Neither the Internist Nor the Internet: Use of and Trust in Health Information Sources by People with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore health information sources accessed by people with schizophrenia and the level of trust invested in them. Method: A cross-sectional survey was performed comparing the responses of 71 adults with schizophrenia (recruited from both community and inpatient settings) with 238 general practice attendees on their use of television, radio, the Internet, newspapers, magazines, family and friends, and doctor to obtain information on health matters, and their levels of trust in these sources. Results: People with schizophrenia most commonly reported using a doctor, family and friends, and television to obtain information on health matters. However, compared with general practice attendees, they gained less health information from doctors and the Internet, and had less trust in doctors. Within-group analysis revealed that in people with schizophrenia: living alone increased the likelihood of obtaining health information from television; a higher level of education increased the odds of trusting the Internet as a health information source; a higher estimated household income was associated with an increased likelihood of trusting newspapers; and women with schizophrenia were considerably more likely than men with schizophrenia to trust family and friends as providers of health information. For both groups, there were significant positive correlations between the amount of health information obtained from a given information source and the level of trust invested in it. Conclusions: There are significant differences in the reported utilization and trust of health information sources between people with schizophrenia and attendees at general practice settings. Those with schizophrenia are less likely to trust and obtain information from a doctor, and less likely to access the Internet. Further research is required to explore this disparity. This is critical given the high rates of comorbid physical illness and reduced longevity in people suffering from schizophrenia.