Social Media Intervention Research Articles

Use of social media for cancer prevention and early diagnosis: scoping review protocol

IntroductionSocial media platforms offer unique opportunities for health promotion messages focusing on cancer prevention and early diagnosis. However, there has been very little synthesis of the evaluation of such campaigns,...

The use of social media by Australian preadolescents and its links with mental health.

Preadolescent social media use is normative and could influence mental health. This study investigated: (a) Differences between preadolescent users and non-users of various social media platforms on mental health, (b) unique links between time spent on those platforms, appearance-based activities on social media, and mental health, and (c) the moderating role of biological sex on those relationships. Preadolescent youth (N = 528; 50.9% male) completed online surveys. Users of YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat reported more body image concerns and eating pathology than non-users, but did not differ on depressive symptoms or social anxiety. Appearance investment uniquely predicted depressive symptoms. Appearance comparisons uniquely predicted all aspects of mental health, with some associations stronger for females than males. Preadolescents could be encouraged to reduce their opportunities to make appearance comparisons and to invest less in their appearance on social media. Preadolescents may benefit from social media intervention programs.

A Co-Designed Social Media Intervention to Satisfy Information Needs and Improve Outcomes of Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: Longitudinal Study.

BackgroundThe number of people living with a long-term condition is increasing worldwide. Social media offers opportunities for patients to exchange information and experiences with others with the same condition, potentially leading to better self-management and improved patient outcomes, at minimal costs to health service providers.ObjectiveThis paper describes how an online network with a range of social media platforms was created, with the help of a group of patients with chronic kidney disease and specialist professionals. The project considered whether information needs and health-related and social outcomes were met.MethodsWe performed a longitudinal in-depth evaluation of the creation of the moderated network, observation of the use of the platforms, self-efficacy surveys (at baseline and 6 months), and semistructured interviews (at baseline and 6 months).ResultsA total of 15 patients and professionals participated in the co-design of the network (hub), which was initially launched with 50 patients. Several platforms were needed to engage patients at different levels and encourage generation of information, with the support of moderators. In addition, 14 separate patients participated in the evaluation. Satisfaction of information needs through social engagement improved self-efficacy (n=13) with better self-care and management of illness. Social outcomes included seeking employment and an increase in social capital.ConclusionsAn online network (hub) with several social media platforms helped patients with chronic kidney disease manage their condition. Careful co-designing with users resulted in a sustainable network with wider applicability across health and social care.

The impact of a self-management educational program coordinated through WhatsApp on diabetes control.

Background:Social media can effectively mediate digital health interventions and thus, overcome barriers associated with face-to-face interaction.Objective:To assess the impact of patient-centered diabetes education program administered through WhatsApp on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values, assess the correlation, if any, between health literacy and numeracy on intervention outcomesMethods:During an ‘intervention phase’ spread over six months, target diabetic patients (N=109) received structured education through WhatsApp as per the American Association of Diabetes Educators Self-Care Behaviors recommendations. The control group with an equal number of participants received ‘usual care’ provided by health professionals void of the social media intervention. Changes in HbA1c levels were recorded thrice (at baseline, 3 and 6 months) for the test group and twice (baseline and 6 months) for the control group. Change in HbA1c values were compared and statistical significance was defined at p<0.05. Baseline health literacy and diabetes numeracy were assessed for both groups (N=218) using the Literacy Assessment for Diabetes (LAD), and the Diabetes Numeracy Test (DNT), respectively, and values were correlated with HbA1c change p<0.05. Participants’ satisfaction with the intervention was also assessed.Results:The average age of respondents was 41.98 (SD 15.05) years, with a diabetes history of 10.2 (SD 8.5) years. At baseline, the average HbA1c in the control and test groups were 8.4 (SD 1.06) and 8.5 (SD 1.29), respectively. After six months, a significant drop in HbA1c value was noticed in intervention group (7.7; SD 1.35; p= 0.001); with no significance in the control group (8.4; SD 1.32; p=0.032, paired t-test). Moreover, the reduction in HbA1c was more in the test group (0.7%) than the control group (0.1%) with a difference of 0.6% which is considered clinically significant. There was no significant correlation between LAD score and HbA1c at baseline (r=-0.203, p=0.064), 3 months (r=-0.123, p=0.266) and 6 months (r=-0.106, p= 0.337) Pearson correlation. A similar result was observed with DNT, where DNT score and HbA1c at baseline, 3 months and 6 months showed no correlation (r=0.112, 0.959 and 0.886; respectively) with HbA1c levels. Eighty percent of the respondents found the social media intervention ‘beneficial’ and suggested it be used long term.Conclusions:Diabetes education via WhatsApp showed promising outcomes regardless of the level of patients’ health literacy or numeracy.

