Online health information seeking, healthcare utilization, and exercise-related self-management among patients with long-term conditions in China during COVID-19

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Non-communicable diseases account for 75% of global deaths, with long-term conditions significantly impacting individuals and healthcare systems.
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In China, the prevalence of long-term conditions rose from 17.0% in 1993 to 34.3% in 2018, highlighting a growing public health challenge.
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Over 80% of patients with long-term conditions in China seek health information online, indicating a shift towards alternative information channels.
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The COVID-19 pandemic increased health anxiety and restricted access to healthcare, making online health information a vital resource for self-management.
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This study explores the role of online health information in enhancing exercise-related self-management among patients with long-term conditions in developing countries.

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