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Balén Z, Pliskin E, Cook E, Manlove J, Steiner R, Cervantes M, Garrido M, Nuñez-Eddy C, Day M. Strategies to develop an LGBTQIA+-inclusive adolescent sexual health program evaluation. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 6:1327980. [PMID: 38590517 PMCID: PMC11000634 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1327980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adolescent sexual health interventions are increasingly incorporating content that is inclusive of LGBTQIA+ youth (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and other marginalized sexualities and genders). Evaluations of such programs must also be inclusive to enhance the validity of evaluation results and avoid further marginalization. We present strategies for increasing LGBTQIA+-inclusivity based on our evaluation of SafeSpace, a sexual health curriculum. Methods To design an LGBTQIA+-inclusive program evaluation, we leveraged LGBTQIA+ research staff's insights, pursued a parental consent waiver, developed an inclusive recruitment plan, and crafted demographic and sexual behavior survey measures with input from youth and equity experts. We conducted a pilot study with 42 youth ages 14-17 to assess the feasibility and efficacy of our strategies. Results We obtained a parental consent waiver and recruited a majority LGBTQIA+ pilot study sample (62%). Using themes from cognitive interviews with youth and experts regarding inclusive framing and use of plain language, we refined demographic measures and expanded sexual behavior measures. Conclusion Findings suggest that the strategies used to enhance LGBTQIA+-inclusivity in our evaluation of SafeSpace were effective in respectfully and more accurately capturing a fuller range of experiences and identities of LGBTQIA+ and cis-straight youth. The strategies and survey measures developed for this study can be applied to increase LGBTQIA+-inclusivity in other adolescent sexual health program evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maeve Day
- Child Trends, Rockville, MD, United States
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Hunter R, Platygeni M, Moore E. Plant-based recovery from restrictive eating disorder: A qualitative enquiry. Appetite 2024; 194:107137. [PMID: 38036100 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Plant-based/vegan diets are growing in popularity. There are growing numbers of individuals adopting plant-based diets and there are legitimate concerns from professionals that this can enable food restriction or mask disordered eating. The aim of this study was to examine the role a plant-based diet can play for those in recovery from restrictive eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia nervosa). METHODS Interviews conducted with fourteen individuals who identified as having a restrictive eating disorder for which a plant-based diet played/plays an important part in their recovery. Semi-structured interviews explored the individual's lived experiences and motivations of adopting a plant-based diet, and perceptions of the role it played in recovery. Data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). RESULTS Three key themes with six contributory subthemes were identified. Key themes were plant-based as a gateway to recovery, the changing value of food, and the function of control. Theme content highlighted an evolving role of identity and community, with a shift in meaning and value of food described, and for some, the development of a new relationship with their body. This facilitated a de-coupling of anxieties about food and promoted positive experiences of eating, esteem and empowerment. CONCLUSIONS These findings present a unique insight into the role that plant-based eating may play in recovery for some restrictive eating disorders. The data demonstrated that motivations to control food intake may contribute to the decision to eat plant-based. However, for these individuals it provided a "gateway" to a new more meaningful relationship with food. These findings highlight some of the risks and benefits of eating plant-based in recovery and an important role for health professionals in understanding/supporting individuals during recovery. w/c 280.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emma Moore
- Bath University, Dept. of Psychology, UK
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Hogan AH, Herbst KW, Defelice C, Schulman N, Adams AM, Carroll CL, Salazar JC. Going Viral: Assessing the Impact of Social Media on Enrollment in a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Cohort Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e56096. [PMID: 38618422 PMCID: PMC11009901 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to quantify the effect of social media posts on study enrollment among children with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods The primary outcome was weekly study enrollments analyzed using a run chart. A secondary analysis used linear regression to assess study enrollments two days before and after a social media post, adjusted for the statewide pediatric seven-day-average severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) case rate, social media posting day, and the interaction of these two variables. Results In seven months before social media posting, only eight patients were enrolled. One week after social media posting began, the median weekly enrollment increased (0 to 3). In the regression model, neither social media post day nor the pediatric SARS-CoV-2 case rate was significantly associated with enrollment rate. However, the interaction of a post day and the pediatric case rate was significant. Conclusion Social media posts significantly increased enrollment among children with mild COVID-19 in a prospective study. This effect was amplified by the presence of high community case rates during the Omicron wave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander H Hogan
- Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, USA
| | - Katherine W Herbst
- Department of Research, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, USA
| | - Carlie Defelice
- Department of Research, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, USA
| | - Noah Schulman
- Department of Research, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, USA
| | - Aaron M Adams
- Department of Geography, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Christopher L Carroll
- Department of Pediatrics, Wolfson Children's Hospital, Jacksonville, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Juan C Salazar
- Division of Infectious Disease, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, USA
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Mahlangu P, Machisa MT, Jewkes R, Gibbs A, Shai N, Sikweyiya Y. Reflections on the process, challenges, and lessons learned conducting remote qualitative research on Violence against women during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in South Africa. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:33. [PMID: 38166875 PMCID: PMC10763130 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17480-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Violence against women (VAW) research is a sensitive topic, which has been conducted mainly using face-to-face methods. The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and restrictions on movement presented an opportunity to conduct VAW research using remote methods. We discuss how we adapted methods, reflect on lessons learned, and make recommendations highlighting key considerations when conducting remote research on a sensitive topic of VAW. METHODS We designed and conducted an exploratory qualitative study using remote methods with 18 men and 19 women, aged 18 years and older, who lived with their partner or spouse during lockdown in South Africa. The aim of the study was to explore experiences of COVID-19 lockdown, and its link to women and children's experiences of violence in the homes. Data presented in this paper draws from researchers' reflections drawn from debriefing sessions during the research process, and from participants' interview transcripts. FINDINGS Remote recruitment of participants took longer than anticipated, and we had to re-advertise the study. We could not ensure safety and privacy during interviews. Regardless of all the safety and privacy measures we put in place during the research process, some participants had an adult person present in the room during interviews, and the researchers had no control over interruptions. Rapport was difficult to establish without an in-person connection, which limited disclosure about violence experience (amongst women) and perpetration (amongst men). CONCLUSIONS Given the methodological and ethical challenges which limited disclosure of VAW remotely, we conclude that telephone interviews used in our study impacted on the quality of study data. Therefore, we do not recommend VAW research to be conducted remotely, unless it is essential and participants are already known to the interviewer and trust has been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinky Mahlangu
- South African Medical Research Council, Gender and Health Research Unit, Pretoria, South Africa.
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Mercilene Tanyaradzwa Machisa
- South African Medical Research Council, Gender and Health Research Unit, Pretoria, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rachel Jewkes
- South African Medical Research Council, Gender and Health Research Unit, Pretoria, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Andrew Gibbs
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX2 4QG, UK
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Centre for Rural Health, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nwabisa Shai
- South African Medical Research Council, Gender and Health Research Unit, Pretoria, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Yandisa Sikweyiya
- South African Medical Research Council, Gender and Health Research Unit, Pretoria, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Mat Pozian N, Miller YD, Mays J. Family-friendly work conditions and well-being among Malaysian women. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057241233113. [PMID: 38426373 PMCID: PMC10908238 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241233113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although participation in paid work improves women's quality of life and well-being, the health benefits decline for women with young children. Implementing family-friendly work conditions is one strategy for improving working women's well-being, especially those with competing unpaid work responsibilities. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the extent to which accessibility and use of 11 specific family-friendly work conditions were associated with physical health, anxiety and depression in Malaysian women with young children. DESIGN A cross-sectional design using a retrospective self-complete, anonymous, online survey was conducted between March and October 2021. METHODS Women with a child aged 5 years or less (N = 190) completed an online survey measuring their exposure (availability and use) to 11 specific family-friendly work conditions, and their physical health, anxiety, and depression. The sample included women who were currently and recently working and with both formal and informal employment. RESULTS After accounting for potential confounders, women who used paid maternity leave have a lower likelihood of having anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION Future research is needed to extend the findings from this study by over-sampling women who are informally employed and not currently working. Policy creation and development processes, including research and decision-making, should be led by and inclusive of women. For example, research funding could be allocated to 'lived experience' research that privileges the co-design of research with consumers. Based on these findings, the extent to which family-friendly work conditions fulfill their intent to improve the well-being for working women requires further critique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadirah Mat Pozian
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Yvette D Miller
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Jenni Mays
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
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Smith MVA, Grohmann D, Trivedi D. Use of social media in recruiting young people to mental health research: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075290. [PMID: 38016791 PMCID: PMC10685975 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review explored the literature on the use of social media in recruiting young people, aged 13-18 years, to mental health research. It aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to recruitment and strategies to improve participation in future research. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES Articles published between January 2011 and February 2023 were searched for on PubMed, Scopus, Medline (via EBSCOhost) and Cochrane Library databases. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies that outlined social media as a recruitment method and recruited participants aged 13-18 years. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data was extracted by two reviewers independently and cross-checked by a third reviewer. Data on study design, aims, participants, recruitment methods and findings related specifically to social media as a recruitment tool were collected. RESULTS 24 journal articles met the inclusion criteria. Studies were predominantly surveys (n=13) conducted in the USA (n=16) recruiting via Facebook (n=16) and/or Instagram (n=14). Only nine of the included articles provided a summary of success and reviewed the efficacy of social media recruitment for young people in mental health research. Type of advertisement, the language used, time of day and the use of keywords were all found to be factors that may influence the success of recruitment through social media; however, as these are based on findings from a small number of studies, such potential influences require further investigation. CONCLUSION Social media recruitment can be a successful method for recruiting young people to mental health research. Further research is needed into recruiting socioeconomically marginalised groups using this method, as well as the effectiveness of new social media platforms. REGISTRATION Open Science Framework Registry (https://osf.io/mak75/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan V A Smith
- Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | | | - Daksha Trivedi
- Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
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Wong KHTW, Lau WCY, Man KKC, Bilbow A, Ip P, Wei L. Effectiveness of Facebook Groups and Pages on Participant Recruitment Into a Randomized Controlled Trial During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Descriptive Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46190. [PMID: 37847536 PMCID: PMC10618879 DOI: 10.2196/46190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, conventional recruitment approaches were halted, causing the suspension of numerous clinical trials. Previously, Facebook (Meta Platforms, Inc) has emerged as a promising tool for augmenting participant recruitment. While previous research has explored the use of Facebook for surveys and qualitative studies, its potential for recruiting participants into randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remains underexplored. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to comprehensively examine the effectiveness of using Facebook groups and pages to facilitate participant recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic for an RCT on the effectiveness of a remote parenting program, 1-2-3 Magic, in families who have children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the United Kingdom. METHODS We disseminated 5 Facebook posts with an attached digital flyer across 4 prominent ADHD UK support groups and pages run by the National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Services, reaching an audience of around 16,000 individuals over 2 months (January 7 to March 4, 2022). Eligibility criteria mandated participants to be parents or caregivers of a child with diagnosed ADHD aged 12 years or younger, be residing in the United Kingdom, have access to stable internet, and have a device with the Zoom (Zoom Video Communications) app. Participants were required to have never attended 1-2-3 Magic training previously. Prospective participants expressed their interest through Microsoft Forms (Microsoft Corporation). The trial aimed to recruit 84 parents. It is important to note that the term "parent" or "caregiver" in the RCT and in this study within a trial refers to anybody who has legal responsibility for the child. RESULTS Overall, 478 individuals registered their interest through Microsoft Forms within the stipulated 2-month window. After the eligibility check, 135 participants were contacted for a baseline meeting through Zoom. The first 84 participants who attended a baseline meeting and returned a completed consent form were enrolled. Subsequently, another 16 participants were added, resulting in a final sample of 100 participants. This recruitment strategy incurred negligible expenses and demanded minimal human resources. The approach yielded favorable outcomes by efficiently attracting eligible participants in a condensed time frame, transcending geographical barriers throughout the United Kingdom, which would have been tedious to achieve through traditional recruitment methods. CONCLUSIONS Our experience demonstrated that digital flyers posted in the targeted Facebook groups were a cost-effective and quick method for recruiting for an RCT, which opened during the COVID-19 pandemic when lockdown restrictions were in place in the United Kingdom. Trialists should consider this low-cost recruitment intervention for trials going forward, and in the case of a global pandemic, this novel recruitment method enabled the trial to continue where many have failed. TRIAL REGISTRATION International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) 15281572; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15281572.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstie H T W Wong
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Wallis C Y Lau
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Kenneth K C Man
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Andrea Bilbow
- National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Services, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Ip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Li Wei
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Buckler EJ, González ODJ, Ball GDC, Hamilton J, Ho J, Morrison KM, Mâsse LC. Recruiting families using social media versus pediatric obesity clinics: A secondary analysis of the Aim2Be RCT. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 133:107322. [PMID: 37661006 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recruitment of participants continues to be a challenge that researchers must overcome to yield successful study results. Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of social media platforms to recruit research participants. We conducted a secondary analysis of the Aim2Be randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine if there was variability between participants recruited via social media versus pediatric obesity clinics. METHODS Parents and their children living with overweight or obesity were recruited through social media (i.e., Facebook advertisements) (n = 119) or pediatric obesity management clinics (n = 95) to participate in the Aim2Be RCT. We compared recruitment costs, recruitment rate, participant retention, intervention engagement, obesity-related risk factors, and behavioral habits. RESULTS Facebook recruitment resulted in more participant contacts, but higher attrition during 'high effort' stages of the recruitment process. Group differences emerged regarding costs (Facebook: $407 versus clinics: $699). There were no group differences in participant retention or intervention engagement. Families recruited from Facebook were younger parents (42.6 versus 46.0 years; p < 0.001) and children (12.2 versus 13.9 years; p < 0.001), a higher percentage male children, and fewer had previously participated in a pediatric weight management program. Parents recruited from Facebook self-reported greater screen time for themselves, and their children reported lower physical activity levels and higher caloric and sugar intake. CONCLUSIONS Social media and clinical site recruitment are complementary strategies that appear to draw in families with different profiles, but regardless of how they were recruited, all families had the potential to benefit from pediatric obesity management.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Jean Buckler
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, BC, Canada.
| | - Olivia De-Jongh González
- School of Population and Public Health, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada.
| | - Geoff D C Ball
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 11405-87 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - Jill Hamilton
- Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
| | - Josephine Ho
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Katherine M Morrison
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Health Sciences Centre, 3A, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Louise C Mâsse
- School of Population and Public Health, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada.
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Salem M, Pollack L, Zepeda A, Tebb KP. Utilization of online systems to promote youth participation in research: A methodological study. World J Methodol 2023; 13:210-222. [PMID: 37771869 PMCID: PMC10523248 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v13.i4.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online surveys can align with youth's increased use of the internet and can be a mechanism for expanding youth participation in research. This is particularly important during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, when in-person interactions are limited. However, the advantages and drawbacks of online systems used for research need to be carefully considered before utilizing such methodologies. AIM To describe and discuss the strengths and limitations of an online system developed to recruit adolescent girls for a sexual health research study and conduct a three-month follow up survey. METHODS This methodology paper examines the use of an online system to recruit and follow participants three months after their medical visit to evaluate a mobile sexual and reproductive health application, Health-E You/Salud iTuTM, for adolescent girls attending school-based health centers (SBHCs) across the United States. SBHC staff gave adolescent girls a web link to an online eligibility and consent survey. Participants were then asked to complete two online surveys (baseline and 3-month follow-up). Surveys, reminders, and incentives to complete them were distributed through short message service (SMS) text messages. Upon completing each survey, participants were also sent an email with a link to an electronic gift card as a thank-you for their participation. Barriers to implementing this system were discussed with clinicians and staff at each participating SBHC. RESULTS This online recruitment and retention system enabled participant recruitment at 26 different SBHCs in seven states across the United States. Between September 2021 and June 2022, 415 adolescent girls were screened using the Qualtrics online survey platform, and 182 were eligible to participate. Of those eligible, 78.0% (n = 142) completed the baseline survey. Participants were racially, geographically, and linguistically diverse. Most of the participants (89.4%) were non-White, and 40.8% spoke Spanish. A total of 62.0% (n = 88) completed the 3-month follow-up survey. Limitations of this system included reliance on internet access (via Wi-Fi or cell service), which was not universally available or reliable. In addition, an individual unrelated to the study obtained the survey link, filled out multiple surveys, and received multiple gift cards before the research team discovered and stopped this activity. As a result, additional security protocols were instituted. CONCLUSION Online systems for health research can increase the reach and diversity of study participants, reduce costs for research personnel time and travel, allow for continued study operation when in-person visits are limited (such as during the COVID-19 pandemic), and connect youth with research using technology. However, there are challenges and limitations to online systems, which include limited internet access, intermittent internet connection, data security concerns, and the potential for fraudulent users. These challenges should be considered prior to using online systems for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Salem
- Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States
| | - Lance Pollack
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States
| | - Alex Zepeda
- Research, Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health, Los Angeles, CA 90017, United States
| | - Kathleen P Tebb
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
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10
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Lang S, Day K, Gallaher E, Jebeile H, Collins CE, Baur LA, Truby H. Participant recruitment for paediatric research using social media: A practical 'how-to' guide for researchers. Nutr Diet 2023; 80:338-350. [PMID: 37154014 PMCID: PMC10952907 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM Social media platforms are being increasingly used to support participant recruitment into paediatric health-related research. This study aimed to develop a multi-phase approach for using social media as a recruitment strategy for paediatric research studies. METHODS The process was informed by the authors' prior experiences recruiting for paediatric obesity-related research studies, expertise in social media marketing and digital participant/ patient recruitment. Reflection on these experiences resulted in the iterative creation of a draft process which was further refined. A narrative literature review using a structured search was conducted to refine and augment the content and finalise the process. RESULTS A six-phase recruitment approach was developed that includes: (i) plan for social media use as a recruitment strategy, (ii) explore relevant ethical considerations to protect the wellbeing of potentially vulnerable groups and create an ethical management plan, (iii) identify and understand the different target audiences and develop the advertising strategy, (iv) develop and design campaign content, (v) implement, monitor and iteratively refine the recruitment campaign, (vi) evaluate the campaign success. Potential activities and key considerations relevant for paediatric research are presented within each phase. CONCLUSION Due to the widespread use and diverse characteristics of social media users, social media has the potential to disseminate details of research opportunities to community members who may otherwise not hear about, engage with, and potentially benefit from research participation. Researchers should collaborate with communication experts and target audiences to generate relevant and effective recruitment campaigns. Researchers should implement processes to protect vulnerable audiences' wellbeing at each stage of the process. Recruitment via social media may support wider community participation in research studies designed to improve young people's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lang
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical SciencesMonash UniversityNotting HillAustralia
| | - Kaitlin Day
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical SciencesMonash UniversityNotting HillAustralia
- School of Agriculture and FoodFaculty of Science, University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | | | - Hiba Jebeile
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical SchoolThe University of SydneyWestmeadAustralia
- The Children's Hospital at WestmeadInstitute of Endocrinology and DiabetesWestmeadAustralia
| | - Clare E. Collins
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleNewcastleAustralia
- Food and Nutrition Research ProgramHunter Medical Research InstituteRankin ParkAustralia
| | - Louise A. Baur
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical SchoolThe University of SydneyWestmeadAustralia
- Weight Management ServicesThe Children's Hospital at WestmeadWestmeadAustralia
| | - Helen Truby
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
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11
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Raggatt M, Wright CJC, Sacks-Davis R, Dietze PM, Hellard ME, Hocking JS, Lim MSC. Identifying the Most Effective Recruitment Strategy Using Financial Reimbursements for a Web-Based Peer Network Study With Young People Aged 16-18 Years: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e44813. [PMID: 37566448 PMCID: PMC10457703 DOI: 10.2196/44813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peers are an important determinant of health and well-being during late adolescence; however, there is limited quantitative research examining peer influence. Previous peer network research with adolescents faced methodological limitations and difficulties recruiting young people. OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine whether a web-based peer network survey is effective at recruiting adolescent peer networks by comparing 2 strategies for reimbursement. METHODS This study will use a 2-group randomized trial design to test the effectiveness of reimbursements for peer referral in a web-based cross-sectional peer network survey. Young people aged 16-18 years recruited through Instagram, Snapchat, and a survey panel will be randomized to receive either scaled group reimbursement (the experimental group) or fixed individual reimbursement (the control group). All participants will receive a reimbursement of Aus $5 (US $3.70) for their own survey completion. In the experimental group (scaled group reimbursement), all participants within a peer network will receive an additional Aus $5 (US $3.70) voucher for each referred participant who completes the study, up to a maximum total value of Aus $30 (US $22.20) per participant. In the control group (fixed individual reimbursement), participants will only be reimbursed for their own survey completion. Participants' peer networks are assessed during the survey by asking about their close friends. A unique survey link will be generated to share with the participant's nominated friends for the recruitment of secondary participants. Outcomes are the proportion of a participant's peer network and the number of referred peers who complete the survey. The required sample size is 306 primary participants. Using a multilevel logistic regression model, we will assess the effect of the reimbursement intervention on the proportion of primary participants' close friends who complete the survey. The secondary aim is to determine participant characteristics that are associated with successfully recruiting close friends. Young people aged 16-18 years were involved in the development of the study design through focus groups and interviews (n=26). RESULTS Participant recruitment commenced in 2022. CONCLUSIONS A longitudinal web-based social network study could provide important data on how social networks and their influence change over time. This trial aims to determine whether scaled group reimbursement can increase the number of peers referred. The outcomes of this trial will improve the recruitment of young people to web-based network studies of sensitive health issues. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/44813.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Raggatt
