and accuracy of online health resources to build trust among users.

Promote Assistive Technology

Develop and promote assistive technologies to facilitate access to online health information for individuals with disabilities.

Health Information Seeking in the Digital Age: A National Survey of Women with Disabilities

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improve Online Health Information

Address Information Quality Concerns

Promote Assistive Technology

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Health Information Seeking in the Digital Age: A National Survey of Women with Disabilities

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improve Online Health Information

Address Information Quality Concerns

Promote Assistive Technology

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?