In-center hemodialysis patients' use of the internet in the United States: a national survey.
BACKGROUND
Education is critical to help patients with chronic kidney disease self-manage their illness by thoroughly understanding their treatment options, medications, diet and fluids, and symptoms.


METHODS
This study assesses in-center hemodialysis patients' use of the Internet in general and for health information seeking, both independently and by proxy-asking a family member or friend. Patients (n = 1,804) were recruited from 37 randomly selected dialysis clinics in 18 End-Stage Renal Disease Networks. Respondents completed a survey in English or Spanish.


RESULTS
Across the entire sample, 34.7% had used the Internet themselves compared with 38% of disabled Americans. Internet use was more likely among patients who were younger, non-Hispanic, from the Southeast or Texas, and more highly educated. Median education level of English-reading respondents was 12th grade. Their total Internet health information use was 43.5% (24.7% independently, 18.8% by proxy). Median education level of Spanish-reading respondents was 6th grade; their total Internet health information use was only 25.5% (8.5% independently, 17% by proxy). Reasons for not using the Internet related more to not having access to a computer or knowledge (70.4%) than to lack of interest (21.3%).


CONCLUSIONS
Alerting patients to Internet access at public libraries or providing a computer in dialysis clinic waiting rooms may help overcome this barrier. Proxy use may extend the reach of the Internet to patients who do not have access on their own.
Schatell
Dorian
D
Medical Education Institute Inc., Madison, WI 53719, USA.
Wise
Meg
M
Klicko
Kristi
K
Becker
Bryan N
BN
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D019727:Proxy; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D014481:United States