Online health information and pediatric treatment decisions: a study of generation Y parents

Danilo Marçal  Vieira; João Marcelo  Rondina; Luana Ribeiro Altrão Iorino; Emerson Roberto dos  Santos; João Daniel De Souza  Menezes; Doroteia Rossi da Silva  Souza; Heloísa Cristina  Caldas; Alba Regina de Abreu  Lima; Vânia Maria Sabadoto  Brienze; Alexandre Lins  Werneck; Patrícia da Silva  Fucuta; Júlio César  André

doi:10.23750/abm.v95i4.16024

Online health information and pediatric treatment decisions: a study of generation Y parents

Authors

Danilo Marçal Vieira FAMERP- Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2013-8643
João Marcelo Rondina FAMERP- Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9316-8157
Luana Ribeiro Altrão Iorino FAMEMA- Faculty of Medicine of Marília, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3970-5863
Emerson Roberto dos Santos FAMERP- Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9513-1083
João Daniel De Souza Menezes FAMERP- Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8767-7556
Doroteia Rossi da Silva Souza FAMERP- Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8601-2325
Heloísa Cristina Caldas FAMERP- Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8303-3929
Alba Regina de Abreu Lima FAMERP- Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4332-4059
Vânia Maria Sabadoto Brienze FAMERP- Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1727-2710
Alexandre Lins Werneck FAMERP- Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2911-8091
Patrícia da Silva Fucuta FAMERP- Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8342-4970
Júlio César André FAMERP- Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0549-4527

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v95i4.16024

Keywords:

Seeking, Physician-Patient Relations, Medicine, Telemedicine, Internet

Abstract

Background and aim of the work: E-health has generated benefits and challenges, such as spreading false information online. This study investigated the impact of online health research on the treatment and diagnosis of children aged 0 to 12 whose guardians belong to Generation Y, examining interference in the doctor-patient relationship and the influence of socioeconomic factors. The practical implications of these findings are significant, as they can guide communication strategies, provide reliable information, and promote collaboration between professionals and patients. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in a hospital in the interior of São Paulo between 2022 and 2023. Participants aged 32 to 42, responsible for children aged 0 to 12, answered a questionnaire on health research habits. We performed the statistical analysis using descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation, and the Mann-Whitney test. Results: Our sample of 101 participants was predominantly female (80.2%) and heterogeneous in age, marital status, skin color, schooling, and occupation. The use of cell phones to access the internet was predominant (100%), and 34% always searched for health information online. Most found the information understandable (51.4%) and valuable (58.6%) but were cautious about its reliability. We found correlations between demographic data and the importance of different sources. Conclusions: The study contributes to understanding online health information-seeking habits and behaviors.

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