Many consulting Dr Google: report

WELLINGTON: A report has found almost 40% of New Zealanders seek health advice online before seeing a professional.

The Healthy Futures Report, commissioned by the nonprofit insurer Southern Cross, interviewed 5000 people about their physical and mental health conditions.

It found that since the start of the pandemic, the uncertainties of Covid19 had left many people confused about where to go for accurate health advice and information.

However, while 39% of New Zealanders looked for health advice online when unwell, that had dropped four points from prepandemic levels.

There had also been a significant drop in the number of people seeking general health advice from friends/whanau and the internet (50%, down 13 points), including online articles and social media.

The report said that was possibly due to an increase of antiscience rhetoric during the Covid19 pandemic.

People were now more likely to seek out advice from health professionals when physically unwell.

There was also an increase in people (22%, up 11 points) seeking health advice from pharmacists when unwell.

Southern Cross chief medical officer Dr Stephen Child said although online research could bring more medical understanding, it was always best to seek professional help, especially before starting any treatments.

‘‘The problem with the internet is people’s opinions and less rigorous research can become accepted and available to individuals who are searching,’’ he said.

It was important for people to check the sources of online information regarding health, Dr Child said.