Consumers' use of the internet for health information.

Although health information is one of the most frequently sought subjects on the Internet, little research has been performed in this area. This study was designed to examine the use of the Internet for health information by the consumers. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 212 consumers who were using health care. Only small percentages of the consumers accessed the Internet for health information. This result indicates that different marketing strategies based on geographic characteristics should be developed for consumers who wish to get health care information.

[The effects on health information education for the deaf].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects on health information education for the deaf. METHOD: One group pre-test and post-test research design was applied to 46 deaf people. The instrument developed by research team was used for data collection. The questionnaire consisted of 91 items including demographics and 5 diseases, such as hypertension, cancer, diabetes, pulmonary tuberculosis, and hepatitis. RESULT: The degrees of knowledge on 4 diseases, such as, hypertension, diabetes, pulmonary tuberculosis, and hepatitis were significantly improved. There was no educational effect on cancer even though the degree of knowledge during the pre-test was the highest. There were educational effects on 5 diseases by gender, but no effects by age and hearing/deaf status of parent. CONCLUSION: This study was the first for the deaf in nursing. Further studies are needed for the deaf who have low education. Also, good educational materials using video and CD need to be developed.