CHICAGO (IslamOnline) - A new survey indicates that more Americans are using the Internet to get medication and become better informed on health issues than ever before.
In a survey conducted by PC Data Online, where 1,618 Internet users responded to the online poll, 60% said they visited medical websites in the past year, while 59% said they used the service to get more information about symptoms in a form of amateur diagnosis.
"Healthcare sites won't replace the family doctor, but they are evolving into the first line of defense for users with medical concerns," said Sean Wargo, a senior analyst with PC Data Online.
"The survey suggests that the medical community is now treating better-educated patients - or at least people who have more information upon which they are basing medical decisions."
Findings showed that 43% said they sought information for wellness and fitness, while 42% or less looked for prescription information. The survey also indicated that 7% of respondents said they translated their Internet surfing to medicinal online purchases.
Among reasons given by those making purchases at online pharmacies, respondents stating they desired to avoid crowds were in the majority at just over 52%. Some 43% cited the convenience of having prescriptions delivered to their homes, while an additional 36% said prices were lower at online pharmacies than at traditional stores.
Top reasons for not shopping at online pharmacies included the desire to speak to a pharmacist in person, and an aversion to shipping charges - both of which were mentioned by nearly 32% of those surveyed.
Based on the survey, Internet users in the U.S. are getting their medical education from Web sites such as WebMD.com, recognized by nearly 47% of users; DrKoop.com, recognized by just over 31%; DiscoveryHealth.com, recognized by more than 25.5%; and OnHealth.com, known to 20%.
