(PM-22) THE UTILIZATION OF SOCIAL MEDIA AS A PSYCHOPEDAGOGICAL TOOL IN SEXUAL HEALTH WITH A FOCUS ON PARAPHILIAS

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Social media provides a favorable space for health education. Among the available digital resources, WhatsApp message groups can serve as a source of information and a platform for discussions. Recent studies on sexual education through social media are more concentrated on interventions targeting STI prevention, sexual abuse mitigation, and contraception education. However, there are no reports of utilization of WhatsApp for education about paraphilias. The Brazilian Association for Studies in Medicine and Sexual Health (ABEMSS) utilizes WhatsApp as a tool to promote discussions of this often neglected topic. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to substantiate the validity of this resource. Objective To review the literature and to share the experience of using WhatsApp to facilitate discussions and knowledge sharing about paraphilias. Methods Narrative Review on the Use of Social Media in Sexual Education and an experience report on the Utilization of WhatsApp as an Educational Instrument for the study of paraphilias. Results The WhatsApp paraphilia study group was created in 2020 and comprises 222 healthcare professionals (54% urologists, 9% endocrinologists, 8% psychiatrists, 18% psychologists, 7% physiotherapists). Its activities primarily occur in a scheduled manner, but they can also arise spontaneously. They include discussions of clinical cases, scientific studies and lay media. In the first half of 2023, there were 12 scheduled activities and 8 spontaneous ones. To mitigate the risk of stigmatizing comments, department members act as moderators. Conclusions WhatsApp seems to be a valuable tool for disseminating information about neglected health topics, such as paraphilias. The use of specific groups with scheduled and spontaneous activities promotes the provision of scientific information while promotes a attitude towards the topic. Keywords Paraphilias; Paraphilic disorders; Medical education; Social media Financing No conflict.