Analysis of the Characteristics Appeared in the Cancer Information Provided as a Form of Question and Answer on the Internet

Kim, Chu Bong; Lim, Min Kyung; Kim, Soon Duck; Kang, Keon Wook

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the characteristics of contents and utilization for cancer information that is serviced on the internet in the form of Q&A and FAQ. A total of 947 cases (340 in Q&A and 607 in FAQ) were collected from August 20th to November 20th, 2001. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistical methods regarding the type of service, contents, and cancer included in the contents. The prevalent pattern of cancer information service was FAQ, and the distribution of contents and kind of cancer that were serviced differed depending on their service pattern and resources. The contents for prevention and screening, general understanding of cancer, and rehabilitation appeared more often in FAQ than in Q&A and were also more frequent in cancer specialized websites than any others. This pattern may be because FAQ and cancer specialized websites have a view of contents provider. Clinical symptoms and diagnosis were the contents provided more frequently in Q&A than in FAQ. Additionally, information on breast cancer was the most frequently asked question in regard to major cancer in Korea. However, information on hematopoietic system was the most frequently asked in Q&A. From the results of this study, it is clear that cancer-related information varies according to the cancer types, service patterns, and website characteristics. However, the fundamental difference depends on whether the contents are created in terms of the information user or not. This study demonstrated that there is a difference between users and developers in the requested information regarding available cancer-related. It is therefore necessary to establish a basic plan for appropriate cancer information services according to the needs of the users.