Characteristics of Users and Nonusers of Symptom Checkers in Germany: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous studies have revealed that users of symptom checkers (SCs, apps that support self-diagnosis and self-triage) are predominantly female, are younger than average, and have higher levels of formal education. Little data are available for Germany, and no study has so far compared usage patterns with people's awareness of SCs and the perception of usefulness.

Objective

We explored the sociodemographic and individual characteristics that are associated with the awareness, usage, and perceived usefulness of SCs in the German population.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among 1084 German residents in July 2022 regarding personal characteristics and people's awareness and usage of SCs. Using random sampling from a commercial panel, we co

SUBMITTER: Kopka M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10337374 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature