Usage of the Internet and Digital Health Among Urological Patients: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: The rising prevalence of internet usage and smartphone applications among urology patients underscores the critical role of digital health literacy. This study investigates the acceptability of digital health technologies among urology patients and identifies factors influencing their acceptance.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous survey consisting of 12 questions was developed based on literature research. It was conducted online using SurveyMonkey and targeted patients in the CUROS network in Germany. The Data were analysed descriptively using SPSS.

Results: Of 1,039 participants, 99.1% reported using the internet, with 84.4% using it several times daily. YouTube emerged as the most popular social media platform. While 90.2% searched for health information online, trust in online resources was low (mean score 4.63). Only 35.2% used medical apps, but 62.8% expressed willingness to use them if prescribed. Furthermore, 74.2% supported the use of electronic patient records (EPRs), although concerns regarding privacy were noted.

Conclusions: Urology patients demonstrate a high engagement with digital resources but express concerns about the reliability of online health information. Enhancing education on digital health tools and fostering trust in these resources is essential for improving patient outcomes and encouraging the integration of digital health in urological care.