Internet use by a referral gastroenterology clinic population and their medical information preferences

BACKGROUND: Internet use is growing rapidly in Iran. However, little is known about the rate of Internet access and Internet use habits of gastroenterology patients and their health information preferences in the country. METHODS: A two-part questionnaire was presented to a convenience sample of 401 consecutive outpatients (mean age: 43.7 years) of a referral gastroenterology clinic in Tehran from February 21 to March 13, 2004. RESULTS: Of all literate patients (92%), 62% self-estimated their disease-related knowledge as nothing to little. The most common sources of information were media (62%) and printed materials (58%). Printed material (57%) and media (35%) were the most preferred means of receiving health information; the Internet was the most preferred means among Internet users and almost all of them were interested in getting online medical services. The cause (65%) and treatment (56%) of disease were the most favorite knowledge topics. Of all patients 28% could use Internet. Males, more educated and younger subjects were more likely to use the Internet. Of the Internet users, 37% had already performed at least one search for medical information. CONCLUSION: Though Internet is not yet a popular means of patient education in Iran, considering the speedy growth of Internet use and its undeniable advantages and prospects in a young country like Iran, it seems wise for private and public health sectors to start more vigorous planning to develop web-based patient education systems run by trusted bodies and encourage and cultivate its use among patients.     

Does hinge position affect dry eye after laser in situ keratomileusis?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of corneal flap hinge position on dry eye after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: In a prospective double-masked randomized controlled clinical trial, 212 consecutive eyes of 106 myopic patients underwent LASIK; in each patient, one eye was randomly assigned to the superior hinge and the other eye to the nasal hinge procedure. The patients were examined pre-operatively and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery for visual acuity, fluorescein tear film breakup time and Schirmer's baseline tear secretion test; a subjective evaluation of dry eye symptoms was accomplished by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire at the 1-month, 3-month and 6-month postoperative visits. RESULTS: Tear film breakup time was not significantly different with the nasal or superior hinge flap technique at the preoperative, 1-week, 1-month, 3-month and 6-month visits (p > 0.05 for all comparisons between two groups). No significant difference between the two groups was found for the amount of Schirmer's baseline tear secretion test at pre- and postoperative visits (p > 0.05 for all comparisons between two groups). Subjective evaluation of symptoms also showed no significant difference at the 1-month, 3-month and 6-month postoperative visits. CONCLUSIONS: The nasal and superior hinge flap methods do not affect signs and symptoms of dry eye after LASIK. We recommend that selecting the hinge position should be done according to the surgeon's preference and ease.