The Internet usage profile among residents of a low-income community in a health center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Authors

  • Andre Pereira Neto Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - Rio de Janeiro - Brasil
  • Alexandra Melo Universidade de Georgetown, em Washington DC - Estados Unidos da América
  • Allyson Noyes Universidade de Georgetown, em Washington DC - Estados Unidos da América

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3395/reciis.v7i2.488

Keywords:

Internet, Physician-patient relations Primary Health Care, Information Seeking Behavior, Information Technology

Abstract

The Internet has revolutionized how people communicate and access information. As this technology becomes increasingly widespread and affordable around the world, it is fundamental to understand how and why people access information online and the role it plays in daily life. Gaps in both Internet access and literacy may further polarize socioeconomic groups. This study sought to create a community profile on Internet use and health-seeking behavior in a low-income population. Researchers conducted both oral questionnaires (n=102) and qualitative interviews (n=17) at a public primary health clinic that caters to a nearby slum complex, during a four-week time period. Of all participants, 60.8% reported using the Internet. The study found that Internet use for health-related information and help was present but not prevalent among participants. According to this study, doctor-patient relationships have only partially permeated the virtual sphere, yet knowledge of available online health information is widespread. Results in this study encourage the use of Internet resources in the implementation of community level public health interventions.

Author Biographies

Andre Pereira Neto, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - Rio de Janeiro - Brasil

Graduação em História pela Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Mestrado em História - Universite de Paris III (Sorbonne-Nouvelle), Doutorado em Saúde Coletiva pela Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro e Pós-Doutorado em Sociologia da Saúde pela Universidade da Califórnia, San Francisco

Alexandra Melo, Universidade de Georgetown, em Washington DC - Estados Unidos da América

Estudante de Graduação do Departamento de Saúde Internacional da Universidade de Georgetown, em Washington DC, Estados Unidos da América.

Allyson Noyes, Universidade de Georgetown, em Washington DC - Estados Unidos da América

Estudante de Graduação do Departamento de Saúde Internacional da Universidade de Georgetown, em Washington DC, Estados Unidos da América.

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How to Cite

Pereira Neto, A., Melo, A., & Noyes, A. (2013). The Internet usage profile among residents of a low-income community in a health center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Revista Eletrônica De Comunicação, Informação & Inovação Em Saúde, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.3395/reciis.v7i2.488

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2013): Temático | As tecnologias de informação e comunicação no setor saúde: potencialidades e desafios para a gestão do SUS

Section

Original articles

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