Marsha S. Stevens, Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, 813-974-8518, mstevens@hsc.usf.edu, Ellen M. Daley, PhD, MPH, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, Karen M. Perrin, PhD, MPH, RN, Dept. of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC-56, Tampa, FL 33612, and Robert J. McDermott, PhD, Community and Family Health, University of South Florida College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612.

Background: HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and some types are causally related to cervical cancer. Professional and patient education literature is replete with conflicting information regarding prevention, transmission, treatment options and long-term effects. Increasing numbers of women rely on Internet sources for health information. Purpose: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 50 women recently diagnosed with HPV to assess the emotional and behavioral impact of diagnosis, including sources of HPV information. Because most women obtained their HPV information from the Internet, we examined HPV information available through health-related Internet sites. Methods: We developed a step-by-step protocol for examining each HPV Internet site and employed different search engines. Upon printing search results, we developed a codebook to log the type of sites (university, government, professional organization, commercial etc.), tracked information retrieval, and rated information quality using the HON Code system. Results: Internet-obtained HPV information varies in quality and may actually contribute to HPV misunderstanding. Websites presumed to be reliable (e.g., university) may offer outdated content or information that conflicts with that available from other sources. Some commercial sites provide personal testimonies, convey a sense of hope, and may report "cure rates" associated with use of particular products. Conclusions: Given the prevalence of HPV, the lack of a known cure, the potential for other disease sequelae, and the widespread use of Internet sources, access to high quality HPV information is a public health concern.

Learning Objectives: