While the Internet frequently portrays recreational sexual behavior, few Web sites mention the potential consequences such as pregnancy or STDs. Little is known about how to use the Internet to promote healthy sexual beliefs and intended behaviors among adolescents. This project (in progress) aims to develop a general strategy for evaluating Web interventions to prevent STDs and HIV infection among adolescents, using the American Social Health Association teen Web site, www.iwannaknow.org, as a case study. As part of this two-year project, we have conducted a content analysis of the Web site to determine outcomes that can reasonably be expected as a result of user interaction with the site. A comparison with expert recommendations for comprehensive sexuality education showed the site is well versed on information about puberty (covering 100% of expert recommendations), decision-making (80%), and STD/ HIV information (67%). A comparison with usability standards developed by the American Libraries Association, showed the site met all criteria for accuracy, authority, depth and objectivity, but only half of the navigability standards. A content analysis of a random sample of 500 e-mail and chat room transcripts showed that most (51%) users asked about referrals, statistics, sexual mechanics and STDs. Analysis compared the site’s content to users’ questions. Ongoing analysis and final results will be used to develop a general strategy for improving the ASHA Web site, and evaluating adolescent sexual health Web sites nationwide. See www.iwannaknow.org
Learning Objectives: This presentation will educate participants about how the Internet is being used to promote healthy sexual attitudes, beliefs and intended behaviors among adolescents. Only a few projects are underway to evaluate Web interventions to prevent STDs and HIV infection (ASHA, 2000). While investigating the link between a teens’ exposure to STD prevention messages on the Internet and their sexual beliefs and intended behaviors, researchers must employ new methods appropriate for online research. Participants will become familiar with online content analysis, usability studies, and other methods employed in this project. As data accumulates on whether the Internet affects users attitudes, knowledge and intended behaviors, participants and researchers will increasingly be interested in looking at how the Internet affects users (i.e., which theories of behavior change are most effective). This presentation of research is intended to help community organizations and health educators conduct similar evaluations of their own Internet health communication efforts. The ultimate aim of the project is to specify an approach to evaluating educational Web pages, in order to foster the creation of more effective sexual health communication Web sites for adolescents. As part of this project, we will examine the effectiveness of various research methodologies; describe a model for protecting the confidentiality and privacy of adolescents in sexual health research; and lay out a clear process to make it easier for other organizations to conduct similar research.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Health Communications
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.