Using Twitter to Disseminate: A mixed-methods exploration of the extent and nature of the dissemination of a public health research project via the microblogging platform. (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn McCarthy ◽  
Cathy Ure ◽  
Penny A Cook
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Twitter Analytics ◽  
Twitter Account ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
The Relationship

UNSTRUCTURED Abstract Social media plays an increasing role in the dissemination of public health research. For public health research projects, a Twitter account holds the potential to disseminate research outcomes to other public health academics, professionals and policymakers. Aims The study examined users’ interactions with the Twitter account of a single research project. Specifically, it (i) measured the relationship between tweet content, using a tweet content score (TCS), and tweet success measured in engagements and impressions; and (ii) explored in depth, the motivations, opinions and experiences of public health academics and professionals using the micro blogging platform Twitter. Methods All Twitter Analytics data for the identified account were retrieved (n= 119 tweets) and the relationship between tweet content and success analysed. Seven stakeholders participated in semi-structured interviews to explore attitudes and motivations around engagement with Twitter. Results A positive correlation between TCS and tweet success was found. Tweets containing at least one mention had significantly greater impressions (551.48 compared to 232.00) and engagements (10.65 compared to 4.42). Tweets containing an image had a significant increase in engagements (13.13 compared to 8.29) but no effect on impressions. Qualitative analysis of the interview data revealed the importance of topic, positivity, and instruction in tweet content. Concerns with platform use related to legitimacy, negative experiences and lack of user confidence. Conclusions The study supports previous research findings. Twitter is a useful tool for public health dissemination and a positive association between TCS and tweet success exists. It is hoped that the findings of this research may be of use to other public health projects using Twitter for dissemination and impact.

scholarly journals Introduction to the Symposium: Causal Inference and Public Health

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison E. Aiello ◽  
Lawrence W. Green
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Causal Inference ◽  
Health Research ◽  
External Validity ◽  
Environmental Science ◽  
Social Epidemiology ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Internal And External Validity

Assessing the extent to which public health research findings can be causally interpreted continues to be a critical endeavor. In this symposium, we invited several researchers to review issues related to causal inference in social epidemiology and environmental science and to discuss the importance of external validity in public health. Together, this set of articles provides an integral overview of the strengths and limitations of applying causal inference frameworks and related approaches to a variety of public health problems, for both internal and external validity.

scholarly journals From deliberative dialogue to impact: envisioning kmowledge translation

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
O Hobden ◽  
R A J Borst ◽  
A Al-Metleq ◽  
M O Kok
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Research Impact ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Deliberative Dialogue ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Scenario Approach

Abstract Background The previous decades of research have contributed tremendously to the improvement of health. Nonetheless, problems remain regarding the use and relevance of public health research. Knowledge translation methods, such as deliberative dialogues, are believed to increase the use and relevance of such research. However, little is known about how they increase the impact of public health research. This study sought to trace the impact of deliberative dialogues through an actor-scenario approach. Actor-scenario mapping asks key actors to describe how and by whom research findings may potentially be used. This allows for constructing more concrete action plans. Methods This study used a qualitative case-study design with semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and a survey. The study focused on a Jordanian deliberative dialogue organised in April 2019. Interviews were conducted with 15 key stakeholders before and after the dialogue. Observations and surveys were collected during the dialogue. An abductive approach to thematic analysis was used to arrive at key themes for the report. Results The results show that dialogue participants found it difficult to propose concrete scenarios for action. They described that the sensitive nature of some research topics impairs action. Additionally, participants proposed that research funding should be earmarked for concrete actions. Overall, their scenarios proposed that high-level decision makers maintain involved in the knowledge to action process. Some participants mentioned that the articulation of scenarios for action contributes to research impact, since researchers usually do not engage with potential users. Conclusions Actor-scenario mapping is an innovative way of understanding how deliberative dialogues increase the impact of public health research. This scenario approach can inform the organisation of deliberative dialogues by actors such as EVIPNet. Key messages Actor-scenario mapping can trace the impact of deliberative dialogues. The scenario approach can better align the dialogues with policy and practice.

scholarly journals Using research networks to generate trustworthy qualitative public health research findings from multiple contexts

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lot Nyirenda ◽  
Meghan Bruce Kumar ◽  
Sally Theobald ◽  
Malabika Sarker ◽  
Musonda Simwinga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Research Networks ◽  
Multiple Contexts ◽  
Research Findings

scholarly journals It Starts with a Conversation: The Importance of Values as Building Blocks of Engagement Strategies in Community-Centered Public Health Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 2940
Author(s):  
Ewelina M. Swierad ◽  
Terry T.-K. Huang
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Engagement Strategies

