QUALITY OF INTERNET RESOURCES BEFORE ATTENDING A VENEREOLOGY CLINIC

Abstract

Introduction: Internet access for health information has risen in recent years and is currently used by 30% of Portuguese. Regarding sexually transmitted infections (STI), the information provided on the Internet should focus on preventive education and orientation of patients for medical assistance.

Objective: Evaluation of the in- formation concerning STI, provided on Internet resources, accessed by the patients of our Venereology consultation.

Methods: Every patient attending this Venereology clinic during a six-month period (August 2010 till January 2011), answered to a questionnaire on the previous use of the Internet to obtain information about STI. The three most often mentioned websites (for the five most common conditions and STI screening) were systematically reviewed and the re- sults displayed as a score (0-8).

Results: A total of 127 patients, that used the Internet before attending to the consulta- tion, were included (98 men and 29 women) and the mean age was 31 years (s=11,07). From the mentioned websites, 105 were Portuguese, the most frequent search engine used was Google and Wikipedia was the most popular website. From the 18 websites reviewed, only 17% stated that the acquisition of a STI may be associated with the acquisition of others, only 51% are updated on treatment and suggest sending partners to be treated and 55% refer STI transmission through oral sex.

Comments: The information contained in these websites is often extensive, not updated and do not always referral for healthcare services.

KEYWORDS – Internet; Information Dissemination; Patient Education; Sexually Transmitted Diseases.