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cassandra J C Wright
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia
| | - Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Paul M Dietze
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Megan S C Lim
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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12
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Walsh LE, Carter-Bawa L. Using social media to recruit individuals for health-related research: Feasibility and lessons learned. J Health Psychol 2023; 28:599-606. [PMID: 36416197 PMCID: PMC10251309 DOI: 10.1177/13591053221136928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Online recruitment via social media for health-related research is increasing. Metrics regarding social media recruitment may increase its use in this field. This study evaluates the feasibility of recruiting individuals with a smoking history through targeted advertising on Facebook for a randomized study focused on lung cancer screening. Individuals completed eligibility questions and were randomized to one of two groups. We analyzed advertisement reach and response patterns, advertisement cost, data integrity and sample representativeness. The advertisement was active for 34 days and resulted in 2111 unique clicks on the survey link. Four hundred thirty-three eligibility entries were collected, and 61 entries were excluded due to failure to correctly answer the data integrity check. Two hundred eighty-two participants met eligibility criteria and were randomized, 191 participants completed questionnaires and 10 entries were subsequently excluded due to a failed attention check. Recruitment utilizing targeted advertising on Facebook is an effective and efficient strategy for health-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah E Walsh
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, USA
- Fordham University, USA
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13
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Participant Recruitment Issues in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinical Trials with a Focus on Prevention Programs: A Meta-Analytic Review of the Literature. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062307. [PMID: 36983307 PMCID: PMC10055793 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: There is a strong need to conduct rigorous and robust trials for children and adolescents in mental health settings. One of the main barriers to meeting this requirement is the poor recruitment rate. Effective recruitment strategies are crucial for the success of a clinical trial, and therefore, we reviewed recruitment strategies in clinical trials on children and adolescents in mental health with a focus on prevention programs. Methods: We reviewed the literature by searching PubMed/Medline, the Cochrane Library database, and Web of Science through December 2022 as well as the reference lists of relevant articles. We included only studies describing recruitment strategies for pediatric clinical trials in mental health settings and extracted data on recruitment and completion rates. Results: The search yielded 13 studies that enrolled a total of 14,452 participants. Overall, studies mainly used social networks or clinical settings to recruit participants. Half of the studies used only one recruitment method. Using multiple recruitment methods (56.6%, 95%CI: 24.5–86.0) resulted in higher recruitment. The use of monetary incentives (47.0%, 95%CI: 24.6–70.0) enhanced the recruitment rate but not significantly (32.6%, 95%CI: 15.7–52.1). All types of recruitment methods showed high completion rates (82.9%, 95%CI: 61.7–97.5) even though prevention programs showed the smallest recruitment rate (76.1%, 95%CI: 50.9–94.4). Conclusions: Pediatric mental health clinical trials face many difficulties in recruitment. We found that these trials could benefit from faster and more efficient recruitment of participants when more than one method is implemented. Social networks can be helpful where ethically possible. We hope the description of these strategies will help foster innovation in recruitment for pediatric studies in mental health.
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Nordfalk F, Jensen AMB. Mothering a population: How Danish mothers experience newborn dried blood spot samples and their
considerations about re-use of samples for research purposes. Eur J Midwifery 2022; 6:58. [PMID: 36119406 PMCID: PMC9442974 DOI: 10.18332/ejm/152322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Newborn dried blood spot (NDBS) samples have a primary clinical purpose of screening, but often also a secondary purpose of re-use for research purposes. This study investigates how Danish mothers experience the sample being taken, their considerations about potential re-use for research, and their reflections on the level of information they receive about NDBS samples and their re-use for research purposes. METHODS This study is based on semi-structured interviews with 19 mothers of newborn babies, conducted within the first year after the birth. Mothers were recruited through online media and interviewed in their own homes or at the university. All interviews were coded thematically with an abductive approach. RESULTS Generally, mothers have difficulties in recollecting the NDBS sample. Overall, they are pleased with the re-use of samples for research purposes. However, some mothers are concerned about the consent procedure. The mothers did not have one specific attitude towards more information about the research done using newborn samples. Based on our findings, we recommend a higher level of transparency regarding national genetic research in general; and, for the NDBS samples specifically, a more complete information and consent procedure. Further, we encourage more studies into what kinds of information parents might find useful about research based on NDBS samples. CONCLUSIONS Mothers do not always remember experiencing the NDBS sample, are generally positive towards re-use for research purposes, but unsure about best information level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Nordfalk
- Center for Medical Science and Technology Studies, Section for Health Services Research, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja M. B. Jensen
- Center for Medical Science and Technology Studies, Section for Health Services Research, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Darko EM, Kleib M, Olson J. Social Media Use for Research Participant Recruitment: Integrative Literature Review. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e38015. [PMID: 35925655 PMCID: PMC9389385 DOI: 10.2196/38015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media tools have provided health researchers with the opportunity to engage with communities and groups in a nonconventional manner to recruit participants for health research. Using social media to advertise research opportunities and recruit participants facilitates accessibility to participants from broad geographical areas and diverse populations. However, little guidance is provided by ethics review boards for researchers to effectively use this recruitment method in their research. OBJECTIVE This study sought to explore the literature on the use of social media for participant recruitment for research studies and identify the best practices for recruiting participants using this method. METHODS An integrative review approach was used to synthesize the literature. A total of 5 health sciences databases, namely, EMBASE (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid and EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (Ovid), Scopus (Elsevier), and CINAHL Plus with Full Text (EBSCOhost), were searched using predefined keywords and inclusion and exclusion criteria. The initial search was conducted in October 2020 and was updated in February 2022. Descriptive and content analyses were applied to synthesize the results, and the