Adults with cardiac-like symptoms using Thuisarts.nl for chest pain were significantly more likely to seek immediate care than those with non-cardiac pain (OR 3.57; 95% CI 1.2-10.6; p=0.022).
Cross-Sectional (n=791)
Does the use of an online health information website for chest pain influence care-seeking behavior in adults?
Online health information for chest pain is primarily used by a low-risk demographic who find it helpful, and it appropriately prompts those with cardiac-like symptoms to seek immediate care.
Odds Ratio: 3.57 (95% CI 1.2–10.6)
p-value: p=0.022
Abstract Background Online health information websites, like Thuisarts.nl, guide patients with chest pain toward appropriate care and support sustainable healthcare use. Purpose This study explores the demographics, symptoms, actions, and decision-making of individuals using Thuisarts.nl for chest pain. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire was carried out (February 2022–October 2023) via pop-ups on two Thuisarts.nl pages about chest pain. Adults seeking chest pain information for themselves were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire. Responses were categorized based on whether participants sought immediate care or waited to contact a healthcare provider. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, and logistic regression examined the association between cardiac-like symptoms and immediate care-seeking, adjusted for age. Results Of the 791 participants who started the questionnaire, 66% were female, with a mean age of 52 years. Most participants (78%) reported non-anginal pain, while 5% described symptoms resembling typical angina. Participants with cardiac-like symptoms were more likely to seek immediate care than those with non-cardiac pain (OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.2–10.6, p=0.022). Overall, 83% of participants found the information helpful; of these, 14% sought immediate care, while 86% waited a few days before contacting a healthcare provider. Conclusion Thuisarts.nl for chest pain is primarily used by a low-risk group and is helpful to most visitors. While many wait to contact a healthcare provider after reading the website, those with cardiac-like symptoms tend to seek immediate care. These findings highlight the importance of providing clear, accessible information in supporting sustainable chest pain management.
Dijkman et al. (Sat,) conducted a cross-sectional in Chest pain (n=791). Cardiac-like symptoms vs. Non-cardiac pain was evaluated on Immediate care-seeking (OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.2-10.6, p=0.022). Adults with cardiac-like symptoms using Thuisarts.nl for chest pain were significantly more likely to seek immediate care than those with non-cardiac pain (OR 3.57; 95% CI 1.2-10.6; p=0.022).