title: Perceptions of HIV-related websites among persons recently diagnosed with HIV.
abstract: Many HIV-positive persons use the Internet to address at least some of their needs for HIV-specific information and support. The aim of this multimethod study was to understand how a diverse sample of persons who were recently diagnosed with HIV (PRDH) used the Internet after an HIV diagnosis and their perceptions of online HIV-related information and resources. HIV-positive persons (N = 63) who had been diagnosed since the year 2000 were recruited primarily through HIV-related websites and HIV medical clinics. One third of participants (33%, n = 21) were gay or bisexual men, 25% (n = 16) were heterosexual men, 32% (n = 20) were heterosexual women, and 10% (n = 6) were transgender women (male to female). Semistructured interviews and brief postinterview surveys were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative findings suggested that the most appealing websites to PRDH included those that: (1) provided usable information on topics of immediate concern; (2) used accessible formats that were easy to navigate; (3) were perceived as trustworthy, and (4) provided access to diverse perspectives of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Topics that PRDH found most useful included various medical treatment-related issues, tools for coping with depression and fear, and learning how others cope with HIV. Incorporating the perspectives of HIV-positive persons into the design and content of HIV-related websites is important to enhance their appeal for this diverse and growing population.
authors.affiliation: Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. afv2@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Cari
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Courtenay-Quirk
authors.forename: Keith J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Horvath
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Holly
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McFarlane
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kachur
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: O'Leary
authors.forename: B R Simon
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Rosser
authors.forename: Eileen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Harwood
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001727:Bisexuality; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D006266:Health Education; D020010:Heterosexuality; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged