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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Colleen M. Caron, PhD, Rhode Island Department of Heatlh, 146 Eighth Street, Providence, RI 02906, (401)751-1604, colleenc@doh.state.ri.us
Health-related websites continue to grow exponentially, reaching greater than 15,000 with over half of Internet users report looking for health information (Rice 2001). This trend reveals no indication for slowing as more people from all segments of society turn to the Web for health information. A KaiserFamily Foundation survey found one in four 15 to 24 year olds in the US report getting 'a lot' of health information online and nearly 40% reported changing their behavior because of Web-based information. Moreover, half of the adult Hispanic population in the US is now online (Roslow Hispanic Internet Usage). One of the fastest growing Internet users are lower income groups (MediaMetrix, 2000).
State health departments are key agencies to deliver credible web-based information. The Rhode Island Health Department conducted qualitative research with diverse populations and designed a website based on audience-driven principles, health communications, and social marketing.
Internal and external needs assessment were conducted to identify the nature of the content desired, page design and navigational schemes. External needs assessment applied social marketing strategies by conducting focus groups with diverse populations. Internal needs assessment was conducted with health department employees. The methodology for data analysis was Inductive analysis.
Results yielded a mix of commonly shared and population-specific needs. Content areas concerning health-promoting behaviors, disease prevention, and socio-cultural-physical environment were overlayed with tailored messages and computer-mediated interventions. Focus group research and usability studies guided presentation of information, page layout and navigational schemes. A department-wide infrastructure was established for policy recommendations and website monitoring.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.