findings are presented in a narrative and tabular format. RESULTS A total of 96 records were included in this review, 83 (86%) from the initial search and 13 (14%) from the updated search. The publication year ranged between 2011 and 2022, with most publications (63/96, 66%) being from the United States. Regarding recruitment strategy, 45% (43/96) of the studies exclusively used social media, whereas 51% (49/96) used social media in conjunction with other strategies. The remaining 4% (4/96) provided guidelines and recommendations for social media recruitment. Notably, 38% (36/96) of these studies involved hard-to-reach populations. The findings also revealed that the use of social media is a cost-effective and efficient strategy for recruiting research participants. Despite the expanded use across different populations, there is limited participation of older adults in social media recruitment. CONCLUSIONS This review provides important insights into the current use of social media for health research participant recruitment. Ethics boards and research support services in academic institutions are encouraged to explicitly provide researchers with guidelines on the use of social media for health research participant recruitment. A preliminary guideline prepared based on the findings of this review is proposed to spark further development in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Mirekuwaa Darko
- College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Manal Kleib
- College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Joanne Olson
- College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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16
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Cooley Coleman JA, Sarasua SM, Moore HW, Boccuto L, Cowan CW, Skinner SA, DeLuca JM. Clinical findings from the landmark MEF2C-related disorders natural history study. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e1919. [PMID: 35416405 PMCID: PMC9184670 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction MEF2C‐related disorders are characterized by developmental and cognitive delay, limited language and walking, hypotonia, and seizures. A recent systematic review identified 117 patients with MEF2C‐related disorders across 43 studies. Despite these reports, the disorder is not easily recognized and assessments are hampered by small sample sizes. Our objective was to gather developmental and clinical information on a large number of patients. Methods We developed a survey based on validated instruments and subject area experts to gather information from parents of children with this condition. No personal identifiers were collected. Surveys and data were collected via REDCap and analyzed using Excel and SAS v9.4. Results Seventy‐three parents completed the survey, with 39.7% reporting a MEF2C variant and 54.8% reporting a deletion involving MEF2C. Limited speech (82.1%), seizures (86.3%), bruxism (87.7%), repetitive movements (94.5%), and high pain tolerance (79.5%) were some of the prominent features. Patients with MEF2C variants were similarly affected as those with deletions. Female subjects showed higher verbal abilities. Conclusion This is the largest natural history study to date and establishes a comprehensive review of developmental and clinical features for MEF2C‐related disorders. This data can help providers diagnose patients and form the basis for longitudinal or genotype–phenotype studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Cooley Coleman
- School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA.,Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sara M Sarasua
- School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Luigi Boccuto
- School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher W Cowan
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Jane M DeLuca
- School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA.,Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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Hoffmann SH, Paldam Folker A, Buskbjerg M, Paldam Folker M, Huber Jezek A, Lyngsø Svarta D, Nielsen Sølvhøj I, Thygesen L. Potential of Online Recruitment Among 15-25-Year Olds: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e35874. [PMID: 35612877 PMCID: PMC9178448 DOI: 10.2196/35874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recruiting young people for health and intervention studies by traditional methods has become increasingly challenging. The widespread access to the internet may offer new strategies for online recruitment. Objective This study aims to assess the feasibility of online recruitment for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of Mindhelper, an online national youth mental health promotion service. The target group was young Danes aged 15-25 in need of mental health promotion. Methods Advertisements for recruitment were set up on Facebook and Instagram. Browser history was collected for a subsample of participants. We compared basic characteristics of participants who completed the baseline survey and those who did not, as well as of participants who completed the follow-up survey and those who were lost to follow-up. The significance of these differences was tested with the Pearson chi-square test. Results A total of 560 Danes aged 15-25 were recruited within 1 month (ie, had completed the baseline survey). Among these participants, 356 (63.6%) were at risk of developing depression or stress. The average advertisement price per participant completing the baseline questionnaire was 31 DKK (approximately €4 [US $4.2]). The follow-up survey was sent to 545 participants, of whom 318 (58.3%) completed the survey. No statistically significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics of participants who completed the follow-up and those who were lost to follow-up in terms of gender (P=.45), age (P=.35), occupation (P=.17), cohabitation (P=.90), mental well-being (P=.26), mental illness (P=.44; impact of the illness, P=.05), or use of the internet when having a hard time (P=.92). Conclusions We conclude that it is feasible to recruit young Danes online for a large-scale randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of Mindhelper. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04650906; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04650906
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Have Hoffmann
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Paldam Folker
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mark Buskbjerg
- Centre for Telepsychiatry, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marie Paldam Folker
- Centre for Telepsychiatry, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Andrea Huber Jezek
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Durita Lyngsø Svarta
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida Nielsen Sølvhøj
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lau Thygesen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Zimmermann BM, Willem T, Bredthauer CJ, Buyx A. Ethical Issues in Social Media Recruitment for Clinical Studies: Ethical Analysis and Framework. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e31231. [PMID: 35503247 PMCID: PMC9115665 DOI: 10.2196/31231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media recruitment for clinical studies holds the promise of being a cost-effective way of attracting traditionally marginalized populations and promoting patient engagement with researchers and a particular study. However, using social media for recruiting clinical study participants also poses a range of ethical issues. OBJECTIVE This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ethical benefits and risks to be considered for social media recruitment in clinical studies and develop practical recommendations on how to implement these considerations. METHODS On the basis of established principles of clinical ethics and research ethics, we reviewed the conceptual and empirical literature for ethical benefits and challenges related to social media recruitment. From these, we derived a conceptual framework to evaluate the eligibility of social media use for recruitment for a specific clinical study. RESULTS We identified three eligibility criteria for social media recruitment for clinical studies: information and consent, risks for target groups, and recruitment effectiveness. These criteria can be used to evaluate the implementation of a social media recruitment strategy at its planning stage. We have discussed the practical implications of these criteria for researchers. CONCLUSIONS The ethical challenges related to social media recruitment are context sensitive. Therefore, social media recruitment should be planned rigorously, taking into account the target group, the appropriateness of social media as a recruitment channel, and the resources available to execute the strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina M Zimmermann
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Willem
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Science, Technology and Society, School of Social Sciences and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carl Justus Bredthauer
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alena Buyx