This study examined the life-motivating values of residents in underserved minority communities to inform the development of community engagement strategies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the main research questions: (1) what were the values of research participants, and (2) what did they consider important in their lives? The participants included twenty-seven ethnically diverse individuals living in low-income neighborhoods in New York City (NYC). Thematic analysis was performed to identify common themes and patterns related to the values that participants considered important in their lives. Three broad themes were identified: (1) benevolence; (2) universalism, and (3) self-direction. Benevolence implies a sense of belonging as the central meaning in life; community engagement strategies focused on this value emphasize concern for the welfare of loved ones. Community engagement strategies focused on universalism emphasize social justice and concern for the environment and the world. Finally, community engagement strategies focused on self-direction seek to satisfy participants’ needs for control, autonomy, and mastery. This study introduces the Value-Based Framework for Community-Centered Research. It illustrates how value exploration is central to a community-centered approach to public health research and can be an important first step for designing studies that are better aligned with community needs and contexts. Such an approach can also help to co-create a “research identity” with community members and integrate their values into a project’s purpose, thereby increasing community ownership and engagement in the study.

“It’s not black and white”

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharinne Crawford ◽  
Stacey Hokke ◽  
Jan M. Nicholson ◽  
Lawrie Zion ◽  
Jayne Lucke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Internet Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Participants

Purpose The internet offers an opportunity for researchers to engage participants in research in a cost-effective and timely manner. Yet the use of the internet as a research tool (internet research) comes with a range of ethical concerns, and the rapidly changing online environment poses challenges for both researchers and ethics committees. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the key ethical issues of using the internet to recruit, retain and trace participants in public health research, from the perspectives of researchers and human research ethics committee (HREC) members. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a qualitative design using semi-structured interviews with eight public health researchers and seven HREC members in Australia to explore the key ethical issues of using the internet to engage research participants. Findings The study identified commonalities between researchers and HREC members regarding the utility and ethical complexity of using the internet to recruit, retain and trace research participants. The need for guidance and support regarding internet research, for both groups, was highlighted, as well as the need for flexibility and responsiveness in formal ethical processes. Originality/value This research contributes to the understanding of how the internet is used to engage participants in public health research and the ethical context in which that occurs. Supporting the ethical conduct of internet research will benefit those involved in research, including researchers, HRECs, organisations and research participants.

Causation and causal inference

2021 ◽  
pp. 183-192
Author(s):  
Katherine J. Hoggatt ◽  
Tyler J. VanderWeele ◽  
Sander Greenland
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Causal Inference ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Prediction Problem ◽  
Potential Outcome ◽  
Epidemiologic Evidence ◽  
Outcome Framework ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Inference Theory

This chapter provides an introduction to causal inference theory for public health research. Causal inference can be viewed as a prediction problem, addressing the question of what the likely outcome will be under one action vs. an alternative action. To answer this question usefully requires clarity and precision in both the statement of the causal hypothesis and the techniques used to attempt an answer. This chapter reviews considerations that have been invoked in discussions of causality based on epidemiologic evidence. It then describes the potential-outcome (counterfactual) framework for cause and effect, which shows how measures of effect and association can be distinguished. The potential-outcome framework illustrates problems inherent in attempts to quantify the changes in health expected under different actions or interventions. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how research findings may be translated into policy.

scholarly journals The inflammatory potential of the diet is prospectively associated with subjective hearing impairment

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V A Andreeva ◽  
S Péneau ◽  
C Julia ◽  
N Shivappa ◽  
J R Hébert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Continuous Scale ◽  
Age Related Hearing Loss

Abstract Background Age-related hearing loss is prevalent yet insufficiently addressed by public health research. Subjective hearing loss has been highlighted as a key determinant of reduced quality of life, while chronic low-grade inflammation is an established determinant of adverse age-related outcomes. To our knowledge, this study was the first to investigate the link between the inflammatory potential of the diet and hearing loss. Methods We prospectively studied 3,435 French adults enrolled in the SU.VI.MAX (1994-2002) and SU.VI.MAX 2 (2007-2009) cohorts. The inflammatory potential of the diet was estimated by the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) using established methodology and repeated, baseline 24-h dietary records. Subjective hearing impairment was assessed after a median of 12 years by 3 Yes/No items and by a composite score, dichotomized for analyses. We fit multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for pertinent covariates. Results Compared to men, women exhibited higher DII (more pro-inflammatory diet) and less hearing impairment (both p < 0.0001). Given significant interaction results, sex-specific models were fit. Among men, a significant positive association between DII (continuous scale) and inability to follow a conversation in a noisy place was found (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.18), while the inverse association was seen among women (OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87, 0.98). Regarding the need to turn up the volume on the television/radio, a significant positive association with DII (continuous scale) was found only among men (OR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.18). The only significant association with the composite score of subjective hearing loss was found among women, when modeling DII as quartiles (OR Q3 vs Q1=0.74; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.97). Conclusions The findings among men support the hypothesis that a pro-inflammatory diet could increase risk of age-related hearing loss, whereas the findings among women were unexpected and merit further investigation. Key messages Given rapid population aging worldwide, there is an urgent need for public health research on modifiable risk factors of hearing impairment. The role of diet in hearing impairment is complex and likely sex-specific; a pro-inflammatory diet might be a risk factor for hearing impairment, especially among men.

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