Connections and Cognitive Speed of Older Adults: Using a Social Media Intervention to Improve Cognitive Speed

Connections and Cognitive Speed of Older Adults: Using a Social Media Intervention to Improve Cognitive Speed

Instagram as a tool for study engagement and community building among adolescents: A social media pilot study.

ObjectiveSocial media has been recognized as a promising tool for delivering health interventions and facilitating study recruitment. However, research is needed to understand how social media might be used to enhance the experiences of adolescent participants in ongoing studies. In a prospective cohort study addressing social and structural influences on health trajectories among 599 adolescents in a California agricultural community, we evaluated the effectiveness of and engagement with a human-centered, Instagram-based outreach campaign, with a focus on study retention, enhancement of participants’ experiences, and increasing community awareness of the study.MethodsWe adopted a youth-centered approach to design a three-month pilot study, which included participatory design sessions, a geo-targeted Instagram campaign, and in-person events at schools. We conducted pre-/post-pilot surveys with study participants, analyzed social media metrics, and collected process measures, such as study visit show rates.ResultsAfter three months, the study Instagram account had 209 followers and 806 total engagements. Survey responses showed little change in study participants’ attitudes about the study; most survey respondents agreed that the study is very important for the community (54% pre-pilot and 52% post-pilot). However, the study’s Instagram account appeared to influence study participation, with 43% of post-pilot respondents who use Instagram (n=65 of 153) indicating that the Instagram account influenced their decision to continue coming to study visits.ConclusionDespite little change in the participants’ attitudes about the study, the findings of this pilot study suggest that Instagram is a promising tool to support engagement of adolescent participants in ongoing research, particularly if the content is designed with adolescents as partners. In addition to assessing the effectiveness of an Instagram outreach campaign to support retention, this paper also presents suggestions and insights for creating similar social media interventions targeting youth.

Social Media Intervention for Cannabis Use in Emerging Adults

Social Media Intervention for Cannabis Use in Emerging Adults

Social Media Intervention to Promote Smoking Treatment Utilization and Cessation Among Alaska Native People Who Smoke: Protocol for the Connecting Alaska Native People to Quit Smoking (CAN Quit) Pilot Study.

BackgroundDespite the high prevalence of tobacco use among Alaska Native (AN) people, tobacco cessation interventions developed specifically for this group are lacking. Social media hold promise as a scalable intervention strategy to promote smoking treatment utilization and cessation, given the barriers to treatment delivery (ie, geographic remoteness, limited funding, climate, and travel costs) in the state of Alaska (AK). Building on a longstanding tobacco control research partnership with the AK Tribal Health System, in this study, we are developing and pilot-testing a culturally relevant, Facebook (FB)-delivered intervention that incorporates a digital storytelling approach adapted from the effective Centers for Disease Control Tips from Former Smokers campaign.ObjectiveThis study aims to promote evidence-based smoking treatment (eg, state quitline and Tribal cessation programs) uptake and cessation among AN people.MethodsThis study fulfills the objectives for stage 1 of the National Institute on Drug Abuse behavioral integrative treatment development program. In stage 1a, we will use a mixed method approach to develop the FB intervention. Cultural variance and surface/deep structure frameworks will address the influence of culture in designing health messages. These developmental activities will include qualitative and quantitative assessments, followed by beta testing of proposed intervention content. In stage 1b, we will conduct a randomized pilot trial enrolling 60 AN adults who smoke. We will evaluate the feasibility, uptake, consumer response, and potential efficacy of the FB intervention compared with a control condition (quitline/treatment referral only). Primary outcome measures include feasibility and biochemically verified smoking abstinence at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Secondary outcomes will include self-reported smoking cessation treatment utilization and abstinence from tobacco/nicotine products. We will also explore interdependence (relationship orientation and collaborative efforts in lifestyle change) as a culturally relevant mediator of intervention efficacy.ResultsThe study enrolled 40 participants for phase 1, with data saturation being achieved at 30 AN people who smoke and 10 stakeholders. For phase 2, we enrolled 40 participants. Qualitative assessment of proposed intervention content was completed with 30 AN smokers and 10 stakeholders. We are currently analyzing data from the quantitative assessment with 40 participants in preparation for the beta testing, followed by the randomized pilot trial.ConclusionsThe project is innovative for its use of social media communication tools that are culturally relevant in a behavioral intervention designed to reach AN people statewide to promote smoking treatment utilization and cessation. The study will further advance tobacco cessation research in an underserved disparity group. If the pilot intervention is successful, we will have a blueprint to conduct a large randomized controlled efficacy trial. Our approach could be considered for other remote AN communities to enhance the reach of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/15155

