Have Online Consumers Used Health Search Engine Sites To Find Health Information?

Seventy percent of online consumers surveyed said they have used a Web-based search engine to find health-related information, but just 7% of online consumers surveyed said they have used a health-specific search engine, according to a survey by Forrester Research.

Fifty-nine percent of respondents who reported using a health search engine were ages 41 years old or younger, according to the survey.

In addition, consumers who have used a health search engine reported higher technology optimism and ownership of broadband connections.The survey also found that 31% of online consumers who have used a health search engine said that the health information they find online often is difficult to understand, compared with 13% of respondents who have not used a health search engine.

In addition, 32% of respondents who have used a health search engine said they find the amount of health information available online intimidating, compared with 14% of respondents who have not used a health search engine, according to the survey.Results are based on a Q2 2007 survey of 5,551 online U.S. consumers.

Source: Forrester Research