Internet use by parents of children aged 0 to 12 years treated in outpatient and hospital settings: a cross-sectional study

Authors

  • Pedro Henrique Oliveira Cabral Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5779-9907
  • Gabriela Boseja Condé Duarte Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil.
  • Ana Lídia Martins Paschoalino Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0492-6869
  • Fernanda Gabriele Fernandes de Morais Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0803-6496
  • Daniela Cristina da Silva Guimarães Departamento Materno Infantil, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil.
  • Sabrine Teixeira Ferraz Grunewald Departamento Materno Infantil, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1288-1338

Keywords:

Health Education, Child Health, Internet Use

Abstract

Introduction: The use of the internet as a source of health-related information is common among the Brazilian population; however, studies detailing this behavior in relation to child health remain scarce. Objective: To describe the frequency and patterns of internet use for seeking health information among parents or caregivers of children treated at a Brazilian university hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a Brazilian university hospital and included parents and caregivers of children aged 0 to 12 years who were admitted to the pediatric ward or attending outpatient clinics. Sociodemographic data were collected, along with information regarding internet use for searching child health-related information, including devices used, sources consulted, and attitudes and behaviors in response to the information obtained. Results: A total of 89 caregivers participated in the study, the majority of whom were female (87.6%), with a mean age of 33.4 years. Of the children, 58.4% were hospitalized at the time of the interview, while 41.6% were awaiting outpatient consultation. Most respondents (84.3%) reported having searched the internet for information about their child’s health within the previous month. The most commonly used device was the smartphone (100%), and the most frequently accessed source was Google (89.3%). Reports of anxiety related to the search results were frequent (86.7%); however, seeking medical care based solely on information obtained online was uncommon. Conclusion: The internet is widely integrated into family pediatric care as a complementary tool for understanding symptoms and treatments. Although perceived as useful, online health information seeking is associated with significant levels of anxiety and confusion, highlighting the need for educational strategies led by healthcare professionals.

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Published

2026-07-08

How to Cite

1.
Cabral PHO, Duarte GBC, Paschoalino ALM, de Morais FGF, Guimarães DC da S, Grunewald STF. Internet use by parents of children aged 0 to 12 years treated in outpatient and hospital settings: a cross-sectional study. HU Rev [Internet]. 2026Jul.8 [cited 2026Jul.11];51:1-8. Available from: https://periodicos.ufjf.br/index.php/hurevista/article/view/52473

Issue

Vol. 51 (2025)

Section

Artigos Originais

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Copyright (c) 2026 Pedro Henrique Oliveira Cabral, Gabriela Boseja Condé Duarte, Ana Lídia Martins Paschoalino, Fernanda Gabriele Fernandes de Morais , Daniela Cristina da Silva Guimarães, Sabrine Teixeira Ferraz Grunewald

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