Investigating Internet Use and Patient Engagement: The Moderating Role of Patient-Centered Communication on Information Overload and Health Anxiety

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores how internet use can undermine patient engagement through information overload and health anxiety, and how patient-centered communication (PCC) may buffer or reshape these effects.

Design

A cross-sectional survey design was used.

Setting

The study conducted online survey through Qualtrics.

Sample

A random sample of U.S. adults aged 18 or older completed online survey for $2.30 compensation. After excluding ineligible responses, the final sample was included for the analysis (N = 356).

Measures

Key variables included internet use, information overload, health anxiety, patient engagement, and PCC, demonstrating high reliability.

Analysis

Simple mediation analysis and moderated mediation analysis were conducted.

Results

Simple mediation analysis showed that internet use was positively associated with information overload which increased health anxiety (indirect effect = 0.013, 95% CI [0.002, 0.027]). The indirect effect of internet use on engagement was significant at low (−1 SD; PCC = 2.798; b = −0.005, 95% CI [−0.011, −0.002]), and medium levels of PCC (mean; PCC = 3.731; b = −0.003, 95% CI [−0.007, −0.001]), but not at high levels.

Conclusion

This study suggests that healthcare providers should take continuing PCC education to overcome generic barriers that patients encounter both online and in clinical settings, thereby improving health outcomes.