Does misinformation impact the perception of patients undergoing sexual health and other urological procedures: A cross sectional study

Abstract Misinformation, particularly in sexual medicine and urology, is a rising concern for providers and patients alike. We aimed to assess where patients acquire information prior to their urologic consultation/procedure and assess patients’ perception as to the reliability of this information. A cross-sectional study at an outpatient men's health clinic included 314 consenting adult patients who independently completed the questionnaire (mean age: 51.2 ± 17.2). Overall, 55.1% of patients indicated they searched up their condition online. However, 39.2% and 27.7% of respondents agreed and strongly agreed respectively to misinformation being a big concern when searching for health information, p < 0.05. Only 59.9% of patients discussed with friends and those that did not, chose not wanting to (65.1%) as their top choice. However, 27.4% of respondents were embarrassed to do so. Similarly, 38.9% of respondents were embarrassed to do so. Finally, 38.2% and 12.4% of patients agreed and strongly agreed, that learning information prior to your doctor’s appointment affects their relationship with the physician, p < 0.05. These findings emphasize the need for urologists and sexual medicine specialists to be aware of where their patients are gathering health information and to address their concerns about misinformation.