The Search for Health: College Students and their Internet Use
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Mentor Information
Dr. Donna Lee Ettel-Gambino, Ph.D.
Description
Prior research suggests that online health searches may affect medical decision making and health-seeking behaviors. Internet searches may then serve as tools to identify health-seeking behavior and potentially identify risk factors. Therefore, it is imperative that biological and social determinants of health-seeking behavior are understood. Our objective was to improve the understanding on how college students utilize electronic tools to obtain health information and what topics searched were prioritized. A MANOVA was conducted to identify significant trends amongst a sample size of 292 Eckerd College students. The independent variable was the biological sex of the student. The dependent variables examined were students’ responses to survey questions about if they use the internet to access health information, specifically if they inquired about weight control, skin conditions, sexual health, or potential medicinal side effects. The result of this study shows that females were significantly more likely to frequent the internet than their male counterparts. Female students were also more likely to query information on weight control and about skin conditions than male students. Evidence shows that the internet serves as a primary source of information for health-related issues among college students. It provides gateways to a plethora of information about effective and preventative services and healthcare. Finding online information does not ensure college students will practice healthy habits. Considering women are more likely to conduct internet searches, student health services leaders may want to tailor educational programs towards male and female students on their campus to ensure their healthcare needs are met.
The Search for Health: College Students and their Internet Use
Prior research suggests that online health searches may affect medical decision making and health-seeking behaviors. Internet searches may then serve as tools to identify health-seeking behavior and potentially identify risk factors. Therefore, it is imperative that biological and social determinants of health-seeking behavior are understood. Our objective was to improve the understanding on how college students utilize electronic tools to obtain health information and what topics searched were prioritized. A MANOVA was conducted to identify significant trends amongst a sample size of 292 Eckerd College students. The independent variable was the biological sex of the student. The dependent variables examined were students’ responses to survey questions about if they use the internet to access health information, specifically if they inquired about weight control, skin conditions, sexual health, or potential medicinal side effects. The result of this study shows that females were significantly more likely to frequent the internet than their male counterparts. Female students were also more likely to query information on weight control and about skin conditions than male students. Evidence shows that the internet serves as a primary source of information for health-related issues among college students. It provides gateways to a plethora of information about effective and preventative services and healthcare. Finding online information does not ensure college students will practice healthy habits. Considering women are more likely to conduct internet searches, student health services leaders may want to tailor educational programs towards male and female students on their campus to ensure their healthcare needs are met.
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