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Consumers using the Internet for insomnia information: The who, what, and why

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Abstract

Information obtained from the Internet often influences the treatment choices of patients with insomnia. This study explored patterns of online information seeking and utilization among patients with insomnia. A total of 1013 participants took part in an online survey about sleep health information between July 2012 and March 2013. Participants also completed the Insomnia Severity Index and the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale. The results showed that those seeking insomnia-related information resources frequently searched online, and the information found appeared to influence important health behaviors such as treatment decisions, taking medication and whether to seek professional care. Information of interest revolved around insomnia treatment options and symptomology. While no predictors for Internet use were identified, the Internet does represent an important health-care portal for insomnia patients and warrants further investigation as targeted e-health interventions become more prominent in the routine management of insomnia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Sydney, Room S303 Pharmacy and Bank Building (A15), Science Rd Camperdown Campus, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia

    Rashmi Moghe, Janet My Cheung &  Bandana Saini

  2. Sleep and Circadian Research Group, The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

    Janet My Cheung,  Bandana Saini & Nathaniel S Marshall

  3. Sydney Nursing School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

    Nathaniel S Marshall

  4. School of Pharmacy, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

    Kylie A Williams

Authors
  1. Rashmi Moghe
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  2. Janet My Cheung
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  3. Bandana Saini
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  4. Nathaniel S Marshall
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  5. Kylie A Williams
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bandana Saini.

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Moghe, R., My Cheung, J., Saini, B. et al. Consumers using the Internet for insomnia information: The who, what, and why. Sleep Biol. Rhythms 12, 297–304 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1111/sbr.12074

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sbr.12074

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