Factors associated with the use of health information on the internet and self-medication: A cross-sectional study of Peruvian adults

Background Access to health information on the internet has increased significantly, influencing self-care decisions and the use of medications without a prescription. Objective This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the use of online health information and self-medication in a Peruvian sample. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted with 493 Peruvian adults selected through nonprobabilistic convenience sampling. An online questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, subjective health status, use of online health information, internet competence, and self-medication. Analyses included correlations, Student's t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Among participants, 62.5% reported self-medication and 74.2% reported using the internet to search for health information. Use of online health information was significantly associated with self-medication. Predictors of self-medication included being a woman, living in the jungle region, rural residence, current illness, poor perceived health, and higher internet competence (F = 13.536, p < 0.001; R² = 0.189). Significant predictors were internet competence (β = 0.23, p < 0.001), female sex (β = 0.14, p = 0.002), and poor perceived health (β = 0.13, p = 0.003). In a separate model, internet use for health information was associated with younger age, living in the jungle region, and higher internet competence (F = 5.734, p < 0.001; adjusted R² = 0.071), with internet competence (β = 0.18, p < 0.001) and age (β = –0.15, p = 0.002) being the most relevant factors. Conclusion Online health information use is associated with self-medication among Peruvian adults. Internet competence emerged as a key factor for both behaviors.