Internet community study on the nutrition knowledge and guidance expectations of hypercholesterolemic subjects

01 February 2012

Hygienodietetic recommendations are poorly followed by hypercholesterolemic subjects despite general practitioners’ advices. This study aimed at determining the reasons for this failure. They studied an Internet community made of hypercholesterolemic subjects in order to assess their level of knowledge, their wish to learn and to take care of themselves. The nutritional solution of hypercholesterolemia is perceived as a daily effort. In that context, doctor’s advices are crucial. However, mainly due to lack of time and tools, these advices are not adequately delivered to the subjects. Patients are therefore ready to look for information on Internet. The dietary changes are therefore limited rather because of a lack of knowledge than a lack of will. Internet became a daily and essential reference for searching information, which should be considered as complementary to the doctor. This study showed that patients are ready to use the Internet in order to learn how to better manage their cholesterol and to be better informed.