Women use internet more for health info

[Posted: Thu 23/08/2007]

Women are more likely than men to search for health information on the internet, according to new research.

Researchers at Bryant University in Rhode Island in the US  found that health was one of only a few areas for which women use the internet more than men.

The study of over 500 people found that in 2004, 82% of the females studied answered yes when asked if they ever seached the web for health-related information, compared to 78% of men.

The only exception, the researchers found, is that men are more likely to use the internet to find sensitive health information that may be difficult or embarrassing to talk about. 

It was also found that women are more likely than men to seek on-line support for medical problems; are more likely than men to seek healthcare information for others, and visit more health sites than men.