scholarly journals Peer-to-peer sharing of sexual health social media messages in a school-based intervention: Opportunities and Challenges Identified in the STASH Feasibility Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maija-Kaisa Hirvonen ◽  
Carrie Purcell ◽  
Lawrie Elliott ◽  
Julia V Bailey ◽  
Sharon Anne Simpson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
Health Messages ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Friendship Networks ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
School Based Intervention ◽  
School Based

BACKGROUND There is strong interest in the use of social media to spread positive sexual health messages through young people’s social networks. However, research suggests this potential may be limited by a reluctance to be visibly associated with sexual health content online, and by lack of trust in the veracity of peer sources. OBJECTIVE To investigate opportunities and challenges of using social media to facilitate peer-to-peer sharing of sexual health messages within the context of a secondary school-based and peer-led sexual health intervention (STASH; Sexually Transmitted infections And Sexual Health). METHODS Following training, and as part of their role, student-nominated peer supporters (aged 14-16) invited school friends to trainer-monitored, private Facebook groups. Peer supporters posted curated educational sex and relationships content within these groups. Data come from a feasibility study of the STASH intervention in 6 UK schools. To understand student experiences of the social media component we used data from: 11 semi-structured paired and group interviews with peer supporters and their friends (collectively, ‘students’; n=42; aged 14-16); a web-based post-intervention questionnaire to peer supporters (n=88); and baseline and follow-up questionnaires to students in the intervention year group (n=680 and 603 respectively). We carried out thematic analysis of qualitative data and descriptive analysis of quantitative data. RESULTS Message-sharing by peer supporters was hindered by variable engagement with Facebook. The trainer-monitored and private Facebook groups were acceptable to student members (peer supporters and their friends), and reassuring to peer supporters, but led to engagement that ran parallel to – rather than embedded in –their routine social media use. The offline context of a school-based intervention helped legitimate and augment the Facebook posts; but even where friends were receptive to STASH messages, they did not necessarily engage visibly. Preferences for content design varied, but humor, color and text brevity were important. Preferences for online versus offline message-sharing varied. CONCLUSIONS Invitation-only social media groups formed around peer supporters’ existing friendship networks hold potential for diffusing messages in peer-based sexual health interventions. Ideally, interactive opportunities should not be limited to single social media platforms and should run alongside offline conversations. There are tensions between offering young people autonomy to engage flexibly and authentically, and the need for adult-oversight of activities for information accuracy and safeguarding. CLINICALTRIAL Isrctn97369178

scholarly journals Social Network Research contribution to evaluating process in a feasibility study of a peer-led and school-based sexual health intervention

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Broccatelli ◽  
Peng Wang ◽  
Lisa McDaid ◽  
Mark McCann ◽  
Sharon Anne Simpson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Complex Interventions ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Friendship Networks ◽  
Intervention Delivery ◽  
School Based ◽  
Network Research

AbstractThere is growing interest in social network-based programmes to improve health, but rigorous methods using Social Network research to evaluate the process of these interventions is less well developed. Using data from the “STis And Sexual Health” (STASH) feasibility trial of a school-based, peer-led intervention on sexual health prevention, we illustrate how network data analysis results can address key components of process evaluations for complex interventions—implementation, mechanisms of impacts, and context. STASH trained students as Peer Supporters (PS) to diffuse sexual health messages though face-to-face interactions and online Facebook (FB) groups. We applied a Multilevel Exponential Random Graph modelling approach to analyse the interdependence between offline friendship relationships and online FB ties and how these different relationships align. Our results suggest that the creation of online FB communities mirrored offline adolescent groups, demonstrating fidelity of intervention delivery. Data on informal friendship networks related to student’s individual characteristics (i.e., demographics, sexual health knowledge and adherence to norms, which were included for STASH), contributed to an understanding of the social relational ‘building’ mechanisms that sustain tie-formation. This knowledge could assist the selection of opinion leaders, improving identification of influential peers situated in optimal network positions. This work provides a novel contribution to understanding how to integrate network research with the process evaluation of a network intervention.

scholarly journals The Shamiri group intervention for adolescent anxiety and depression: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of a lay-provider-delivered, school-based intervention in Kenya

Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom L. Osborn ◽  
Katherine E. Venturo-Conerly ◽  
Akash R. Wasil ◽  
Micaela Rodriguez ◽  
Elizabeth Roe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Study Skills ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
School Based Intervention ◽  
School Based ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Developing low-cost, socio-culturally appropriate, and scalable interventions for youth depression and anxiety symptoms in low-income regions such as countries in sub-Saharan Africa is a global mental health priority. We developed and intend to evaluate one such intervention for adolescent depression and anxiety in Kenya. The intervention, named Shamiri (a Swahili word for “thrive”), draws upon evidence-based components of brief interventions that involve nonclinical principles rather than treatment of psychopathology (e.g., growth mindset, gratitude, and virtues). Methods Four hundred twenty Kenyan adolescents (ages 13–18) with clinically elevated depression and/or anxiety symptoms will be randomized to either the 4-week Shamiri group intervention or a group study-skills control intervention of equal duration and dosage. Participating adolescents will meet in groups of 8–15, led by a high-school graduate trained to deliver Shamiri as a lay-provider. Adolescents will self-report primary outcome measures (depression—measured by the PHQ-8, and anxiety symptoms—measured by the GAD-7) and secondary outcome measures (perceived social support, perceived academic control, self-reported optimism and happiness, loneliness, and academic grades) at the 2-week intervention midpoint, 4-week post-intervention endpoint, and 2-week post-intervention follow-up. We predict that adolescents in the Shamiri group, when compared to the study-skills control group, will show greater improvements in primary outcomes and secondary outcomes. Discussion Results may suggest that a brief, lay-provider delivered, school-based intervention may reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, improving academic outcomes and other psychosocial outcomes in adolescents with clinically-elevated symptoms in sub-Saharan Africa. Trial registration Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201906525818462. Registered on 12 June 2019.

scholarly journals The Shamiri Group Intervention for Adolescent Anxiety and Depression: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Lay Provider-Delivered, School-Based Intervention in Kenya

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Lee Osborn ◽  
Katherine E. Venturo-Conerly ◽  
Akash R. Wasil ◽  
Micaela Rodriguez ◽  
Elizabeth Roe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Study Skills ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
School Based Intervention ◽  
School Based ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Developing low-cost, socio-culturally appropriate, and scalable interventions for youth depression and anxiety symptoms in low-income regions such as countries in Sub Saharan Africa is a global mental health priority. We developed and intend to evaluate one such intervention for adolescent depression and anxiety in Kenya. The intervention, named Shamiri (a Swahili word for ‘thrive’), draws upon evidence-based components of brief interventions that involve nonclinical principles rather than treatment of psychopathology (e.g. growth mindset, gratitude and virtues).Methods At least 400 Kenyan adolescents (ages 13-18) with clinically elevated depression and/or anxiety symptoms will be randomized to either the four-week Shamiri group intervention or a group study-skills control intervention of equal duration and dosage. Participating adolescents will meet in groups of 8-15, led by a high-school graduate trained to deliver Shamiri as a lay-provider. Adolescents will self-report primary outcome measures (depression—measured by the PHQ-8, and anxiety symptoms—measured by the GAD-7) and secondary outcome measures (perceived social support, perceived academic control, self-reported optimism and happiness, loneliness, and academic grades) at the 2-week intervention midpoint, 4-week post-intervention endpoint, and 2-week post-intervention follow-up. We predict that adolescents in the Shamiri group, when compared to the study-skills control group, will show greater improvements in primary outcomes and secondary outcomes. Discussion Results may suggest that a brief, lay-provider delivered, school-based intervention may reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, improve academic outcomes and other psychosocial outcomes in adolescents with clinically-elevated symptoms in Sub-Saharan Africa.Trial RegistrationPan African Clinical Trials Registry. Trial ID: PACTR201906525818462. Registered 12th June 2019.

scholarly journals The Short- and Long-term Effectiveness of the WhyDairy? School-based Nutrition Education Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-26
Author(s):  
Megan Racey ◽  
Andrew McKenney ◽  
David Wosnick ◽  
Emma Sypes ◽  
William Albabish ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Dairy Products ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Dietary Behaviour ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Web Based ◽  
School Based Intervention ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
School Based

