Beta-Test Results for an HPV Information Web Site: GoHealthyGirls.org—Increasing HPV Vaccine Uptake in the United States

Abstract

A Web site, GoHealthyGirls, was developed to educate and inform parents and their adolescent daughters about human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccines. This article provides an overview of web site development and content followed by the results of a beta-test of the Web site. Sixty-three New Mexican parents of adolescent girls tested the site. Results indicated that GoHealthyGirls was a functioning and appealing Web site. During this brief educational intervention, findings suggest that the Web site has the potential to increase HPV vaccine uptake. This research supports the Internet as a valuable channel to disseminate health education and information to diverse populations.

KEYWORDS:

• Adolescents
• HPV
• Internet
• vaccines

Notes

*Not reported: 2 participants chose not to report gender and race/ethnicity, although they did answer other questionnaire items. The inclusion of these participants brings the total to 63 participants.

Color versions of one or more of the figures in the article can be found online at www.tandfonline.com/wchi.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Randall Starling

Randall Starling, PhD ([email protected]) is Senior Research Scientist II, Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions, University of New Mexico, 2650 Yale Boulevard SE MSC11-6280, Albuquerque, NM 87106.

Jessica A. Nodulman

Jessica A. Nodulman, PhD ([email protected]) is Research Associate, Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions, University of New Mexico, 2650 Yale Boulevard SE MSC11-6280, Albuquerque, NM 87106.

Alberta S. Kong

Alberta S. Kong, MD, MPH ([email protected]) is Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Division of Adolescent Medicine, MSC10 5590 1 UNM, Albuquerque, NM 87131.

Cosette M. Wheeler

Cosette M. Wheeler, PhD ([email protected]) is Professor, Center for HPV Prevention, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Department of Pathology, MSC08 4640, Albuquerque, NM 87131.

David B. Buller

David B. Buller, PhD ([email protected]) is Senior Scientist, Klein Buendel, Inc., 1667 Cole Suite 225, Golden, CO 80401.

W. Gill Woodall

W. Gill Woodall, PhD ([email protected]) is Professor of Communication, Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions, University of New Mexico, 2650 Yale Boulevard SE, MSC11-6280, Albuquerque, NM 87106.