Utilization of Online Health Information and Health-care Utilization: A Canadian Study

Lori Curtis, PhD 
Associate Professor, Department of Economics
University of Waterloo

and

Xuzhen Zhang
Applied Research and Analysis Directorate
Health Canada

April 11, 2007
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Davis Centre 1304, University of Waterloo

View Video of Presentation in HI Alive Archive: Research Seminars Archive 2006-2007

Abstract
Health information is increasingly available online. Federal and provincial governments are increasingly supporting this avenue of providing information to its citizens in an attempt to make more efficient use of health-care resources. This study uses two unique data sets to examine individual characteristics associated with the utilization of online health resources and whether individuals who access health-related information perceive themselves to be more informed regarding health-related activities. The study examines whether those who report unmet health-care needs are more likely to utilize online health information than those who do not and whether accessing online health information decreases utilization of physician services.

Results indicate that, along with the usual demographic and socio-economic factors found in the literature, consumers’ unmet health-care needs are a significant factor associated with online health information seeking behaviours. However, utilization of online health resources is shown to have little association with consumers’ self-perceived adequacy of health knowledge. Moreover, the use of online health information was not associated with a reduction in health-care utilization. On the contrary, it appeared to be associated with an increase in the likelihood of physician visits.

About the Speakers
Lori Curtis is an Associate Professor of Economics and the Canada Research Chair in Health Economics and Technology. She is currently setting up the Waterloo Health and Economics Data Laboratory, is an active member of SEDAP, and the Canadian Obesity Network. She obtained a Nursing Diploma (Durham College), B.Sc. (Honours Economics, Trent), MA (Economics, McMaster), Ph.D (Economics, McMaster). Her research interests are Health Economics related to social policy, social determinants of health and health-care utilization, and Labour Economics related to social policy and health.

Xuzhen Zhang received her masters degree in economics at the University of Waterloo and is now an economist with the Applied Research and Analysis Directorate at Health Canada.