Internet use, online information seeking and knowledge among third molar patients attending public dental services

Abstract

BACKGROUND: While Australians are searching the Internet for third molar (TM) information, the usefulness of online sources might be questioned due to quality variation. This study explored: (1) internet use, online information seeking behavior among TM patients attending public dental services and (2) whether patients' TM knowledge scores are associated with the level of internet use and eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) scores. METHODS: Baseline survey data from the "Engaging Patients in Decision-Making" study were used. Variables included: socio-demographics, internet access status, online information seeking behavior, eHEALS, the Control Preferences Scale (CPS) and TM knowledge. RESULTS: Participants (n=165) were mainly female (73.8%), aged 19-25 years (42.4%) and had "secondary school or less" education (58.4%). A majority (n=79, 52.7%) had sought online dental information which was associated with active decisional control preference (OR=3.1, P=.034) and higher educational attainment (OR=2.7, P=.040). TM knowledge scores were not associated with either the level of Internet use (F (2, 152) =2.1, P=.094, ƞ(2) =(.) 031). or the eHEALS scores (r=.147, P=.335). CONCLUSION: The internet prepared patient" phenomena exists among public TM patients and was explained by preference for involvement in decision-making. However, Internet use was not associated with better TM knowledge. Providing TM patients with internet guidance might be an opportunity to improve TM knowledge.