| The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of individuals that predispose them to utilize the Internet to make decisions about their personal health. It is imperative to understand whether consumers are willing and able to utilize online health information to promote their health, but very little research has examined this concept of Internet self-efficacy. This study examined Internet self-efficacy of key demographic groups in terms of the health belief model constructs, which have been shown to be related to health behaviors. The results of this study can help multiple stakeholders understand how to more effectively design and implement online health messages. The study utilized a random sample of current Internet users selected from a commercial research panel. A survey instrument, which was validated and tested for reliability, was created to measure perceptions of the study participants. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v. 14.0 for Windows. All of the analyses were two-sided with a 5% alpha level. Statistical tests used to examine association between variables included Pearson's correlation coefficient, two-sample t tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Statistical analysis revealed a moderate association between Internet self-efficacy and the constructs of perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and several cues to action. The results were similar formost demographic groups. The implications for positive social change include the potential to dramatically empower healthcare consumers to become more engaged in making personal healthcare decisions. Effective Web-based health information has the potential to dramatically alter the healthcare delivery system to one that is highly consumer directed. Ultimately this resource could decrease the overall incidence of preventable diseases and their medical sequelae. |
