Difficulties in Obtaining Consistent HPV Information from the Internet: Preliminary Findings Marsha S. Stevens, BHS Ellen M. Daley, PhD Karen M. Perrin, PhD Robert J. McDermott, PhD University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, FL

Background This research is being conducted as a “Special Project” for completion of a Masters in Public Health – the analysis is prompted from qualitative findings from an ongoing study assessing the impact of an HPV diagnosis.

Prevalence of HPV “… (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States and is of increasing public health concern …” American Social Health Association (ASHA)

Prevalence and Incidence of HPV Prevalence of HPV is 30%-50% in sexually active young women Incidence approximately 5.5 million a year National Network of STD/HIV Prevention Training Centers Curriculum Committee Genital Human Papillomavirus Infection -- January 2003

HPV and Cervical Cancer Worldwide: HPV cervical cancer — approximately 475,000 cases and 200,000 deaths US: HPV cervical cancer — approximately 14,000 cases and 5,000 deaths 3 rd leading cause of cancer in women worldwide 9 th leading cause of cancer deaths in the US National Network of STD/HIV Prevention Training Centers- Curriculum Committee Genital Human Papillomavirus Infection June 2002

Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to evaluate the content of internet websites pertinent to HPV. We determined that the majority of women found obtaining accurate, clear and reliable information on HPV via the Internet was difficult

Methods  Eleven graduate students conducted pilot study searches on the Internet  Graduate students used the search engine of their choice.  Seven search engines were used: Google, Yahoo, AskJeeves, Alta Vista, MSN, Dogpile, Blazefind.

Methods A list of specific search terms was given to each participant:  HPV  HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS  DYSPLASIA  PAP SMEAR  ABNORMAL CELLS  STD  SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE  CERVICAL CANCER  COLPOSCOPY  GENITAL WARTS

Methods Most students chose to do the pilot study in the late afternoon or early evening. Six out of the eleven graduate students conducted search at home versus the university.

Results Assessed each graduate students findings –Out of the top ten websites generated, which sites were relevant –How many were non- commercial sites –What number in the sequence were the relevant websites

Health On the Net Standards (HON Code) These standards are proposed for presenting health information on the Internet but compliance to the principles is voluntary.

Health On the Net Standards (Hon Code) cont’d There are eight principles in the HON Code: Authority Complementarity Confidentiality Attribution Justifiability Transparency of authorship Transparency of sponsorship Honesty in advertising & editorial policy

Results Google was the most frequently used search engine by the graduate students. The search engine with the most relevant sites was AskJeeves. The search engine with the least relevant sites was Blazefind.

Discussion Health Information on the Internet is inconsistent. Health Information retrieved on Internet may be viewed as correct by Internet user’s despite misleading and incorrect information. Establishing standards such as HON Code are important.

Conclusions An array of health information is available on the Internet for anyone to retrieve. Consumers often do not question the information they find on the Internet.

Conclusions The health messages are non- standard or geared to an audience with computer-literate skills. Health professionals have a role in teaching consumers how to locate and evaluate quality information.

Acknowledgements The HPV Research Unit Amy Gray Holly Rayko Maribeth Buie Alice Richman Karen Monzer Angela Diggs Trish Mueller Teri Malo Keisha Cutler Emily Jolles