Use of the Internet for health information by older adults with arthritis.
BACKGROUND
Despite the information available on the Internet and the increasing number of older adults who use the Internet, little is known about Internet use for health information by elders with arthritis.


OBJECTIVE
The purposes of this study were (1) to examine the use of computers and the Internet by elders with arthritis and (2) to describe demographic and illness-related characteristics of elders who use the Internet to find health information.


METHODS
Seventy-one elders with arthritis completed survey questionnaires.


RESULTS
Twenty-eight percent had a computer in their home, of whom 95% had Internet access. Thirty-nine percent sought arthritis information on the Internet. People with more education were more likely to use the Internet. However, age and functional disability resulting from arthritis were not associated with Internet use.


CONCLUSIONS
Health professionals need to be aware of Internet resources and assist elders in finding appropriate Internet-based arthritis information.
Tak
Sunghee H
SH
College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
Hong
Song Hee
SH
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001168:Arthritis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003200:Computer User Training; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010067:Ownership / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D014768:Virginia