What Do Young Adults Expect When They Go Online? Lessons for Development of an STD/HIV and Pregnancy Prevention Website

Abstract

We used participatory research to develop a theoretically based online STD/HIV and pregnancy prevention intervention that would be entertaining and captivating for 15-25 year olds while delivering key messages about condom use. We conducted six focus groups with 15-25 year olds attending reproductive health clinics and completed a content analysis with focus group data. Youth had expectations that websites contain features such as graphics and flash technology. They would participate in research online if their confidentiality was assured and if they could receive an instant incentive. Limited access to high-end bandwidth capability requires use of compressed graphics and music to reach diverse audiences. Youth suggested approaches to frame role-model delivered messages about HIV/STD and pregnancy risk, condom attitudes, norms and self-efficacy for negotiation. These data allowed for development of a dynamic, interactive and relatively low bandwidth site that retains fidelity to key theoretical constructs in STD/HIV and pregnancy prevention.