Accessing Sexual Health Information Online: Content, Reasons and Practical Barriers in Emerging Adults

The Internet is an important platform for providing sexual health information emerging adults. However, less known about what content accessed, why it accessed and practical barriers exist. Emerging adulthood a developmental period often associated with increased risky behaviour. This study explored aspects of accessing online including the type reasons informationand to websites. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was applied. Participants were 751 adults aged 18–29 years old (M = 23.3; SD 3.11), recruited from Republic Ireland. completed survey variables demographics, searches sex-related information, conducting searches, difficulties in Most participants reported using information. Content related sexually transmitted infections, contraceptives relationship advice. Reasons included curiosity, privacy presence infection. Important website factors usefulness, ease understanding confidentiality. Practical difficulty filtering excess lack relevant limited awareness trusted sources. Differences observed between genders orientations. findings have implications healthcare and/or public professionals who are responsible resources