Comparing the use of health information/advice in Birmingham and Hull: a case study of digital health information delivered via the television

Postal questionnaire surveys were carried out with users of two digital interactive television (DiTV) providers of health content to investigate the use made of each service and the users' reactions to service content and its usefulness to them. The research indicated that health information on DiTV was used and, on the whole, rated favourably. There was some evidence also that such information might be used by some people as a substitute for going to the doctor, though information from their general practitioner (GP) or practice nurse still carries more weight for most people than any other health information source. This study forms part of an ongoing research project which has, as part of its aim, the task of identifying particular users with the information sources that may be most appropriate for them