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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19
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Gabbidon K, Chenneville T, Rote W. Ethical Considerations for Parent-Adolescent Dyadic Research. Ethics Hum Res 2022; 44:24-33. [PMID: 35543258 DOI: 10.1002/eahr.500127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few years, the use of dyadic research methods has expanded considerably. One area that has benefited from this type of research is the study of the family unit, particularly parent-adolescent dyads. Dyadic research allows investigators to assess relationship dynamics, processes, and congruences within a family unit, as well as the distinct experiences of each member of the dyad. However, like all emerging and expanding areas of human subjects research, parent-adolescent dyadic research faces several ethical challenges. Given the advantages of parent-adolescent dyadic research for examining family relational processes, this article addresses ethical challenges experienced by dyadic researchers that often temper interests in applying these approaches. Drawing on the scholarly literature and the authors' experiences conducting parent-adolescent dyadic research, we discuss heightened and unique ethical challenges that arise in this area of inquiry and provide recommendations on how to best navigate those issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemesha Gabbidon
- Assistant professor of psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Florida
| | - Tiffany Chenneville
- Professor of psychology and the Marie E. & E. Leslie Cole endowed chair in ethics in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Florida
| | - Wendy Rote
- Assistant professor of psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Florida
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Green J, Petty J, Whiting L, Orr F, Smart L, Brown AM, Jones L. 'Blurred boundaries': When nurses and midwives give anti-vaccination advice on Facebook. Nurs Ethics 2022; 29:552-568. [PMID: 35142239 DOI: 10.1177/09697330211041749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurses and midwives have a professional obligation to promote health and prevent disease, and therefore they have an essential role to play in vaccination. Despite this, some nurses and midwives have been found to take an anti-vaccination stance and promulgate misinformation about vaccines, often using Facebook as a platform to do so. RESEARCH QUESTION This article reports on one component and dataset from a larger study - 'the positives, perils and pitfalls of Facebook for nurses'. It explores the specific issue of nurses and midwives who take an anti-vaccination stance, deemed to be unprofessional by crossing professional boundaries and by providing medical information on Facebook that is not within their scope of practice. PARTICIPANTS Data were collected via an online worldwide survey from nurse and midwife participants, distributed and 'snowballed' through relevant nursing and midwifery groups on Facebook. In total, 1644 Registered Nurses and Midwives, and Enrolled Nurses worldwide attempted the online survey. There were 1100 (66.9%) completed surveys and 54 partially (33.1%) completed surveys. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted online using Skype® with 17 participants in Australia. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Ethical processes and procedures have been adhered to relating to privacy, confidentiality and anonymity of the participants. FINDINGS/RESULTS A mixed-methods approach was used, including descriptive and content analysis of the quantitative survey data and thematic analysis of the qualitative interview data. The main theme 'blurred boundaries' was generated, which comprised three sub-themes: 'follow the science, 'abuse of power and erosion of trust' and 'the moral and ethical responsibility to safeguard public health'. The results offer an important and unique understanding of how nurses and midwives interpret the conduct of fellow health professionals as unprofessional and crossing the professional boundary if they used Facebook to promulgate anti-vaccination messages and/or give medical advice online. CONCLUSION There are many positives and negatives for nurses and midwives associated with using Facebook for personal and professional communication, which is in keeping with the results of the larger study from which this article is taken. Professional behaviour is a key theme in the larger research as is the ethical construct of 'every act has a consequence'; however, in this article, the theme 'blurred boundaries' offers an overall understanding of how nurses and midwives interpret the behaviour of their colleagues who espouse anti-vaccination sentiment and/or give medical advice online that is outside their scope of practice and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Green
- Doctor of Eduction candidate, University of Technology Sydney, Australia; University of Tasmania, Australia
| | | | | | - Fiona Orr
- University of Technology Sydney, Australia
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21
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Müller AV, Müller MM. Facebook management as a tool for client communication and research recruitment in a companion animal university veterinary teaching and research hospital setting. Vet Rec 2022; 190:e1318. [PMID: 35092697 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.1318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little peer-reviewed information about the strategic use of Facebook in companion animal veterinary settings, including for research recruitment. This study evaluates the implementation and execution of a Facebook strategy in a University Teaching and Research Hospital setting and the use of Facebook as a veterinary communication and recruitment tool. METHODS All posts published on the hospital's Facebook page, messages sent via Messenger, and Facebook insight data from April 2017 to November 2019 (31 months) were reviewed and categorized. Facebook as a recruitment tool was evaluated through a survey among the faculty. RESULTS A total of 113 posts were published, the Facebook page had 3485 followers and altogether 590,877 users were reached. The use of a Facebook strategy supported consistent management of the Facebook page. The content was well aligned with the strategy. The survey showed that the faculty experienced a facilitation effect by their recruitment posts, although the actual recruitment varied and ranged from none to the vast majority of all recruited subjects. CONCLUSIONS This case-based, descriptive study gives insight and generates awareness about the possibilities and limitations of communication and research recruitment via Facebook. Further research is needed to evaluate if the findings can be generalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Vilhelmina Müller
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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22
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How Helpful and What Is the Quality of Digital Sources of Healthy Lifestyle Information Used by Australian Adolescents? A Mixed Methods Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312844. [PMID: 34886569 PMCID: PMC8657837 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the digital platforms most used by adolescents for healthy lifestyle information, perceived helpfulness of platform information, helpfulness for positive behaviour changes, and quality of platforms’ lifestyle health information. Mixed-methods study including a cross-sectional online survey and content analysis. Eligible participants were 13–18-years; living in Australia; and had searched online for healthy lifestyle behaviour (nutrition, physical activity, weight management, sleep) information in the previous three months. Survey items examined the use of digital platforms, self-perceived helpfulness, usefulness for positive behaviour, and popular content. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression models. Content analysis was performed on popular digital content to evaluate expertise, objectivity, transparency, popularity, and relevance. In total, 297 participants completed the survey (62.3% female; 15.8 [SD1.5] years). Seventy-eight percent and 77% of participants reported using websites and social media, respectively, for seeking healthy lifestyle information. Websites and social media were rated as somewhat helpful by 43% and 46% of participants, respectively. Sixty-six percent and 53% of participants agreed/strongly agreed smartphone apps and social media were helpful for positive behaviour change, respectively. Helpfulness did not differ by age or gender. We evaluated 582 popular digital content; 38% were produced by a commercial company. Only 7% of content was from health organisations, 10% from health professionals and only 10% of content was objective, and 14% was transparent. Adolescents extensively utilise websites and social media for health information, yet popular content has limited objectivity and transparency. Governments and health organisations should consider creating age-appropriate digital information for healthy lifestyle behaviours.
