Using the Internet to access health-related information: results from a nationally representative sample of New Zealand secondary school students.

Abstract

Objective To determine if secondary school students in New Zealand who report greater health concerns (e.g. significant depressive symptoms) are more likely to use the Internet to access health-related information. Methods A nationally representative health and wellbeing survey was undertaken in 2012 (n = 8500). Multiple regression models were used to examine the associations between students' use of the Internet to access health-related information and selected outcomes or indicators. Results Over 90% of students used the Internet on a daily basis, with 15.4% of students reporting that they had used the Internet to access health-related information. Students experiencing household poverty were more likely to report not using the Internet daily (17.4% compared to 4.2%). Odds ratios (ORs) for accessing the Internet for this sort of information were highest for students who reported self-harm [OR 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3-3.3], disordered eating (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.4-3.2), or a suicide attempt (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.9-3.3). Conclusion Our findings suggest that Internet-based health interventions may be a viable way to reach young people with high health needs, but consideration needs to be given to those with limited Internet access.