Internet uses for accessing health information among college students in Udupi Taluk, Karnataka

Dr. Sirin Khan; Dr. Prakash Narayanan

Volume : IX, Issue : VIII, August - 2019

Internet uses for accessing health information among college students in Udupi Taluk, Karnataka

Dr. Sirin Khan, Dr. Prakash Narayanan

Abstract :

Background & objectives– Internet usage for searching health information has become common nowadays among college students because of the frequent use of digital technologies. Though several types of research done to access internet addiction among young adults but only a few focuses on searching for health information online among these group. This study was done to access the proportion of college students using the internet for searching health information and to access the pattern of internet use for health information. And find factors determining the search for health information online. Methods– A cross–sectional study was conducted among the undergraduate students aged between 18–21 years. A self–reported questionnaire was administered to approximately 800 students enrolled in courses B.Com, B.A., BSc, BBM, LLB and BCA were used as data collection tool. Probability proportional to size sampling (PPS) technique was used for proportional distribution among the college & within each college; participants were selected by convenient sampling. Results – The study shows that 67.2% (538/800) of the students had used the internet for accessing health information in the last 6–months. The majority of them searched for health topics related to fitness & exercise (61.7%), Diet & nutrition (36.57%). The reason for seeking health information online reported by the students was to keep confidentiality (49.4%) related to the health issue. Search for health information online also varies with age & courses. Conclusion– More than half of the students searched for health information online, hence the quality & accuracy of health–related information on the internet need to be validated.