Internet-Based Health Promotion and Disease Control in the 8 Cities: Successes, Barriers, and Future Plans

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to provide a detailed description of Internet-based sexually transmitted disease/human immunodeficiency virus prevention in the 8 US cities most affected by syphilis in men who have sex with men. By reviewing the efforts under way in these 8 cities, we will understand the barriers and facilitators associated with Internet-based prevention efforts. This is a review of Internet activities taking place in 8 major US cities. Efforts in the 8 cities vary, with some cities reporting little or no Internet-based prevention activities. Other cities have attempted banner advertising, online outreach, online partner notification, online laboratory slips for syphilis testing, and auditorium-style chat sessions. Though a number of policy-related barriers prevent some cities from engaging in Internet-based prevention, these activities are clearly important to the overall prevention effort. In order to surmount local policy barriers, it is essential to obtain evaluation data from the programs initiated.