This short report highlights the increasing use of the Internet and online social networking technologies for health information and health decision making, and the consequences of seeking information from sites with biased or inaccurate health information. As the number of disreputable health information sites continues to grow rapidly, this paper provides practical advice for health providers...

hyosun kim’s report “trouble spots in online direct to consumer prescription drug promotion: a content analysis of fda warning letters”aims to teach marketers how to avoid breaching current food and drug administration (fda) guidelines in their online drug promotion. while kim hopes to minimise the potential for online promotion to misinform consumers and the study is carefully conducted, teach...

BACKGROUND The quantum increases in home Internet access and available online health information with limited control over information quality highlight the necessity of exploring decision making processes in accessing and using online information, specifically in relation to children who do not make their health decisions. The aim of this study was to understand the processes explaining parent...

BACKGROUND Health information is increasingly being disseminated online, but there is a knowledge gap between Latinos and non-Hispanic whites, particularly those whose English language proficiency is poor, in terms both of online health information-seeking behavior and computer literacy skills. This knowledge gap may also exist between US- and foreign-born Latinos. OBJECTIVE The specific aim ...

Background For the purpose of understanding the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) concerns regarding online promotion of prescription drugs advertised directly to consumers, this study examines notices of violations (NOVs) and warning letters issued by the FDA to pharmaceutical manufacturers.   Methods The FDA’s warning letters and NOVs, which were issued to pharmaceutical companies over a...

BACKGROUND As health care systems around the world shift toward models that emphasize self-care management, there is increasing pressure for patients to obtain health information online. It is critical that patients are able to identify potential problems with using the Internet to diagnose and treat a health issue and that they feel comfortable communicating with their doctor about the health ...

BACKGROUND Little research has examined adolescent health literacy and its relationship with online health information sources. The purpose of this study is to explore health literacy among a predominantly Hispanic adolescent population and to investigate whether exposure to a credible source of online health information, MedlinePlus(®), is associated with higher levels of health literacy. ME...

background: the advent of new technologies with widespread dissemination of information has caused a fundamental change in information and educational resources. on the other hand, selection of an appropriate and valuable source of information in the field of health education is essential. therefore, this study was designed and implemented with the objective of comparing health center’s staff o...

BACKGROUND Health information exchanged between friends or family members can influence decision making, both for routine health questions and for serious health issues. A health information broker is a person to whom friends and family turn for advice or information on health-related topics. Characteristics and online behaviors of health information brokers have not previously been studied in ...