Social Media Use Is Positively Associated with Healthy Nutrition Behaviors in Native American Adults

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Research shows that social media (SM) is a promising platform for promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity (PA) behaviors, especially for sharing goals, successes, and challenges with others to foster community support. However, there is inadequate evidence exploring its use in Native American (NA) adults, who are 60% more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white adults. The objective of this analysis was to explore the association between SM use and specific nutrition and PA behaviors in a random sample of NA adults. Methods A total of 600 NA adults were interviewed on SM use as part of baseline data collection for a large obesity intervention (OPREVENT2) which was implemented in six communities in the Southwest and Midwest US. Respondents were asked: “In the last 30 days, how often did you share your own health-related goals, successes, or challenges with others on social media, like Facebook or Instagram?” Response options included: Never, Hardly ever, Some of the time, or Most of the time. A brief 30-day food frequency questionnaire and a modified International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form were used to assess usual dietary intake and frequency, duration, and amount of PA in the last seven days, respectively. Linear regression analysis was used to determine association between SM use and 1) daily servings of specific foods and beverages promoted (water, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) and discouraged (fats, oils and sweets, and sugar-sweetened soft drinks) by the OPREVENT2 intervention, and 2) frequency, duration, and amount of PA. Results Over half (59.9%) of respondents reported using SM. Greater frequency of SM use to share health-related goals, successes, or challenges was associated with decreased intake of sugar-sweetened soft drinks (–3.94; P < 0.01), and increased intake of vegetables (1.47; P < 0.01), fruits (0.19; P < 0.05), and water (7.56; P < 0.01). No other significant associations were observed. Conclusions Use of SM to share health-related goals, successes, and challenges in NA adults may play a role in supporting nutrition behaviors that protect against obesity. Future obesity interventions may consider using a SM component to promote these behaviors and to provide a platform for engagement among NA program participants. Funding Sources National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (R01HL122150; J. Gittelsohn).