title: Use of the internet for health purposes: trends in Norway 2000-2010.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this work is to study the 10 year trends in the use and projected use of internet for health purposes in Norway. This includes more detailed analyses of changes in latter years, current uses, valuation as source of health information, reported effects and projected developments.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surveys on the use of the internet for health purposes have been conducted in Norway in the years 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007. Representative samples were drawn from the population, and interviews were conducted by poll agencies using telephone (CATI).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Internet use for health purposes in the Norwegian population has increased dramatically over the last 7 years from 19% in 2000 to 67% in 2007. If this trend continues, we estimate that 84% of the Norwegian population will be using internet for health purposes by the year 2010. Reading about health or illness is the most common activity, and the rated importance of the internet as a source of health information is increasing. The internet is also used more for ordering medicines and other health-related products. Forty-four per cent of those having used the internet for health purposes reported having searched for lifestyle-related information, and 40% reported having felt inspired to change health behaviour.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The internet is an important source of health information, which is likely to increase in importance in the years to come. This study further underlines the potential of internet use for health promoting purposes, as well as the potential for exacerbating social disparities in health.
authors.affiliation: Norwegian Centre for Telemedicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
authors.forename: Silje
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wangberg
authors.forename: Hege
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Andreassen
authors.forename: Per
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kummervold
authors.forename: Rolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wynn
authors.forename: Tove
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sørensen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D054626:Consumer Health Information / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult