We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Current Internet use and preferences of IVF and ICSI patients.
- Authors
E.C. Haagen; W. Tuil; J. Hendriks; R.P.J.d. Bruijn; D.D.M. Braat; J.A.M. Kremer
- Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nowadays, the Internet has a tremendous impact on modern society, including healthcare practice. The study aim was to characterize current Internet use by IVF and ICSI patients and to identify their preferences regarding Internet applications in fertility care. METHODS: A total of 163 couples with fertility problems awaiting an IVF or ICSI procedure in the University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands, was asked to complete a written questionnaire on Internet use in general, and also for fertility-related problems, preferences regarding Internet applications in fertility care and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: The response rate was 82%. In total, 81% of infertile couples used the Internet. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed ethnic background and annual family income to be significant predictors of Internet use. Some 66% of Internet users and 54% of the total study population used the Internet for fertility-related problems. The female partners were the main Internet users with regard to fertility-related issues. In terms of preferences of the study participants, the majority favoured personal medical information online. CONCLUSIONS: Most infertile couples used the Internet with respect to fertility-related problems and were interested in implementation of Internet applications in fertility care. Healthcare providers should actively participate in the development and implementation of Internet applications in fertility care.
- Subjects
INFERTILITY; INTERNET in medicine; LOGISTIC regression analysis
- Publication
Human Reproduction, 2003, Vol 18, Issue 10, p2073
- ISSN
0268-1161
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/humrep/deg423