Those with a Disability or Chronic Disease are Avid e-Health Consumers

By John M Grohol PsyD
October 11, 2007

About a fifth of American adults say that a disability, handicap, or chronic disease keeps them from participating fully in work, school, housework, or other activities.

But according to a new report released earlier this week from the Pew Internet and American Life Project, adults living with a disability or chronic disease are less likely than others to go online. The report found that once online, people with chronic health concerns turn into avid health consumers. Only 51% of those living with a disability or chronic disease go online, compared to 74% of those who report no chronic conditions.

Those with chronic conditions are more likely than other e-patients to report that their online searches affected treatment decisions, their interactions with their doctors, their ability to cope with their condition, and their dieting and fitness regimen.

In addition to providing national telephone survey data, the Pew report includes quotes from online essays written by members of an online support group, the Association of Cancer Online Resources (ACOR.org).

Read the full report: Pew Internet: E-patients With a Disability or Chronic Disease (PDF)

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues, and the intersection of technology and psychology since 1992.

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One Comment to
“Those with a Disability or Chronic Disease are Avid e-Health Consumers”

Romeo Vitelli at 6:59 pm on October 11th, 2007

While it is acknowledged that the chronically ill people in the study tended to be older and less well-educated than respondents, socioeconomic status is not directly addressed in the study. People who are physically disabled or chronically ill tend to be have less disposable income and are less able to afford the computers and internet connections that the rest of us take for granted. It’s the same gap between technological haves and have-nots that is found in most societies with marginalized people being shut out of the technological revolution. Aside from libraries (and good luck getting access to their computers with the long lineups) there are few other options available.