The Association Between Online Health Activity and Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus Open Access

Lee, Lindsay Jordan (2017)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/9w0323951?locale=en
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Abstract

Introduction: Previous research has indicated that internet use is associated with an increase in awareness of HPV, but there has been no analysis of how HPV knowledge varies with different online health information seeking behaviors. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between online health information activity and knowledge of HPV.

Methods: We analyzed data from cycle three of the fourth National Cancer Institute Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Weighted logistic regression was used to describe the association of specific online health information seeking activities with awareness of HPV, the HPV vaccine, and HPV's link with cervical cancer for the total sample and by first source of health information (internet or other).

Results: Using the internet as a first source of health information was associated with higher odds of being aware of HPV, the HPV vaccine, and HPV's connection with cervical cancer. Writing in an online blog or diary was associated with higher odds of being aware of HPV's connection with cervical cancer. While not statistically significant, the stratified analysis provides evidence for differences in the association between online health activity and HPV knowledge for respondents who use the internet as the first source of health information and respondents who use other sources.

Conclusion: Respondents who use the internet as a first source of health information might be more receptive to online HPV information than respondents who use other sources first. More research into the effects of online health activities on HPV knowledge is needed.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction and Literature Review......................................................................... 2

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)........................................................................................................... 2

Health Information Seeking Behavior (HISB)...................................................................................... 6

HPV and the Internet....................................................................................................................... 9

Problem Statement....................................................................................................................... 12

Purpose Statement........................................................................................................................ 13

Research Objectives....................................................................................................................... 13

Chapter 2: Manuscript................................................................................................................ 14

Abstract....................................................................................................................................... 16

Introduction................................................................................................................................ 17

Methods...................................................................................................................................... 18

Results......................................................................................................................................... 21

Discussion.................................................................................................................................... 23

References.................................................................................................................................... 27

Chapter 3: Conclusion and Recommendations........................................................................ 36

Chapter 4: References................................................................................................................... 37

Chapter 5: Appendix..................................................................................................................... 53

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