Internet Use Behavior Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Chronic Illnesses

• Published in: Journal of pediatric nursing 2021-09, Vol.60, p.260-266
• Main Authors: Anikputa, Benedicta C., Horner, Sharon D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Chronic illness; Nursing; Special healthcare needs; Transitional care; Young adult
• ISSN: 0882-5963; 1532-8449
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2021.07.024

Approximately 25% of adolescents and young adults (AYA) have special healthcare needs. Transitioning from a pediatric to an adult model of healthcare is an important event but most AYA with special health care needs and their families do not receive the preparation and support they need to transition to adult care. The purpose of this scoping review was to determine how AYA use the internet for health-related information. Three databases were used CINAHL, Medline and PsycINFO with search terms including adolescent, young adult, chronic illness, internet, social media. Inclusion criteria were articles focused on AYA (16–25), use of internet or social media for health-related information, published in English between 2005 and 2020. Initial search yielded 369 articles, 335 were eliminated as not meeting the inclusion criteria. Of the 34 remaining, 14 were eligible for inclusion. AYA used the internet for health concerns, socializing, entertainment, homework, general information, and shopping. AYA expressed concerns about disclosing personal health information and potential misinformation on websites. Few used it to look up their diagnosed condition or talk to illness peers. AYA report they also get information from non-internet sources like providers, parents, and peers. AYA have a need for health-related information. When planning online resources critical issues include perceived threats to privacy and security and quality of information. Online resources must address these issues so AYA consumers can have confidence in their website. •AYA used internet for general health information, but few(er) studies reported using it to search for their specific health information.•AYA obtain most of their health information from parents, peers, and health providers•Privacy and security around disclosing health information and misinformation from internet sources frequently cited as concerns.