Background:Despite the known health benefits of dairy products, their daily consumption continues to decline in many populations, particularly in pre-adolescents and adolescents.Objective:The primary objective of the cluster randomized controlled trial was to assess whether a school-based intervention enhanced with a web-based component, known as WhyDairy? was more effective than a standardized dairy education program at changing: (i) knowledge of dairy products, (ii) intentions to consume dairy products, and (iii) dietary intake of dairy products.Methods:Grade 7 students (n=175) in 10 Southwestern Ontario schools were randomized by the school, into intervention or control. Intervention schools received the WhyDairy? intervention with a website component while control schools received a DFO education program. Intervention schools were further randomized to receive follow-up contact, through monthly emails, or no follow-up contact. A questionnaire, consisting of three surveys (knowledge, FFQ, and intention), was delivered at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up.Results:All groups significantly increased their knowledge post-intervention but only intervention schools with follow-up email contact maintained this positive change in knowledge. No groups saw significant changes in dietary behaviour. The email campaign was successful in reaching parents but did not result in high engagement or changes in student outcomes.Conclusion:The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of a school-based intervention enhanced with a web-based component in changing student knowledge regarding dairy products and the engagement of the website during the intervention period. Future work should consider longer durations to see changes in dietary behaviour and more targeted approaches during follow-up periods.

scholarly journals The Shamiri Group Intervention for Adolescent Anxiety and Depression: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Lay Provider-Delivered, School-Based Intervention in Kenya

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Lee Osborn ◽  
Katherine E. Venturo-Conerly ◽  
Akash R. Wasil ◽  
Micaela Rodriguez ◽  
Elizabeth Roe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Study Skills ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
School Based Intervention ◽  
School Based ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Developing low-cost, socio-culturally appropriate, and scalable interventions for youth depression and anxiety symptoms in low-income regions such as countries in Sub Saharan Africa is a global mental health priority. We developed and intend to evaluate one such intervention for adolescent depression and anxiety in Kenya. The intervention, named Shamiri (a Swahili word for ‘thrive’), draws upon evidence-based components of brief interventions that involve nonclinical principles rather than treatment of psychopathology (e.g. growth mindset, gratitude and virtues).Methods 420 Kenyan adolescents (ages 13-18) with clinically elevated depression and/or anxiety symptoms will be randomized to either the four-week Shamiri group intervention or a group study-skills control intervention of equal duration and dosage. Participating adolescents will meet in groups of 8-15, led by a high-school graduate trained to deliver Shamiri as a lay-provider. Adolescents will self-report primary outcome measures (depression—measured by the PHQ-8, and anxiety symptoms—measured by the GAD-7) and secondary outcome measures (perceived social support, perceived academic control, self-reported optimism and happiness, loneliness, and academic grades) at the 2-week intervention midpoint, 4-week post-intervention endpoint, and 2-week post-intervention follow-up. We predict that adolescents in the Shamiri group, when compared to the study-skills control group, will show greater improvements in primary outcomes and secondary outcomes. Discussion Results may suggest that a brief, lay-provider delivered, school-based intervention may reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, improve academic outcomes and other psychosocial outcomes in adolescents with clinically-elevated symptoms in Sub-Saharan Africa.Trial RegistrationPan African Clinical Trials Registry. Trial ID: PACTR201906525818462. Registered 12th June 2019.

Mediators and moderators of physical activity changes in a school-based intervention targeting childhood obesity

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910532110614
Author(s):  
Tania Santina ◽  
Dominique Beaulieu ◽  
Camille Gagné ◽  
Laurence Guillaumie
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Multiple Mediation ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Self Identity ◽  
School Based Intervention ◽  
School Based ◽  
Pilot Intervention ◽  
And Control

This study identifies mediators and moderators of changes in physical activity (PA) following a school-based pilot intervention. Students from two Lebanese schools were randomly allocated into intervention ( n = 191) and control ( n = 183) groups. The multiple-mediation analysis revealed that active self-identity and perceived barriers mediated the intervention’s effect on PA changes. Baseline intention, attitude, PBC, and age moderated PA changes at post-intervention. The youngest participants and those reporting the lowest PA scores at baseline benefited most from the intervention. Future interventions with students should target these mediators and moderators to promote positive change in PA behavior.