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Heckman CJ, Riley M, Khavjou O, Ohman-Strickland P, Manne SL, Yaroch AL, Bhurosy T, Coups EJ, Glanz K. Cost, reach, and representativeness of recruitment efforts for an online skin cancer risk reduction intervention trial for young adults. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:1875-1884. [PMID: 34160622 PMCID: PMC8541696 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its increasing use, few studies have reported on demographic representativeness and costs of research recruitment via social media. It was hypothesized that cost, reach, enrollment, and demographic representativeness would differ by social media recruitment approach. Participants were 18-25 year-olds at moderate to high risk of skin cancer based on phenotypic and behavioral characteristics. Paid Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter ads, unpaid social media posts by study staff, and unpaid referrals were used to recruit participants. Demographic and other characteristics of the sample were compared with the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) sample. Analyses demonstrated significant differences among recruitment approaches regarding cost efficiency, study participation, and representativeness. Costs were compared across 4,274 individuals who completed eligibility screeners over a 7-month period from: Instagram, 44.6% (of the sample) = 1,907, $9 (per individual screened); Facebook, 31.5% = 1,345, $8; Twitter, 1% = 42, $178; unpaid posts by study staff, 10.6% and referred, 6.5%, $1. The lowest rates of study enrollment among individuals screened was for Twitter. Most demographic and skin cancer risk factors of study participants differed from those of the 2015 NHIS sample and across social media recruitment approaches. Considering recruitment costs and number of participants enrolled, Facebook and Instagram appeared to be the most useful approaches for recruiting 18-25 year-olds. Findings suggest that project budget, target population and representativeness, and participation goals should inform selection and/or combination of existing and emerging online recruitment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Riley
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Olga Khavjou
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Sharon L Manne
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Amy L Yaroch
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | | | - Karen Glanz
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Kukafka R, Liu C, Le N, Angyan P, Finley JM. General Practice and Digital Methods to Recruit Stroke Survivors to a Clinical Mobility Study: Comparative Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e28923. [PMID: 34643544 PMCID: PMC8552096 DOI: 10.2196/28923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participant recruitment remains a barrier to conducting clinical research. The disabling nature of a stroke, which often includes functional and cognitive impairments, and the acute stage of illness at which patients are appropriate for many trials make recruiting patients particularly complex and challenging. In addition, people aged 65 years and older, which includes most stroke survivors, have been identified as a group that is difficult to reach and is commonly underrepresented in health research, particularly clinical trials. Digital media may provide effective tools to support enrollment efforts of stroke survivors in clinical trials. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of general practice (traditional) and digital (online) methods of recruiting stroke survivors to a clinical mobility study. METHODS Recruitment for a clinical mobility study began in July 2018. Eligible study participants included individuals 18 years and older who had a single stroke and were currently ambulatory in the community. General recruiting practice included calling individuals listed in a stroke registry, contacting local physical therapists, and placing study flyers throughout a university campus. Between May 21, 2019, and June 26, 2019, the study was also promoted digitally using the social network Facebook and the search engine marketing tool Google AdWords. The recruitment advertisements (ads) included a link to the study page to which users who clicked were referred. Primary outcomes of interest for both general practice and digital methods included recruitment speed (enrollment rate) and sample characteristics. The data were analyzed using the Lilliefors test, the Welch two-sample t test, and the Mann-Whitney test. Significance was set at P=.05. All statistical analyses were performed in MATLAB 2019b. RESULTS Our results indicate that digital recruitment methods can address recruitment challenges regarding stroke survivors. Digital recruitment methods allowed us to enroll study participants at a faster rate (1.8 participants/week) compared to using general practice methods (0.57 participants/week). Our findings also demonstrate that digital and general recruitment practices can achieve an equivalent level of sample representativeness. The characteristics of the enrolled stroke survivors did not differ significantly by age (P=.95) or clinical scores (P=.22; P=.82). Comparing the cost-effectiveness of Facebook and Google, we found that the use of Facebook resulted in a lower cost per click and cost per enrollee per ad. CONCLUSIONS Digital recruitment can be used to expedite participant recruitment of stroke survivors compared to more traditional recruitment practices, while also achieving equivalent sample representativeness. Both general practice and digital recruitment methods will be important to the successful recruitment of stroke survivors. Future studies could focus on testing the effectiveness of additional general practice and digital media approaches and include robust cost-effectiveness analyses. Examining the effectiveness of different messaging and visual approaches tailored to culturally diverse and underrepresented target subgroups could provide further data to move toward evidence-based recruitment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - NamQuyen Le
- Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Praveen Angyan
- Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - James M Finley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Barney A, Rodriguez F, Schwarz EB, Reed R, Tancredi D, Brindis CD, Dehlendorf C, Tebb KP. Adapting to Changes in Teen Pregnancy Prevention Research: Social Media as an Expedited Recruitment Strategy. J Adolesc Health 2021; 69:349-353. [PMID: 33632643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.12.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Teen pregnancy prevention projects funded by the U.S. Office of Adolescent Health were disrupted by the Trump administration in the July 2017 announcement that funding would be terminated. Although funding was later reinstated toward the end of 2018 after a class-action lawsuit, we needed to change our recruitment protocol to mitigate this disruption to the study timeline and staffing. This led to a natural experiment comparing in person and social media recruitment strategies. METHODS The original approach was to recruit girls, aged 15-19 years, who were using intrauterine or subdermal contraception, in person in clinic settings. After the funding disruption, we transitioned to an online recruitment strategy. Costs associated with each approach (in-person and online recruitment) were tracked, and we compared cost of per-person enrollment with each approach. RESULTS In-person, clinic-based recruitment enrolled 118 participants over 293 days from eight high-volume clinics. Online recruitment enrolled 518 participants over 146 days. Online recruitment resulted in cost savings and a diverse sample representing a larger geographic region. CONCLUSION Online recruitment can cut costs and be more efficient than a clinic-based recruitment strategy, but special considerations are warranted when considering social media recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Barney
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| | - Felicia Rodriguez
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Eleanor Bimla Schwarz
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | - Reiley Reed
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Daniel Tancredi
- Department of General Pediatrics, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | - Claire D Brindis
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Christine Dehlendorf
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Kathleen P Tebb
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Northcott C, Curtis R, Bogomolova S, Olds T, Vandelanotte C, Plotnikoff R, Maher C. Evaluating the effectiveness of a physical activity social media advertising campaign using Facebook, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:870-881. [PMID: 33484152 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibaa139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Technology-based physical activity programs are a novel solution to the major public health issue of physical inactivity. However, to be successful, there must be a large and population-appropriate uptake, which depends heavily on promotion. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an advertising campaign to disseminate a physical activity smartphone app. The experiment used a 3 × 3 × 3 full-factorial design, examining platforms (Facebook; Facebook Messenger; Instagram), selling-techniques (hard-sell-sending viewers directly to (a) Apple Store or (b) Google Play, and soft-sell-sending viewers from an ad to a (c) landing-page, then to an app store) and themes (Health and Wellbeing; Body and Self-Confidence; Social Enjoyment). Outcomes were reach, click-through, and app downloads. Advertisements reached 1,373,273 people, achieving 2,989 clicks and 667 downloads. Instagram and Facebook Messenger had higher reach compared to Facebook (F[2,27] = 27.17, p < .001), whilst Facebook and Facebook Messenger both produced higher click-through (F[2,27] = 8.98, p < .001) and downloads (F[2,27] = 4.649, p = .018). Selling-technique differed, with soft-selling ads producing greater reach (F[2,27] = 4,616.077, p < .001); however, both hard-selling ads (Apple Store and Google Play) had greater click-through (F[2,27] = 10.77, p < .001) and downloads (F[2,27] = 3.791, p < .001). Advertising theme varied, with Social Enjoyment themes producing less click-through (F[2,27] = 5.709, p = .009) and downloads (F[2,27] = 5.480, p = .010). We recommend future studies to consider Facebook and Facebook Messenger, using hard-selling techniques, with themes relating to Health and Wellbeing and Body and Self-Confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Northcott
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rachel Curtis
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Svetlana Bogomolova
- Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Timothy Olds
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Corneel Vandelanotte
- Physical Activity Research Group, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Ronald Plotnikoff
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Carol Maher
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Opportunities and pitfalls of social media research in rare genetic diseases: a systematic review. Genet Med 2021; 23:2250-2259. [PMID: 34282302 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-021-01273-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Social media may be particularly valuable in research in rare genetic diseases because of the low numbers of patients and the rare disease community's robust online presence. The goal of this systematic review was to understand how social media is currently used in rare disease research and the characteristics of the participants in these studies. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of six databases to identify studies published in English between January 2004 and November 2020, of which 120 met inclusion criteria. RESULTS Most studies were observational (n = 114, 95.0%) and cross-sectional (n = 107, 89.2%), and more than half (n = 69, 57.5%) utilized only surveys. Only 101 rare diseases were included across all studies. Participant demographics, when reported, were predominantly female (70.1% ± 22.5%) and white (85.0% ± 11.0%) adult patients and caregivers. CONCLUSION Despite its potential benefits in rare disease research, the use of social media is still methodologically limited and the participants reached may not be representative of the rare disease population by gender, race, age, or rare disease type. As scholars explore using social media for rare disease research, careful attention should be paid to representativeness when studying this diverse patient community.
