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Business dr google

Some patients will Google symptoms rather than reach out to a healthcare provider, resulting in the spread of misinformation. (Photo by: BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

By Hannah Bryan Leaders Staff

Hannah Bryan

News Writer

Hannah Bryan is a news writer for Leaders Media. Most recently she was a reporter for the Sanilac County News...

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Apr 17, 2023

Dr. Google May Misinform Patients

Americans who search online for medical information rather than speaking with their doctor may not find factual information.

Key Details

  • A recent survey revealed that around 39% of people had used the internet to find medical information rather than visit their doctor’s office. 
  • Those who Google their own symptoms tend to diagnose themselves up to four times a year using the information found online, StudyFinds reports. 
  • This frequent self-diagnosis has led to the proliferation of medical misinformation and misconceptions. More than 40% of adults surveyed believe that treatments such as fish oil, garlic, and honey alone are sufficient to treat certain illnesses. 
  • An even larger number, 64%, believe that carbs are strictly bad for a person’s health. 
  • Despite the frequent online health research, 62% of those surveyed still trust their doctor to give them accurate medical advice. 

Why it’s news

The wealth of information on the internet can provide a good starting point for a person looking to understand his health symptoms, but the internet cannot always provide accurate or trustworthy information regarding healthcare. 

As a result, many Americans remain under-informed about their health. More than half of those surveyed frequently take vitamins or supplements. However, only 49% report regular checkups with the doctor. Even fewer, 46%, regularly exercise. Around 30% actively manage their stress levels, and 23% monitor their cholesterol, both factors which can significantly affect heart health. 

Heart disease is a growing problem for many Americans. Around 36% reported that it runs in their family, yet many respondents were under-informed about heart health. Most respondents recognized chest pain and shortness of breath as heart attack symptoms, but only 40% recognized vomiting and jaw pain as indicators, StudyFinds reports.

Over 70% of respondents recognized that smoking, obesity, and stress could increase the risk of a heart attack, but just 50% knew that over-exertion could contribute. 

Respondents were less informed about the symptoms of a heart attack in women, which differs from men’s symptoms. Only 41% knew women should watch for symptoms like fatigue and back pain as early indicators of a heart attack.

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