摘要
Background: Internet use has grown rapidly in Iran, but there is no information about how Iranian Internet users gather medical information through this medium. Objective: To study the use of the Internet as a medical resource by Iranian patients with chronic dermatologic problems. Methods: We carried out a structured interview of all patients 20- 40 years of age attending a private dermatology clinic between July and September 2003 for chronic skin disease. Results: Of the 205 patients enrolled in the study, 104 (50.8% ) had computer access and 74 (36.1% of the total) had Internet access. Nine patients (4.4% ) had performed a search on the Internet for their skin condition, but only one had used an academic website. Conclusion: Despite the significant growth in Internet use in Iran, it appears that the Internet is not a significant medical resource for patients in Iran.
Background: Internet use has there is no information about grown rapidly in Iran, but how Iranian Internet users gather medical information through this medium. Objective: To study the use of the Internet as a medical resource by Iranian patients with chronic dermatologic problems. Methods: We carried out a structured interview of all patients 20 - 40 years of age attending a private dermatology clinic between July and September 2003 for chronic skindisease. Results: Of the 205 patients enrolled in the study, 104 (50.8%) had computer access and 74 (36. 1% of the total) had Intemet access. Nine patients (4. 4% ) had performed a search on the Intemet for their skin condition, but only one had used an academic website. Conclusion: Despite the significant growth in Internet use in Iran,