With the burgeoning growth of the Internet, many have raised concerns over whether underserved populations might join the Information Revolution. This study examines how urban adolescents access the Internet and whether it is a viable source for health information. During Fall 1999, we surveyed 319 NYC adolescents, half were from an elite private high school (N=173) and the other half were patients at a health clinic serving ethnically diverse and disadvantaged youth (N=146). Internet use was widespread; 99% of the students and 83% of the patients used this medium (p< .001). Frequency and comfort levels were higher for students (both p< .001). Urban adolescents accessed the Web from multiple locales, with 47% using from 3+ places. Practically all (98%) students and 52% of the patients had home access (p< .001). Of Internet users, 43% had tried to get health information from the Web, with no significant differences between students and patients. Of those who had tried to get health information, half wanted information on different diseases, 43% on diet, 34% on exercise, 26% on sex, 24% on substance abuse, 20% on mental health, 14% on medicines, 12% on peer violence, 10% on parenting, 8% on dating violence, 7% on smoking, 7% on emotional/physical abuse, 3% on sexual abuse, and 1% on support groups. As anticipated, students were technologically savvy. Somewhat surprising, however, were the patients’ high levels of Internet use and access. This study offers promising statistics on how urban adolescents use the Internet, especially for health information.
Learning Objectives: Participants will learn about if and how urban adolescents are using the Internet for health information. Through this talk, participants will become aware of the viability of using this medium to communicate health information to different groups of adolescents. Participants will better understand current adolescent use of the Internet and begin to brainstorm how they can use the Internet to convey health information to youth
Keywords: Internet, Adolescent Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.