The Association Between Social Media Use and Hazardous Alcohol Use Among Youths: A Four-Country Study.

To examine the continuing role of daily popular social media use in youth hazardous alcohol consumption in four countries across continents. A web-based survey was given to youths aged 15-25 in the USA (n=1212), South Korea (n=1192), Finland (n=1200) and Spain (n=1212). Hazardous alcohol use (alcohol use disorders identification test-C) was the dependent variable. Main independent variables measured daily use of different social media services. Controls included compulsive Internet use, offline belonging, psychological distress, impulsivity, risk-taking, age and gender. Linear regression models and mediation analyses with bootstrapping were done for each country. Daily use of Facebook and Instagram was associated with higher hazardous alcohol use among youths in Finland, South Korea and Spain. Daily instant messaging was related to higher hazardous alcohol use among South Korean and Finnish youths. Daily YouTube use was associated with higher hazardous alcohol use among youths in South Korea, but lower hazardous alcohol use among youths in the USA and Finland. Daily Twitter use was related to lower hazardous drinking among youths in Finland but higher hazardous drinking among youths in Spain. The mediation analyses revealed that uploading pictures to social media is a possible facilitator of social media-related hazardous alcohol use among youths in the USA and Spain. Certain social media platforms might inspire and/or attract hazardously drinking youths, contributing to the growing opportunities for social media interventions.

Facebook Intervention To Improve Physical Activity Level Among Youth

Abstract Background Physical activity level decreases during the transition from late adolescence to young adulthood. Social media are nowadays widely used and part of many people’s daily routines and the interventions on these websites have the possibilities to be integrated into those routines without becoming a burden. The aim of this study was to assess physical activity level among medical students and to assess the possibilities of using social media intervention with an aim to improve physical activity among them. Methods Prospective study was conducted during October of 2016 at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia. The study included 375 first and fifth-year students. At the baseline, students filled in the questionnaire regarding social and lifestyle characteristics as well as their physical activity. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). After completing the questionnaire, students were asked to join a Facebook discussion group. The intervention consisted of motivation for physical activity through motivational pictures, texts, and discussions. The second assessment was done after one month. Based on the reported physical activity level students were divided into two groups: sufficient (&amp;gt;600MET-minutes/week) and insufficient physical activity (≤600 MET-minutes/week). Results Total of 85.4% of students were sufficiently active at the baseline, while 90.4% were sufficiently active after one month. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that students who were part of the Facebook group (OR: 3.51, 95% CI: 1.46-8.43) and students who had sufficient physical activity at the baseline (OR: 5.44, 95% CI: 2.44-12.13) had a higher likelihood to be sufficiently active after one month. Conclusions Social media can be used for interventions targeting lifestyle change among young adults and activities on these websites can be adjusted to meet the needs of the target population. Key messages Intervention on social media could lead to lifestyle change. Interventions on social media could be adjusted to fit the target population.

A social media intervention to improve nutrition knowledge and behaviors of low income, pregnant adolescents and adult women.

Pregnant adolescents are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to adult women, necessitating a need for early and comprehensive health care. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a social media intervention (i.e. weekly prenatal health messages) on improving diet quality, and health beliefs and knowledge. Participants (10 adolescents and 12 adults) completed pre-post intervention interviews, nutrition knowledge and health belief questionnaires, and 24-hour diet recalls. Participants entering pregnancy as overweight or obese were more likely to experience excessive GWG during the intervention. The adults had greater participation during the study despite high levels of social media access among both groups. Participants were able to identify sugar-sweetened foods and acknowledged the benefits of whole grains; however, overall knowledge of MyPlate Guidelines was limited. Social media-based education was well received by participants but did not result in large changes in dietary intake and knowledge. Although larger studies are needed, social media appears to have the potential to reach high-risk women.

Connectedness Based on Shared Engagement Predicts Remote Biochemically Verified Quit Status Within Smoking Cessation Treatment Groups on Facebook.

Engagement with online content and online social network integration are associated with smoking behavior change, but less is known about social dynamics of shared engagement between participants in group-based social media interventions. Participants were 251 young adult smokers aged 18 to 25 assigned to one of 29 secret Facebook groups tailored to their readiness to quit smoking ("pre-contemplation," "contemplation," and "preparation"). Groups varied in size and were randomly assigned to receive monetary incentives for engagement. All groups received daily posts for 90 days and were assessed for remote biochemically verified smoking abstinence at the end of the intervention. Across 29 groups, we examined associations between group features (group size, incentive condition, readiness to quit) with how connected members were within the group based on shared engagement with the same content (measured by density). At the individual level, we examined associations between 7-day biochemically verified smoking abstinence and how connected an individual was within the group (measured by degree centrality). After adjusting for comment volume, being in a contemplation group (vs. pre-contemplation group) was associated with a decrease in comment-based density. Individual degree centrality was significantly associated with biochemically verified smoking abstinence for both comments and likes. Future group-based social media interventions for smoking cessation may want to focus on promoting connected engagement between participants, rather than simply quantity of engagement. Participants in a smoking cessation intervention delivered through Facebook groups were more likely to have biochemically verified smoking abstinence if they were more connected to the rest of the group via shared engagement. Promoting shared engagement between participants may be more likely to promote behavior change than volume of engagement alone.

The Influence of Social Media Lifestyle Interventions on Health Behaviour: A Study on Patients with Major Depressive Disorders and Family Caregivers

Background: The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that depression will be the second leading cause of diseases by 2020. If depression is not properly treated, it can develop into a depressive disorder and increase the risk of suicide.Besides biopsychosocial factors, lifestyle is said to be a major cause of this disease and has led to an increase in its prevalence. Objective: The objective of this study was to study the intentions of patients with major depressive disorders and family caregivers to change their health behaviour and lifestyle through social media influences. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were invited to take part in the research and give their informed consent. The sample consisted of 157 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorders, aged 18 years and over, and 110 family caregivers. Data were collected from the questionnaires designed according to the I-Change Model (ICM). Statistical results to confirm causal relationships were analysed based on Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and by using the SmartPLS 3 software. Results: Patients and family caregivers were questioned about their perspectives on health matters and the influence on their motivations and intentions to change patients’ health behaviour and lifestyle, particularly social media interventions. The patients received information and counselling about health matters, health awareness, motivation and their intentions to change their health behaviour. The family caregivers were presented with the same information and counselling to motivate them to influence the depressive patients’ intentions to change their health behaviour. Conclusion: It is possible that lifestyle interventions on social media can influence the intention to change health behaviour in both patients and caregivers. However, if the patient lacks interest in participating in the treatment and does not have a good relationship with the clinician or provide relevant information to the experts; this can be an obstacle to changing their health behaviour. Therefore, future research should be conducted to ascertain which interventions are appropriate for patients and to study the long-term effects of any risks from using social media in patients with major depressive disorders.

Role of Moderators on Engagement of Adolescents With Depression or Anxiety in a Social Media Intervention: Content Analysis of Web-Based Interactions.

BackgroundThe Supporting Our Valued Adolescents (SOVA) intervention aims to use a moderated social media website to encourage peer discussion about negative health beliefs, which may prevent treatment uptake. Web moderators with a background in behavioral health are used to facilitate peer conversation to promote a sense of community, provide social support, and ensure safety.ObjectiveAlthough moderation is a core component of this intervention, little is known on best practices for moderators to ensure safety while encouraging engagement. This study sought to describe interactions between moderators and peer users and understand moderator experiences through individual interviews.MethodsAdolescents and young adults aged 14 to 26 years with depression or anxiety history were recruited for a usability study of the SOVA intervention. During this study, 14 moderators were trained to regularly review comments to blog posts for safety, facilitate conversation, and correct misinformation. A total of 110 blog posts and their associated comments were extracted and coded using a codebook based on items from the supportive accountability model and a peer social support analysis. Closing interviews with 12 moderators assessing their experience of moderating were conducted, recorded, and transcribed. Blog post text and comments as well as transcripts of moderator interviews were assessed using a thematic analysis approach, and blog posts were examined for trends in content of moderator comments comparing blog posts with differences in comment contributor order.ResultsThere were no safety concerns during the study, and moderators only intervened to remove identifiable information. Web moderators exhibited elements of supportive accountability (such as being perceived as experts and using verbal rewards as well as offering informational and emotional support). When the moderators provided the last comment under a blog post, thereby potentially ending contribution by users, they were at times found to be commenting about their own experiences. Moderators interviewed after completing their role expressed challenges in engaging users. A cohort of moderators who received more extensive training on supportive accountability and peer social support felt their ability to engage users improved because of the training.ConclusionsModerators of a Web-based support site for adolescents with depression or anxiety were able to ensure safety while promoting user engagement. Moderators can elicit user engagement by offering gratitude and encouragement to users, asking users follow-up questions, and limiting their own opinions and experiences when responding to comments.

The more the better? Exploring the effects of reviewer social networks on online reviews

ABSTRACTConventional wisdom suggests that firms leverage key influencers (e.g. individuals with high centrality) in online communities to stimulate buzz. Using a large panel dataset including 1,569,264 online Yelp reviews and the ego-network of 366,715 individual reviewers over a nine-year period, this study examines the effects of number of ties and network density on the volume and valence of online reviews. In contrast with the general belief that key influencers always generate positive buzz, the findings show that they can adversely affect future review valence. Specifically, reviewers with many connections on Yelp can reduce the positivity of reviews of the same business in the next period. This finding has implications for marketing practice in online community management and social media intervention.

Problematic Social Media Use and Perceived Social Isolation in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Social isolation in older adults is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes. In today’s digital society, if individuals perceive themselves to be socially isolated, they can take steps to interact with others on social media platforms. Research with younger adults indicates that social media use is positively linked to social isolation. However, less is known about social media use and social isolation in older adults. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the possible association between social isolation and degree of social media use in older adults. Methods: Using Internet sources, we recruited 213 participants (79.8% female; mean age 62.6 years, SD 8.3) who responded to an online survey focusing on living situation, depression, social isolation, and 2 measures of social media use: estimated daily time on social media and problematic social media use. Next, using binary logistic regression, we assessed associations between social isolation and social media use. Results: Our analyses failed to identify a relationship between perceived social isolation and estimated daily time on social media; however, higher problematic social media use was associated with higher perceived social isolation (OR 1.17). Discussion and Conclusion: Although no causal attribution can be made, our findings demonstrate an association between problematic social media use and perceived social isolation in older adults. Researchers conducting social media interventions in older adults should note this potential and monitor maladaptive use of these platforms. Overall, our results provide an important starting point for future studies on social media use and social isolation in older adults.

Authorship Correction: Promising Approaches for Engaging Youth and Young Adults Living with HIV in HIV Primary Care Using Social Media and Mobile Technology Interventions: Protocol for the SPNS Social Media Initiative.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/10681.].

The Social Media Intervention For Lower Back Pain Education Study (SMILE): A Protocol For A Randomized Trial To Reduce Occupational Low Back Pain In Nursing Professionals

The Social Media Intervention For Lower Back Pain Education Study (SMILE): A Protocol For A Randomized Trial To Reduce Occupational Low Back Pain In Nursing Professionals

The Influence of Fictitious Peers in a Social Media Intervention for Downsizing Portions: The Smart Snacking Studies

The Influence of Fictitious Peers in a Social Media Intervention for Downsizing Portions: The Smart Snacking Studies

Crossing the color line: An examination of mediators and a social media intervention for racial bias in selective exposure to movies

ABSTRACTPrevious research has found that White audiences exhibit less preference for movies with minority casts than for movies with White casts. We conducted two experiments to explore why this race-based bias occurs and how to overcome it. In the first study, we examined potential mediators of the relationship between actors’ race and intention to view movies with minority actors. Results indicated that perceptions of the intended audience fully mediated the relationship. The second study manipulated this perception via social media postings. Findings suggest the race bias can be eliminated for White audiences. Specifically, the drop in interest in seeing a movie with a Black cast was erased when Whites read positive comments about the film from other Whites.