| Autor: |
Kulatunga, G. G. A. K., Perera, M., Rajapaksha, N., Amunugama, S. |
| Předmět: |
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| Zdroj: |
Caribbean Medical Journal; Jun2013, Vol. 75 Issue 1, p78-78, 1p |
| Abstrakt: |
Background Although extensive amount of medical information and interactive services are available through the Internet, availability of web sites with Sri Lankan identity is minimum. Addressing this deficiency "Health Net" {http//www.suwasariya.gov.lk} was launched in November 2011 by Health Education Bureau which aims at "serving Sri Lankans by Sri Lankan" to provide web based health information through web articles and resource call centre (Hot line +94 710 107 107). Increasing number of individuals are using the internet to meet their health information needs; however, little is known about the characteristics of online health information seekers. Objective To identify features of Sri Lankan online health seekers and nature of the health care information sought by them via Suwasariya web site and it's telephone hot line Methods Characteristics of health information seekers who accessed Suwasariya by SMS, email, Skype or Telephone hotline in first eight months since its launch in November 2011 were analysed. In addition, ICT related features of information seekers who visited the Suwasariya web site were analysed using the Joomla back end structure. Results There were total of 446 requests for information (including telephone calls) in the first eight months after its launch on November 2011. Males seek for health information more than females (65% vs 35%). Most of the health information seekers were from Colombo district (24%). Most commonly sought information is the cause or description of disease 299/446 (67%) followed by Information on Health Promotion and Prevention 20% (91/446). From the information on diseases 19% (57/299) were on diseases of the kidneys genitourinary system , 10% (30/299) were on endocrine & nutritional problems and 9% (28/299) on musculoskeletal diseases . Non Communicable Diseases and Psychological Health was the mostly needed information area 19% (17/91) on Health Promotion and Prevention. Average of 1184 persons visited the Suwasariya website online per month and they visited 18,625 web pages of Suwasariya per month since November 2011. Discussion and Conclusion Persons seek health information on diseases such as genito urinary diseases nutrition/endocrine diseases and musculoskeletal diseases. Males more frequently request for health information. The Internet as an unlimited and uncontrollable source of information, can deliver preventative and clinical health information to a mass of Sri Lankans from areas such as western province where communication facilities are commonly available. Health on the Internet also opens up avenues for the exploitation of people's health anxieties and risk consciousness. However, it is important to realize that such information should be provided by a certified doctor-online site that makes the individual is exposed to correct information such as in the Suwasariya web site. Health on the Internet has the potential to challenge institutionalized and professional interests in most of the Commonwealth countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Databáze: |
Complementary Index |
| Externí odkaz: |
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