Health-related Internet use, coping, social support, and health indicators in people living with HIV/AIDS: preliminary results from a community survey.
Widespread Internet use has revolutionized health information and patient education for persons with chronic illnesses. The authors surveyed 147 HIV-positive persons to examine factors associated with Internet use and associations between Internet use and health. Information, motivation, and behavioral skills associated with using the Internet were related to Internet use. The authors found that health-related Internet use was associated with HIV disease knowledge, active coping, information seeking coping, and social support among persons who were using the Internet. These preliminary findings suggest an association between using the Internet for health-related information and health benefits among people living with HIV/AIDS, supporting the development of interventions to close the digital divide in HIV/AIDS care.
Kalichman
Seth C
SC
Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, Storrs 06269-1020, USA. sethk@uconn.edu
Benotsch
Eric G
EG
Weinhardt
Lance
L
Austin
James
J
Luke
Webster
W
Cherry
Chauncey
C
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012944:Social Support