The association between women's health information use and health care visits.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of the type of information sources used on health services use.


METHODS
Population-based random-digit dialing survey of 498 women, between December 1999 and January 2000, on use of health information sources and health visits.


RESULTS
After adjustment for sociodemographic and medical factors, use of print health media and computer-based resources was associated with 1.9 and 1.6 more visits, respectively compared to non-use (Regression coefficients 1.9; [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.1, 3.7] and 1.6; [95% CI 0.3, 3.0]).


CONCLUSIONS
Print health media and computer-based sources are associated with a higher number of health care visits.
Nicholson
Wanda
W
Women's and Children's Health Policy Center, Department of Population and Family Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. wnichol@jhmi.edu
Gardner
Bridget
B
Grason
Holly A
HA
Powe
Neil R
NR
D000328:Adult; D015142:Baltimore / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006295:Health Resources / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009819:Office Visits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*