Disease-Related Internet Use and its Relevance to the Patient-Physician Relationship in Atopic Dermatitis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Germany

Background: Health-related internet use presents both opportunities and challenges for patients and physicians and requires a comprehensive understanding to improve individual health care in atopic dermatitis (AD). Objective: To explore differences between regular and irregular disease-related internet users, reasons for disease-related internet use, and its relevance to the patient-physician relationship in AD. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 221 adults with AD online and from a German university clinic between August 2021 and February 2022. The questionnaire queried sociodemographic and disease-related information, reasons for and against using the internet, types of channels used, and the impact on the patient-physician relationship. Participants were categorized as regular (≥once per month) and irregular (<once per month) internet users. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Regular disease-related internet use was prevalent (n = 122/221, 55.2%) and associated with self-assessed disease severity (P = 0.019). "Moderate" (odds ratio [OR]: 2.37, confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-4.86) and "severe" (OR: 2.84, CI: 1.12-7.19) psychological distress and general physician treatment (OR: 4.10, CI: 1.85-9.09) were the strongest predictors of regular use. Most respondents researched information to address gaps in physician-provided information (n = 107/173, 61.8%) or desired physician-recommended disease-related websites (n = 94/173, 54.3%). One-quarter (n = 39/172, 22.7%) indicated that discussing online health information with physicians strained the relationship. Conclusions: This study highlights the pivotal role of the internet for individuals affected by AD, warranting its consideration in patient education and access to health care. Physicians should provide information on suitable online resources and address concerns about discussing online activities to promote patient-centered health care.