Internet Health Seeking Behaviors: Who is Accessing Sexual Health Information Online and Implications for Internet Sexual Health Interventions

Abstract

Background: The topic of sexual health is one that applies universally. It does not matter what age, gender or race, sexual health issues arise with everyone. This can range from HIV and STI's, to emotional issues, pregnancy, or sexual assault. At the same time, technology is rapidly changing and providing potential avenues of sexual health interventions. Purpose of Study: The purpose of this study is to determine the characteristics of online sexual health information seekers, from where they gather the information online and how the information impacts sexual health behaviors. Methods: Surveys were distributed electronically via Facebook and email in order to gather data about who is using the internet to seek sexual health information, what websites were being utilized and what was bing done with the information. Results: The primary online sexual health information seekers identified in this study were Caucasian females in the 30 to 40 year old range. This demographic did not match the high risk demographics identified in the literature and epidemiological findings. Conclusions/Recommendations: Although specific minority groups such as African American women and African American men who have sex with men are identified as those most at risk for sexual health issues, online sexual health interventions may not be appropriate for these populations because they are not highly represented in this type of health seeking behavior. Increasing minority access to online sexual health information or identification of alternate interventions is necessary in order to reach the most high risk populations.