More than one-third of women wear Fitbits or other health-tracking devices, and these devices are only a small part of the emerging do-it-yourself health movement, according to new research from HealthyWomen, a leading independent health information source for women, and Lippe Taylor.

The Women’s Health Behavior Index found women taking a more hands-on approach to managing their health—from devices to diagnoses. Almost three-quarters (72 percent) of women surveyed identify themselves as health DIYers and 90 percent say they search for information on a condition or illness before seeing a health care professional.

Other findings:

  • When it comes to reliable health information online, women say they trust medical websites (82 percent) more than a person with a similar medical or health issue (18 percent).
  • 86 percent self-diagnose via the Internet.
  • 53 percent self-treat or medicate based on their online research. 
  • 85 percent second-guess their treatment decisions some or most of the time.

“What really stands out is that with self-diagnosis and self-medication come self-doubt,” said Lori Rubinson, chief strategy officer and managing director of Lippe Taylor. “This research shows that while women do want to take control, there is still a strong need for health care providers and companies to empower women with the information they need to make strong and confident choices for themselves and their families.”

Additional highlights of the “HealthyWomen/Lippe Taylor Women’s Health Behavior Index” include:

  • 58 percent of those who use a health-tracking device believe it has improved their health.
  • Despite this proactive approach, 60 percent do not believe increased use of health tracking devices will keep them from visiting their health care providers. 
  • The majority of people agree that there will always be reasons to head to the doctor’s office for such things as blood tests (71 percent), broken bones (70 percent), physicals (70 percent) and lacerations that require stitches (65 percent).
  • Another trend starting to gain traction is telemedicine. While only 6 percent of those surveyed have used an online doctor service, of those who have, 90 percent say they would use it again.  

“As the survey shows, women are actively using web-based and other modern technology tools in managing their own and their families’ health,” says Oxana Pickeral, board chair of HealthyWomen.org. “This can be both empowering and stressful. It highlights the growing need for trusted, understandable and actionable health information and tools. Now is a great time for health care providers and technology innovators to rethink how they respond and engage. This reinforces our core mission at HealthyWomen: to inform, inspire and empower women to take active roles in their health.”