Association between online health information-seeking and medication adherence: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2022
Abstract
Background The evidence of the impact of online health information-seeking (OHIS) on health outcomes has been conflicting. OHIS is increasingly recognised as a factor influencing health behaviour but the impact of OHIS on medication adherence remains unclear. Objectives We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the associations between OHIS and medication adherence. Methods We searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and Psychology and Behavioural Science Collection for studies published up to December 2020. The inclusion criteria were studies that reported the associations of OHIS and medication adherence, quantitative design, reported primary data only, related to any health condition where medications are used and conducted on patients either in clinical or community settings. A meta-analysis was used to examine the association between OHIS and medication adherence. Results A total of 17 studies involving 24,890 patients were included in this review. The study designs and results were mixed. In the meta-analysis, there was no significant association (n = 7, OR 1.356, 95% CI 0.793-2.322, p = 0.265), or correlation (n = 4, r = -0.085, 95% CI -0.572-0.446, p = 0.768) between OHIS and medication adherence. In the sub-group analysis of people living with HIV/AIDS, OHIS was associated with better medication adherence (OR 1.612, 95% CI 1.266-2.054, p < 0.001). Conclusions The current evidence of an association between OHIS and medication adherence is inconclusive. This review highlights methodological issues on how to measure OHIS objectively and calls for in-depth exploration of how OHIS affects health decisions and behaviour.
Keywords
Information-seeking behaviour, Internet, Online, Medication adherence, Consumer health information
Divisions
primarycare
Funders
University of Malaya Specialist Centre (UMSC) care Fund Grant (Grant No: PV047-2021)
Publication Title
Digital Health
Volume
8
Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Publisher Location
1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND