Dataset Information

A Peer-Led Social Media Intervention to Improve Interest in Research Careers Among Urban Youth: Mixed Methods Study.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Novel methods to boost interest in scientific research careers among minority youth are largely unexplored. Social media offers a unique avenue toward influencing teen behavior and attitudes, and can therefore be utilized to stimulate interest in clinical research. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to engage high-achieving minority youth enrolled in a science pipeline program to develop a targeted social media marketing campaign for boosting interest in clinical research careers among their peers. METHODS:Students enrolled in the Training Early Achievers for Careers in Health program conducted focus groups in their communities to inform themes that best promote clinical research. They then scripted, storyboarded, and filmed a short video to share on social media with a campaign hashtag. Additionally, each student enrolled peers from their social circle to be subjects of the study. Subjects were sent a Career Orientation Survey at baseline to assess preliminary interest in clinical research careers and again after the campaign to assess how they saw the video, their perceptions of the video, and interest in clinical research careers after watching the video. Subjects who did not see the video through the online campaign were invited to watch the video via a link on the postsurvey. Interest change scores were calculated using differences in Likert-scale responses to the question "how interested are you in a career in clinical research?" An ordinal logistic regression model was used to test the association between watching a peer-shared video, perception of entertainment, and interest change score controlling for underrepresented minorities in medicine status (Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander), gender, and baseline interest in medical or clinical research careers. RESULTS:From 2014 to 2017, 325 subjects were enrolled as part of 4 distinct campaigns: #WhereScienceMeetsReality, #RedefiningResearch, #DoYourResearch, and #LifeWithoutResearch. Over half (n=180) of the subjects watched the video via the campaign, 227/295 (76.9%) found the video entertaining, and 92/325 (28.3%) demonstrated baseline interest in clinical research. The ordinal logistic regression model showed that subjects who viewed the video from a peer (odds ratio [OR] 1.56, 95% CI 1.00-2.44, P=.05) or found the video entertaining (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.01-1.82, P=.04) had greater odds of increasing interest in a clinical research career. Subjects with a higher baseline interest in medicine (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.28-1.87, P<.001) also had greater odds of increasing their interest in clinical research. CONCLUSIONS:The spread of authentic and relevant peer-created messages via social media can increase interest in clinical research careers among diverse teens. Peer-driven social media campaigns should be explored as a way to effectively recruit minority youth into scientific research careers.

SUBMITTER: Ogunleye C

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7256755 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A Peer-Led Social Media Intervention to Improve Interest in Research Careers Among Urban Youth: Mixed Methods Study.

Ogunleye Christianah C Farnan Jeanne M JM Martin Shannon K SK Tanksley Audrey A Ngooi Samantha S Venable Laura Ruth LR Anderson Samantha S Marte Jhonatan J Meltzer David O DO Arora Vineet M VM

JMIR medical education 20200514 1

<h4>Background</h4>Novel methods to boost interest in scientific research careers among minority youth are largely unexplored. Social media offers a unique avenue toward influencing teen behavior and attitudes, and can therefore be utilized to stimulate interest in clinical research.<h4>Objective</h4>The aim of this study was to engage high-achieving minority youth enrolled in a science pipeline program to develop a targeted social media marketing campaign for boosting interest in clinical resea ...[more]

PMID: 32406859

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Project description:BackgroundOnline health communities (OHCs) have emerged as the leading venues for behavior change and health-related information seeking. The soul and success of these digital platforms lie in their ability to foster social togetherness and a sense of community by providing personalized support. However, we have a minimal understanding of how conversational posts in these settings lead to collaborative societies and ultimately result in positive health changes through social influence.ObjectiveOur objective is to develop a content-specific and intent-sensitive methodological framework for analyzing peer interactions in OHCs.MethodsWe developed and applied a mixed-methods approach to understand the manifestation of expressions in peer interactions in OHCs. We applied our approach to describe online social dialogue in the context of two online communities, QuitNet (QN) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) support community. A total of 3011 randomly selected peer interactions (n=2005 from QN, n=1006 from ADA) were analyzed. Specifically, we conducted thematic analysis to characterize communication content and linguistic expressions (speech acts) embedded within the two data sets. We also developed an empirical user persona based on their engagement levels and behavior profiles. Further, we examined the association between speech acts and communication themes across observed tiers of user engagement and self-reported behavior profiles using the chi-square test or the Fisher test.ResultsAlthough social support, the most prevalent communication theme in both communities, was expressed in several subtle manners, the prevalence of emotions was higher in the tobacco cessation community and assertions were higher in the diabetes self-management (DSM) community. Specific communication theme-speech act relationships were revealed, such as the social support theme was significantly associated (P<.05) with 9 speech acts from a total of 10 speech acts (ie, assertion, commissive, declarative, desire, directive, expressive, question, stance, and statement) within the QN community. Only four speech acts (ie, commissive, emotion, expressive, and stance) were significantly associated (P<.05) with the social support theme in the ADA community. The speech acts were also significantly associated with the users' abstinence status within the QN community and with the users' lifestyle status within the ADA community (P<.05).ConclusionsSuch an overlay of communication intent implicit in online peer interactions alongside content-specific theory-linked characterizations of social media discourse can inform the development of effective digital health technologies in the field of health promotion and behavior change. Our analysis revealed a rich gradient of expressions across a standardized thematic vocabulary, with a distinct variation in emotional and informational needs, depending on the behavioral and disease management profiles within and across the communities. This signifies the need and opportunities for coupling pragmatic messaging in digital therapeutics and care management pathways for personalized support.

Project description:BACKGROUND:Youth experiencing homelessness are at a risk for a variety of adverse outcomes. Given the widespread use of the internet and social media, these new technologies may be used to address their needs and for outreach purposes. However, little is known about how this group uses these resources. OBJECTIVE:This study investigated how homeless adolescents use these technologies for general and health-related purposes, whether the scope of their use changes with housing status, and their interest in a website dedicated to youth experiencing homelessness. METHODS:A convenience sample of youth aged 18 to 21 years was recruited from a youth-specific homeless shelter. All participants completed a 47-item survey, with 10 individuals completing a semistructured interview. Descriptive statistics, exact testing, logistic regression, and generalized estimating equation modeling was performed for quantitative data analysis. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and NVivo 10 (QSR International) was employed to facilitate double coding and thematic analysis. RESULTS:A total of 87 participants completed the survey with a mean age of 19.4 (SD 1.1) years. While experiencing homelessness, 56% (49/87) accessed the internet at least once a day, with 86% (75/87) accessing once a week. Access to a smartphone was associated with a 3.03 greater odds of accessing the internet and was the most frequently used device (66% of participants, 57/87). While experiencing homelessness, subjects reported a 68% decreased odds in internet access frequency (odds ratio [OR] 0.32, P<.001), 75% decreased odds in spending greater amounts of time on the internet (OR 0.25, P<.001), and an 87% decreased odds of social media use (OR 0.13, P=.01). Ten participants completed the semistructured interview. Several themes were identified, including (1) changes in internet behaviors while experiencing homelessness, (2) health status as a major concern and reason for Internet use, and (3) interest in a website dedicated to youth experiencing homelessness. While experiencing homelessness, participants indicated their behaviors were more goal-oriented and less focused on leisure or entertainment activities. CONCLUSIONS:While homeless youth experience changes in the frequency, amount of time, and specific uses of the internet and social media, study participants were able to access the internet regularly. The internet was used to search health-related topics. Given the importance of smartphones in accessing the internet, mobile-optimized websites may be an effective method for reaching this group.

Project description:BackgroundTwo important factors that prolong and exacerbate chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) and disability are low pain self-efficacy and loneliness. Yet, few interventions have shown long-term sustained improvements in pain self-efficacy, and there are no evidence-based treatments that target social connectedness in people living with CNCP. More effective and accessible interventions designed to target self-efficacy and social connectedness could ease the burden of CNCP.ObjectiveTo co-design accessible interventions to increase pain self-efficacy, social connection, pain-related outcomes, and quality of life, this study explored patients' interest and preferences for digital peer-delivered interventions for CNCP as well as implementation barriers and enablers.MethodsThis cross-sectional mixed methods study was part of a larger longitudinal cohort study. Adult Australian residents (N=186) with CNCP diagnosed by a medical professional or pain specialist were included. Participants were initially recruited through advertising on professional pain social media accounts and websites. Questions examined whether patients were interested in digital peer-delivered interventions and their preferences for specific features (eg, Newsfeed). Pain self-efficacy and loneliness were assessed using validated questionnaires, and the association between these factors and interest in digital peer-delivered support was explored. Open-ended questions explored implementation barriers, enablers, and suggestions for consideration in intervention design.ResultsThere was interest in accessing digital peer-delivered interventions, with almost half of the sample indicating that they would access it if it was available. Those who indicated an interest in digital peer interventions reported both lower pain self-efficacy and greater loneliness than those who were not interested. Intervention content that incorporated education, links to health services and resources, and delivery of support by peer coaches were the most frequently preferred intervention features. Three potential benefits were identified: shared experience, social connection, and shared pain management solutions. Five potential barriers were identified: negative focus on pain, judgment, lack of engagement, negative impact on mental health, privacy and security concerns, and unmet personal preferences. Finally, there were 8 suggestions from participants: moderation of the group, interest subgroups, professional-led activities, psychological strategies, links to professional pain resources, newsletter, motivational content, live streaming, and online meetups.ConclusionsDigital peer-delivered interventions were of particular interest to those with CNCP who had lower levels of pain self-efficacy and higher levels of loneliness. Future co-design work could tailor digital peer-delivered interventions to these unmet needs. Intervention preferences and implementation barriers and enablers identified in this study could guide further co-design and the development of such interventions.

Project description:BACKGROUND:Generating participant engagement in social media applications for health promotion and disease prevention efforts is vital for their effectiveness and increases the likelihood of effecting sustainable behavior change. However, there is limited evidence regarding effective strategies for engaging Latino immigrant youth using social media. As part of the Avance Center for the Advancement of Immigrant/Refugee Health in Washington, DC, USA, we implemented Adelante, a branded primary prevention program, to address risk factors for co-occurring substance use, sexual risk, and interpersonal violence among Latino immigrant adolescents aged 12 to 19 years in a Washington, DC suburb. OBJECTIVE:The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize Adelante participant Facebook reach and engagement and (2) identify post content and features that resulted in greater user engagement. METHODS:We established the Adelante Facebook fan page in October of 2013, and the Adelante social marketing campaign used this platform for campaign activities from September 2015 to September 2016. We used Facebook Insights metrics to examine reach and post engagement of Adelante Facebook page fans (n=743). Data consisted of Facebook fan page posts between October 1, 2013 and September 30, 2016 (n=871). We developed a 2-phased mixed-methods analytical plan and coding scheme, and explored the association between post content categories and features and a composite measure of post engagement using 1-way analysis of variance tests. P<.05 determined statistical significance. RESULTS:Posts on the Adelante Facebook page had a total of 34,318 clicks, 473 comments, 9080 likes or reactions, and 617 shares. Post content categories that were statistically significantly associated with post engagement were Adelante program updates (P<.001); youth achievement showcases (P=.001); news links (P<.001); social marketing campaign posts (P<.001); and prevention topics, including substance abuse (P<.001), safe sex (P=.02), sexually transmitted disease prevention (P<.001), and violence or fighting (P=.047). Post features that were significantly associated with post engagement comprised the inclusion of photos (P<.001); Spanish (P<.001) or bilingual (P=.001) posts; and portrayal of youth of both sexes (P<.001) portrayed in groups (P<.001) that were facilitated by adults (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS:Social media outreach is a promising strategy that youth programs can use to complement in-person programming for augmented engagement. The Latino immigrant youth audience in this study had a tendency toward more passive social media consumption, having implications for outreach strategies and engagement measurement in future studies. While study findings confirmed the utility of social marketing campaigns for increasing user engagement, findings also highlighted a high level of engagement among youth with posts that covered casual, day-to-day program activity participation. This finding identifies an underexplored area that should be considered for health messaging, and also supports interventions that use peer-to-peer and user-generated health promotion approaches.

Project description:BackgroundYouth Living with HIV (YLWH) have reduced adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and worse virologic outcomes compared to children and adults. HIV peer youth led (PYL) interventions contribute to improved retention in care and psychosocial wellbeing. The study objective was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a PYL HIV curriculum and describe change in participants' knowledge and impact of leadership on peer leaders' lives.MethodsAn HIV curriculum was taught during monthly Saturday adolescent HIV clinics at two clinical sites in Moshi, Tanzania (2018-2019). Youth attending clinics were ages 12 to 24 years and received the HIV curriculum during routine clinical care. Peer leaders previously participated in a mental health and life skills intervention called Sauti ya Vijana (The Voice of Youth; SYV) and were recommended for leadership by SYV facilitators and clinic staff. Peer leaders were trained and supervised weekly in curriculum delivery using a "train the trainer" model. Data were collected and analyzed using mixed methods. Fidelity checklists were used to measure adherence to the curriculum. Youth participants answered written pre- and post-knowledge questions and evaluated PYL teaching. Semi-structured interviews and the Connor Davidson Resilience scale were conducted with peer leaders before and after assuming the leadership role.ResultsPeer leaders (N = 4 male; 3 female) demonstrated high fidelity (96%) to activities in each lesson and participant feedback was positive for curriculum delivery. Participants' knowledge improved in nine of ten sessions. All but one leader-who moved away before the study ended-demonstrated stable or improved resilience with a mean difference of 3.8 (SD = 7.0) from before the intervention to after assuming the leadership role. Peer leaders reported improved leadership confidence and resilience, and their perception was that the curriculum helped normalize the HIV experience for YLWH attending clinic. Nevertheless, anticipated stigma, difficulty disclosing HIV status, and teaching ability remained barriers.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that a PYL curriculum to improve HIV knowledge integrated into routine adolescent HIV clinic in Tanzania was feasible, acceptable, and improved knowledge while also benefiting peer leaders, thus providing evidence to continue to support efforts to scale and sustain PYL interventions for YLWH.

Dataset Information

A Peer-Led Social Media Intervention to Improve Interest in Research Careers Among Urban Youth: Mixed Methods Study.

Publications

A Peer-Led Social Media Intervention to Improve Interest in Research Careers Among Urban Youth: Mixed Methods Study.

Similar Datasets

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