OTTAWA - Women were a little more likely than men to search for health information on the Internet in 2005, according to a study released by Statistics Canada Thursday.
About 55 per cent of Internet users who searched for health information were women, according to "Getting a second opinion: Health information and the Internet," which used data from the 2005 Canadian Internet Use Survey. The survey involved 30,466 people.
In total, about one-third of Canadian adults looked for health information on the web but they represented 58 per cent of those Canadians who used the Internet in general.
Of those who obtained health information, 38 per cent then discussed it with their doctor or another health-care provider.
The study said the data raises some concerns, among them the quality of information available on the Internet.
"The accuracy and reliability of Internet information on any topic can vary widely. Internet sources of health information range from personal accounts of illnesses and patient discussion groups to clinical decision tools and peer-reviewed journal articles."
Those who used the Internet for health research also were more likely to have higher levels of education and income and were among relatively heavy users of the web, more likely to use it daily and log at least five hours a week.
Most (56 per cent) wanted information on specific diseases but about half also searched for lifestyle information, such as diet, nutrition and exercise.
Other topics frequently investigated were specific symptoms, drugs or medications, and alternative therapies.
More adults aged 18 to 44 looked for data on lifestyle and the health care system, while comparatively more adults aged 45 or older sought information on specific diseases, drugs or medications.
?? The Canadian Press, 2008