Content and Functionality of Alcohol and Other Drug Websites: Results of an Online Survey
Open accessAbstract
BACKGROUND: There is a growing trend for individuals to seek health information from online sources. Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use is a significant health problem worldwide, but access and use of AOD websites is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To investigate content and functionality preferences for AOD and other health websites. METHODS: An anonymous online survey examined general Internet and AOD-specific usage and search behaviors, valued features of AOD and health-related websites (general and interactive website features), indicators of website trustworthiness, valued AOD website tools or functions, and treatment modality preferences. RESULTS: Surveys were obtained from 1214 drug (n = 766) and alcohol website users (n = 448) (mean age 26.2 years, range 16-70). There were no significant differences between alcohol and drug groups on demographic variables, Internet usage, indicators of website trustworthiness, or on preferences for AOD website functionality. A robust website design/navigation, open access, and validated content provision were highly valued by both groups. While attractiveness and pictures or graphics were also valued, high-cost features (videos, animations, games) were minority preferences. Almost half of respondents in both groups were unable to readily access the information they sought. Alcohol website users placed greater importance on several AOD website tools and functions than did those accessing other drug websites: online screening tools (χ²(2) = 15.8, P < .001, n = 985); prevention programs (χ²(2) = 27.5, P < .001, n = 981); tracking functions (χ²(2) = 11.5, P = .003, n = 983); self help treatment programs (χ²(2) = 8.3, P = .02, n = 984); downloadable fact sheets for friends (χ²(2) = 11.6, P = .003, n = 981); or family (χ²(2) = 12.7, P = .002, n = 983). The most preferred online treatment option for both the user groups was an Internet site with email therapist support. Explorations of demographic differences were also performed. While gender did not affect survey responses, younger respondents were more likely to value interactive and social networking features, whereas downloading of credible information was most highly valued by older respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Significant deficiencies in the provision of accessible information on AOD websites were identified, an important problem since information seeking was the most common reason for accessing these websites, and, therefore, may be a key avenue for engaging website users in behaviour change. The few differences between AOD website users suggested that both types of websites may have similar features, although alcohol website users may more readily be engaged in screening, prevention and self-help programs, tracking change, and may value fact sheets more highly. While the sociodemographic differences require replication and clarification, these differences support the notion that the design and features of AOD websites should target specific audiences to have maximal impact.
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The majority of studies reported that the majority of participants were female.
“majority of participants were female [51,56,60,64,68,79]”
From Do online mental health services improve help-seeking for young people? A systematic review (2014) · cites this paper as [64]
The majority of studies reported non-validated and possibly biased measures.
“non-validated and possibly biased measures [56,64,74,77]”
From Do online mental health services improve help-seeking for young people? A systematic review (2014) · cites this paper as [64]
Unfavorable content is a barrier [64,76].
“and unfavorable content [64,76]”
From Do online mental health services improve help-seeking for young people? A systematic review (2014) · cites this paper as [64]
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- Authors
- Klein, B., White, A., Kavanagh, D., Shandley, K., Kay-Lambkin, F., Proudfoot, J., Drennan, J., Connor, J., Baker, A., & Young, R.
- Affiliations
- Swinburne University of Technology (AU)
- The University of Queensland (AU)
- Queensland University of Technology (AU)
- Black Dog Institute (AU)
- University of Newcastle Australia (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Klein, Britt
- ORCID
- Venue
- Journal of Medical Internet Research
- Publisher
- JMIR Publications Inc.
- Published
- 2010-12-19
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- e51
- ISSN
- 1438-8871 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC3057306
- OpenAlex
- W2024710395
- Cited by
- 31
- References
- 20
- Citations by year
- 2025: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 1 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 1 · 2012: 2
- FWCI
- 5.69
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- cc-by
- Locations
- Journal of Medical Internet Research (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- QUT ePrints (Queensland University of Technology) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- FedUni ResearchOnline (Federation University Australia) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Figshare (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- Figshare (submittedVersion)
- Swinburne figshare (Swinburne University of Technology) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- NOVA (University of Newcastle Australia) (submittedVersion)
- Swinburne figshare (Swinburne University of Technology) (cc-by)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
- Social Sciences › Health › Social Media in Health Education
- Keywords
- online health information seeking, website trustworthiness, online screening tool, prevention programs, social networking features, substance use disorders, health information access, interactive website
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Aged, Alcohol Drinking, Consumer Behavior, Female, Health Services Accessibility, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Population Surveillance, Surveys and Questionnaires, Social Support, Therapy, Computer-Assisted, Information Storage and Retrieval, Age Distribution, Substance-Related Disorders, Internet, Information Dissemination, Young Adult, Information Seeking Behavior
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