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O’Kane KMK, Goldberg SY, Bouchard KN, Dawson SJ. Busting MisconSEXions: evaluation of a social media knowledge translation initiative addressing myths about sex. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1347493. [PMID: 39006551 PMCID: PMC11241140 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1347493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a critical gap in sex education such that many people lack access to evidence-based and accessible information about sexuality, putting them at risk for endorsing myths about sex and in turn having poorer sexual wellbeing. To address this gap, we developed a novel social media knowledge translation initiative-MisconSEXions-to debunk common myths about sexuality. The goal of this study was twofold. First, to examine whether exposure to MisconSEXions is effective for reducing sexuality myth endorsement. Second, to evaluate the acceptability (participants' satisfaction with the content), appropriateness (the perceived fit of the content with participants), adoption (participants' intention to engage with the initiative), and penetration (participants' perception of the content's impact on their lives) of MisconSEXions among study participants. We also examined possible group differences in our observed effects by assigned sex, gender modality, and sexual orientation. A large and diverse sample (N = 2,356) of adults completed an online survey and reported on their demographics, sexuality myth endorsement before and after exposure to MisconSEXions content, and the acceptability, appropriateness, adoption, and penetration of the MisconSEXions content. We found that participants' sexuality myth endorsement was significantly lower following exposure to MisconSEXions content, and this effect held across assigned sex, gender modality, and sexual orientation groups. Regardless of participants' assigned sex, gender modality, or sexual orientation, MisconSEXions content was reported to be both acceptable and appropriate to people's lives. Participants reported relatively low levels of adoption, such that they reported reluctance to engage with the content on social media. Additionally, participants reported mixed feelings regarding the impact of the content on their lives (i.e., penetration). Overall, the findings have implications for how sexuality social media knowledge translation initiatives can fill important gaps in providing inclusive and accessible sex education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiarah M. K. O’Kane
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Simone Y. Goldberg
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Katrina N. Bouchard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Samantha J. Dawson
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Michel AE, Miller ES, Singh P, Schulz G, Limaye RJ. The Emerging Landscape of Social Media Influencers in Public Health Collaborations: A Scoping Review. Health Promot Pract 2024:15248399241258442. [PMID: 38872333 DOI: 10.1177/15248399241258442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Social media content creators or "influencers" are an increasingly influential voice in the public discourse generally, including global perceptions and practices related to health. In response, public health entities are increasingly embracing social media influencers (SMIs) as potential health promotion collaborators. Despite burgeoning interest in the potential of these partnerships, research evaluating this strategy remains limited. To address this gap, we conducted a scoping review to characterize and describe the current landscape of health promotion collaborations with SMIs with a focus on current practices. A search of six electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Communication & Mass Media Complete, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, and APA PsycINFO) revealed wide-ranging and inconsistent approaches to these partnerships, including their optimal practices, data reported, and their evaluation criteria. Among the 658 articles initially identified, 15 publications met our inclusion criteria, spanning 7 countries, 8 social media platforms, 11 distinct health topics, and 21 different outcome measures. Basic information necessary for comparing across interventions was often lacking. We noted a lack of consensus on what constitutes an SMI with 53% of included studies lacking any definition or criteria. Although SMIs offer substantial promise as an emerging opportunity for health promotion, particularly for populations that may be otherwise difficult to identify or reach, this review highlights how the current lack of standardized methodologies and metrics prevents meaningful comparisons between collaborations and evaluations of their effectiveness. Based on these findings, we propose four key criteria to aid practitioners in the implementation and evaluation of SMI collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily S Miller
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Prachi Singh
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gretchen Schulz
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rupali J Limaye
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Lountzi AZ, Durand H. Help-seeking experiences and intimate partner support in vulvodynia: A qualitative exploration. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057241241866. [PMID: 38554074 PMCID: PMC10981854 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241241866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulvodynia is a poorly understood chronic pain condition characterized by persistent and unexplained pain in the vulva. Given the intimate nature of the pain, partners may play an important role in promoting self-management and help-seeking behaviours among women with vulvodynia. OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to explore the role of partner support in pain experiences and help-seeking behaviours among women with vulvodynia. DESIGN A qualitative interpretive design was used. METHODS Ten women with vulvodynia (M age = 37.9 years) were interviewed using a semi-structured non-directive topic guide. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three themes around help-seeking experiences were constructed from the data: (1) 'It's Been a Battle' - Failed by the Healthcare System; (2) 'It's Just the Vulva' - Dismissed by Healthcare Professionals; and (3) 'I Diagnosed Myself' - The Patient Becomes the Expert. Participants described negative help-seeking experiences characterized by long delays to diagnosis, lack of awareness and understanding from healthcare professionals, minimization of symptoms, and having to advocate for and demand care. A further three themes pertaining to partner support were also developed: (1) 'That Person to Listen to You' - Source of Emotional Support; (2) 'Why Don't You Try This?' - Finding Solutions Together; and (3) 'He Forgets that it's Still There' - Vulvodynia is a Foreign Concept. Partners provided emotional support and showed empathy and understanding, and practical support by accompanying women to medical appointments and help with pain management. However, participants felt partners' understanding of vulvodynia was limited and that this impacted their relationships. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight a lack of continuity of care and multidisciplinary approach to treatment, with help-seeking experiences being mainly negative in this sample. Increasing public awareness of vulvodynia and improving healthcare access is crucial to improving physical and psychological outcomes for this group. Partners can play an important role in supporting people with vulvodynia; however, other outlets of support should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Zoi Lountzi
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Hannah Durand
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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Lavery BM, Nelson M, Firican D, Prestley N, Kumru R, Jabs F, O'Loughlin J, Brotto LA. #DebunkingDesire: Sexual Science, Social Media, and Strategy in the Pursuit of Knowledge Dissemination. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 50:1-17. [PMID: 37566559 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2023.2243923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 1 in 3 women experience low sexual desire. Despite this being a common concern, many women never seek professional help for their difficulties and will instead turn to online resources for information. We sought to address this need for digitally-accessible, evidence-based information on low sexual desire by creating a social media Knowledge Translation (KT) campaign called #DebunkingDesire. Our team led a 10 month social media campaign where our primary outcomes for the campaign were impressions, reach, and engagement. We generated over 300,000 social media impressions; appeared on 11 different podcasts that were listened to/downloaded 154,700 times; hosted and participated in eight online events; and attracted website users from 110 different countries. Over the course of the campaign we compiled lessons learned on what worked for disseminating our key messages and the importance of creating community for this population. These findings point to the utility of using social media as part of KT campaigns in sexual health, and to the importance of collaborating with patient partners and considering social media ads and podcasts to meet reach goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brynn M Lavery
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Melissa Nelson
- Women's Health Research Institute, BC Women's Hospital and Health Care, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Nicole Prestley
- Women's Health Research Institute, BC Women's Hospital and Health Care, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Rayka Kumru
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Faith Jabs
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Julia O'Loughlin
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, BC Women's Hospital and Health Care, Vancouver, Canada
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Velten J, Margraf J. Exploring barriers and facilitators to women's intention and behavior to seek treatment for distressing sexual problems. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288205. [PMID: 37463132 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Many women experience distressing problems with sexual functioning, most commonly in the form of low sexual desire or arousal, difficulties reaching orgasm, or genito-pelvic pain with sexual activity. Although effective treatments are available, more than half of the women who experience distressing sexual problems do not seek professional help. Understanding help-seeking patterns, experiences with treatment providers, and barriers to treatment is crucial to address this underutilization. Examining the role of personal characteristics, sexual problem symptoms, and cognitive factors in explaining the intention to seek treatment can help identify individuals who are most reluctant to seek help. Psychological online interventions are a promising resource to increase the availability of effective treatments. Knowledge about the predictors of women's intention to use internet-delivered treatments, as well as information about personal preferences regarding their scope, can help tailor them to women's needs. To address these research questions, cross-sectional data of 800 women (Mage = 30.49, range = 18-73) were analyzed. While many women considered clinical psychologists to be the most qualified treatment providers, gynecologists were cited as the most likely first point of contact. Among women not utilizing any treatments, many reported a preference for dealing with a sexual problem on their own as a reason not to seek help. Higher help-seeking intention was related to living in a larger city, experiencing higher sexual distress, experiencing pain or difficulties with vaginal penetration, higher self-stigma. and lower sexual assertiveness. Women who were convinced of the effectiveness of psychological online interventions and who appreciated the benefits of anonymity indicated that they were more likely to use them. Understanding what factors influence women's decisions about whether or not to seek professional help for distressing sexual problems is key to reducing the underutilization of available resources and developing treatments that meet their needs and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Velten
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
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Joshi M, Gupta L. Preparing Infographics for Post-publication Promotion of Research on Social Media. J Korean Med Sci 2021; 36:e41. [PMID: 33527783 PMCID: PMC7850859 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infographics are pictorial representations of information intended to disseminate information quickly and clearly. Their use has increased in the past decade due to wider and easy access to technology. Infographics are being increasingly used for public advisories, disseminating protocols for healthcare professionals, and post-publication promotion of research. Due to their potential to rapidly reach a vast audience, these have gained larger importance during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Two key aspects determine the quality of infographics, content and visual appeal. In this brief, the authors attempt to delineate the key aspects of designing an infographic, and the freeware that they may have at their disposal for creating informative, appealing, and useful infographics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrudula Joshi
- Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospitals, Pune, India
| | - Latika Gupta
- Department Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India.
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Rosen NO, Brotto LA. Introduction to the Special Section on Innovative Knowledge Translation in Sex Research. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:17-21. [PMID: 33398702 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01894-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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