Survey shows that 49% of Indians use the internet for health information

 3rd March 2015    PR News 
 Paarul Chand

Insights on Indians searching health information online survey (India Health Online Survey) conducted by Via Media, a specialist in digital health content and communication, revealed that an overwhelming 49 per cent of internet users use digital media to either read information on health or use the net as the first port of call for data before visiting a doctor. The graph of those who needed a second opinion and facts regarding food, nutrition and fitness is also on the rise.

The survey also showed more IT professionals seek health information and of this, men dominate the healthcare digital landscape as well as the lower the income bracket, the higher the dependency and trust on the internet for health information.

According to the survey, 44 per cent of seekers of health information through the digital media were in the age group of 26-35 years. This was followed by 29 per cent in the age group of 18-25 years, 15 per cent in the 36-45 per cent age group and 12 per cent in the 46-55 years age group. 37 per cent work in the IT/ITES/BPO/KPO sector and an overwhelming 80 per cent of those who seek online healthcare information are males.

The online survey, conducted in January, focused on cities with high internet penetration and accessibility – Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.