Use and outcome of online health information services: a study among Scottish population

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on a research designed to find out how people in Scotland access and use online health information. Design/methodology/approach It is based on a survey of two sets of population in Glasgow – a group of 64 users from the general public and a group of 24 post graduate students from a university in Glasgow. Findings Use of the Internet for health information was found to be much lower in Scotland than in the previous UK studies particularly those using online surveys. It was noted that people searched online health information for themselves, family and friends. Healthy eating, exercise and alternative medicine were the most commonly sought topics. Approximately half the survey participants felt online health information influenced their treatment. Originality/value The study incorporates both Internet users and non‐users, as well as proficient internet users, and therefore provides a more balanced view.