Effectiveness of a school-based intervention in Guatemala to increase knowledge of sexual and reproductive health

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna M. Morenz ◽  
Juan Carlos Hernandez ◽  
Katherine Yates ◽  
Mark Allen Kennedy ◽  
Alissa Groisser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Adolescent Pregnancy ◽  
Pregnancy Prevention ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Resource Limited Settings ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
School Based ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Contraception Use

AbstractObjectivesAdolescent pregnancy in Guatemala is a multifactorial issue contributing to maternal and child mortality as well as negative social and economic outcomes. While multiple organizations have identified this as an important area for improvement, little has been published on methods for reducing rates of adolescent pregnancy in resource-limited settings. We characterized the effects of a brief intervention on the knowledge and attitudes towards sexual health of high schoolers in a rural Guatemalan community.MethodsWe created a condensed, 2-h sexual education course, which was taught to over 500 high school students in San Juan Sacatepequez, Guatemala. Students completed pre- and post-intervention surveys assessing their knowledge about pregnancy prevention and attitudes toward contraception use. Chi-square tests were used to assess the difference between the pre- and post-intervention responses as well as the responses between male and female participants.ResultsAnalysis of the survey results revealed significant improvements in all questions assessing knowledge regarding pregnancy prevention (p<0.01). Our pre-intervention survey revealed that male participants possessed greater knowledge regarding pregnancy prevention (p<0.01). Following the intervention, several areas of initial difference between male and female students’ knowledge disappeared, including knowledge of what a contraceptive is, awareness that one sexual relation is sufficient for pregnancy, and recognition that condoms can prevent sexually transmitted infections.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that brief, school-based sexual health courses are low-resource, feasible interventions to significantly increase knowledge about contraception and sexual health in resource-limited settings and improve the disparities in knowledge between male and female participants.

scholarly journals Understanding how young African adults interact with peer-generated sexual health information on Facebook and uncovering strategies for successful organic engagement

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Olamijuwon ◽  
Odimegwu Clifford ◽  
Visseho Adjiwanou
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Messages ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Sexual Health Information ◽  
Sexual Health Communication ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Context Specific

Abstract Background The use of social media for sexual health communication is gaining intense discussion both globally and in Africa. Despite this reality, it remains unclear whether and how young African adults use digital innovations like social media to access sexual health information. More importantly, the unique properties of messages that increase message reach and propagation are not well understood. This study aims to fill the gaps in scholarship by identifying post features and content associated with greater user engagement. Methods We analyzed a corpus of 3533 sexual and reproductive health messages shared on a public Facebook group by and for young African adults between June 1, 2018, and May 31, 2019, to understand better the unique features associated with higher engagement with peer-generated sexual health education. Facebook posts were independently classified into thematic categories such as topic, strategy, and tone of communication. Results The participants generally engaged with posts superficially by liking (x̃ = 54; x̄ = 109.28; σ = 159.24) rather than leaving comments (x̃ = 10; x̄ = 32.03; σ = 62.65) or sharing (x̃ = 3; x̄ = 11.34; σ = 55.12) the wallposts. Messages with fear [IRR:0.75, 95% CI: 0.66–0.86] or guilt [IRR:0.82, 95% CI: 0.72–0.92] appeals received a significantly lower number of reactions compared to neutral messages. Messages requesting an opinion [IRR:4.25, 95% CI: 3.57–5.10] had a significantly higher number of comments compared to status updates. The use of multimedia and storytelling formats were also significantly associated with a higher level of engagement and propagation of sexual health messages on the group. Conclusion Young adults in our sample tend to superficially interact with peer-communicated sexual health information through likes than engage (comments) or propagate such messages. Message features that increase engagements and propagation of messages include multimedia and engaging styles like storytelling. Our findings provide valuable insight and pave the way for the design of effective and context-specific sexual health information use of features that attract young African adults.

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