Teleconsultation via the web: an analysis of the type of questions that Iranian patients ask.

We evaluated an ask-the-doctor service which was set up as one of the accessory services of a health education website in Iran. The study lasted for five months. A total of 500 enquiries were submitted to the question and answer system. Eighty enquiries were excluded because they were duplicated submissions, not replied to by doctors or gave insufficient information for a reply. Most enquirers (33%) were female and aged 21-35 years. The most frequently asked questions were about embarrassing and sensitive topics, particularly on women's health and mental health. The majority of the questions were submitted on behalf of the enquirers themselves, with only 13% asking for others (children, parents, friends). Although there are various problems associated with online consultation, it does at least overcome one of the great drawbacks of some cultures, where people are reluctant to talk openly about certain matters, even with their doctors.