Beth Hoel

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affect millions of Americans, irregardless of class, race, or sex. Because of the various populations affected, information regarding these diseases must be disseminated in numerous ways in order to reach all those who might be infected. One of the most powerful means of communication currently utilized is the world wide web, based on its accessibility and relative privacy. For many, the ability to pull information off the web regarding an STD is a much easier process than asking another individual face-to-face.

Focusing in upon the STD chlamydia, I selected two web pages which dealt with this disease in order to analyze their form and content. Indeed, it does not matter how many people might access these sites for information if that which they contain does not answer the questions asked. For this reason, I sought to ascertain the intended audience as well as the overall presentation of the material.

"Sex-Ed 101" is an informative site put out by Hoboken Family Planning in Hoboken, NJ (www.sex-ed101.com/) and "the purpose of this site is to provide straightforward, easy to understand information on surviving sex in the '90s and into the next millennium." The homepage contains links to six different issue-specific sites maintained by the same group, which are: contraceptives, STDs, breast self-exams, mammography, testicular self-exams, and common vaginal infections. The layout is relatively simple, yet visitors immediately have the option of reading the information in either English or Spanish. Either option will connect you to any of the above links. Chlamydia has its own page, accessible through the STD page (www.sex-ed101.com/chlamydia.html).

"Sex-Ed 101: Chlamydia" begins with a quick summation of the means of transmission: sexual intercourse (including oral and anal) as well as "close physical contact." By placing this information right at the top of the page, it seems clear that there is no hesitation or embarrassment in discussing STDs or sex, for that matter. Hoboken Family Planning then presents a chart which lists male and female symptoms of chlamydia, followed by a description of the test used to detect the disease. The words "urethra" and "cervix" are briefly defined within this section.

The chlamydia page closes with advice on prevention, advocating the use of condoms (as barriers) and spermicide (to kill organisms). In addition to these practical methods, Hoboken Family Planning also states that "no method is foolproof" and "people who have only one sexual partner are the least likely to get Chlamydia." These statements do not sound like preaching, nor do they sound redundant. Rather, the entire tone of the page is one of straightforwardness regarding sex.

This web information seems particularly well-suited to younger people, either teens or college students. The major issues (means of transmission, symptoms, prevention) are present and easy to understand. In my reading, it seemed that Hoboken Family Planning had achieved their goal of providing straightforward information regarding sex in the '90s and "into the next millennium."

A very different tone appeared in the second web page. "Chlamydia -- The Silent Epidemic" is a site sponsored by the Arnot Ogden Medical Center (www.amoc.org/chlamydia.html). This page begins with a long narrative regarding statistics and the possible ramifications of infection upon unborn children. The format is much more formal, with the official hospital logo at the top and images of mothers with children running down the length of the page. In addition to the hospital information, advertisements appear at the bottom of the page.

Within the narrative, the first passage highlights the damage chlamydia causes to children born of infected mothers. A list of possible diseases is provided, including conjunctivitis and pneumonia. The symptoms of both men and women are provided within a paragraph, though there is a much greater emphasis upon the women. The Arnot Ogden Medical Center also provides some information regarding the role of partners in transmission and the best means of prevention, though the information appears in a quote from the New York State Department of Health, rather than a direct statement from the hospital.

This web site clearly aims at a more educated community, one which would seek statistics along with symptoms. One of the most interesting differences between this web site and the Sex-Ed 101 page is that the medical center only suggests the different types of women who should be tested, with no direct advice for men. If women believe they have chlamydia, "their sex partners should be tested and treated as well."

In limiting their advice to women, the Arnot Ogden Medical Center indirectly infers that women are more likely to become infected. I searched the entirety of the web site and found nothing which suggested that the center specializes in women's health. The information seems limited and biased, though it does provide links to other sites which deal with both the specific issue of chlamydia and infectious diseases in general.

The two sites vary greatly in tone, due to their origins. "Sex-Ed 101" is the product of a community health clinic, whereas "Chlamydia -- The Silent Epidemic" stems from a medical center. Both deal with factual information, yet the foci are completely different. The Hoboken Family Clinic seems more invested in the disease itself, as well as the effect chlamydia can have upon an individual. Meanwhile, the Arnot Ogden Medical Center appears more concerned with the social ramifications of chlamydia. Although both of these viewpoints are very important, "Sex-Ed 101" is much more accessible and much more practical for those seeking information about chlamydia on the world wide web.