Information about Sexual Health on Crisis Pregnancy Center Web Sites: Accurate for Adolescents?

Abstract

Study ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the quality and accuracy of sexual health information on crisis pregnancy center Web sites listed in state resource directories for pregnant women, and whether these Web sites specifically target adolescents. DesignA survey of sexual health information presented on the Web sites of crisis pregnancy centers. SettingInternet. ParticipantsCrisis pregnancy center Web sites. InterventionsEvaluation of the sexual health information presented on crisis pregnancy center Web sites. Main Outcome MeasuresThemes included statements that condoms are not effective, promotion of abstinence-only education, availability of comprehensive sexual education, appeal to a young audience, provision of comprehensive sexual health information, and information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Results and ConclusionCrisis pregnancy center Web sites provide inaccurate and misleading information about condoms, STIs, and methods to prevent STI transmission. This information might be particularly harmful to adolescents, who might be unable to discern the quality of sexual health information on crisis pregnancy center Web sites. Listing crisis pregnancy centers in state resource directories might lend legitimacy to the information on these Web sites. States should be discouraged from listing Web sites as an accurate source of information in their resource directories.