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28
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Moraes RR, Correa MB, Daneris Â, Queiroz AB, Lopes JP, Lima GS, Cenci MS, D'Avila OP, Pannuti CM, Pereira-Cenci T, Demarco FF. Email Vs. Instagram Recruitment Strategies For Online Survey Research. Braz Dent J 2021; 32:67-77. [PMID: 33914005 DOI: 10.1590/0103-6440202104291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we describe a method for reaching a target population (i.e., dentists practicing in Brazil) to engage in survey research using traditional e-mail invites and recruitment campaigns created on Instagram. This study addresses methodological aspects and compares respondents reached by different methods. A pre-tested questionnaire was used and participants were recruited for 10 days via a source list of email addresses and two discrete Instagram organic open campaigns. A total of 3,122 responses were collected: 509 participants were recruited by email (2.1% response rate) and 2,613 by the two Instagram campaigns (20.7% and 11.7% conversion rates), respectively. Response/min collection rates in the first 24 h ranged between 0.23 (email) and 1.09 (first campaign). In total, 98.8% of all responses were received in the first 48 h for the different recruitment strategies. There were significant differences for all demographic variables (p< 0.001) between email and Instagram respondents, except for sex (p=0.37). Instagram respondents were slightly older, had more professional experience (years in practice), and a higher graduate education level than email respondents. Moreover, most email and Instagram respondents worked in the public sector and private practice, respectively. Although both strategies could collect responses from all Brazilian regions, email responses were slightly better distributed across the five territorial areas compared to Instagram. This study provides evidence that survey recruitment of a diverse, large population sample using Instagram is feasible. However, combination of email and Instagram recruitment led to a more diverse population and improved response rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael R Moraes
- School of Dentistry, UFPEL - Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcos B Correa
- School of Dentistry, UFPEL - Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Ândrea Daneris
- School of Dentistry, UFPEL - Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana B Queiroz
- School of Dentistry, UFPEL - Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - João P Lopes
- School of Dentistry, UFPEL - Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Giana S Lima
- School of Dentistry, UFPEL - Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Maximiliano S Cenci
- School of Dentistry, UFPEL - Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Otávio P D'Avila
- School of Dentistry, UFPEL - Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Claudio M Pannuti
- School of Dentistry, USP - University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Flávio F Demarco
- School of Dentistry, UFPEL - Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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Conducting Population Health Research during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impacts and Recommendations. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13063320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many changes, including restrictions on indoor gatherings and visitation to residential aged care facilities, hospitals and certain communities. Coupled with potential restrictions imposed by health services and academic institutions, these changes may significantly impact the conduct of population health research. However, the continuance of population health research is beneficial for the provision of health services and sometimes imperative. This paper discusses the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the conduct of population health research. This discussion unveils important ethical considerations, as well as potential impacts on recruitment methods, face-to-face data collection, data quality and validity. In addition, this paper explores potential recruitment and data collection methods that could replace face-to-face methods. The discussion is accompanied by reflections on the challenges experienced by the authors in their own research at an oral health service during the COVID-19 pandemic and alternative methods that were utilised in place of face-to-face methods. This paper concludes that, although COVID-19 presents challenges to the conduct of population health research, there is a range of alternative methods to face-to-face recruitment and data collection. These alternative methods should be considered in light of project aims to ensure data quality is not compromised.
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30
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Smith DMY, Lipson SM, Wang SB, Fox KR. Online Methods in Adolescent Self-Injury Research: Challenges and Recommendations. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 51:143-154. [DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2021.1875325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diana M. Y. Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego Medical School
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Chetty-Makkan CM, Hoffmann CJ, Charalambous S, Botha C, Ntshuntshe S, Nkosi N, Kim HY. Youth Preferences for HIV Testing in South Africa: Findings from the Youth Action for Health (YA4H) Study Using a Discrete Choice Experiment. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:182-190. [PMID: 32607914 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02960-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) and quantified preferences for HIV testing among South African youth (Nov 2018 to Mar 2019). Six attributes and levels were identified through qualitative methods: source of HIV information; incentive amount and type; social support; testing method; and location. Each participant chose one of two options that comprised six attributes across 18 questions. Conditional logistic regression estimated the degree of preference [β]. Of 130 participants, median age was 21 years (interquartile range 19-23 years), majority female (58%), and 85% previously tested for HIV. Testing alone over accompanied by a friend (β = 0.22 vs. - 0.35; p < 0.01); SMS text over paper brochures (β = 0.13 vs. - 0.10; p < 0.01); higher incentive values (R50) over no incentive (β = 0.09 vs. - 0.07; p = 0.01); and food vouchers over cash (β = 0.06 vs. β = - 0.08; p = 0.01) were preferred. Testing at a clinic or home and family encouragement were important. Tailoring HTS to youth preferences may increase HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice M Chetty-Makkan
- The Aurum Institute, Aurum House, The Ridge, 29 Queens Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Christopher J Hoffmann
- The Aurum Institute, Aurum House, The Ridge, 29 Queens Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- John Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Salome Charalambous
- The Aurum Institute, Aurum House, The Ridge, 29 Queens Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Claire Botha
- The Aurum Institute, Aurum House, The Ridge, 29 Queens Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Simphiwe Ntshuntshe
- The Aurum Institute, Aurum House, The Ridge, 29 Queens Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Nolwazi Nkosi
- The Aurum Institute, Aurum House, The Ridge, 29 Queens Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Hae-Young Kim
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Public Health, New York, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study were (1) to assess the feasibility of using online platforms as recruitment tools for pelvic floor disorder studies and (2) to compare the prevalence of symptoms of incontinence and care-seeking behavior by online platform to previously published prevalence estimates. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study among women to assess the prevalence of incontinence symptoms, level of bother, and care-seeking behavior. Participants were recruited through Facebook ads, ResearchMatch, or Reddit. The effectiveness of Facebook ads was assessed using the click through rate and an overall completion rate (number of completes over number of times an ad was shown). A nontargeted ad was posted to a Reddit thread in which research opportunities are advertised. For ResearchMatch, investigators sent a recruitment email. Effectiveness of this method was assessed by observing how many women completed the survey compared with the number of women who received it. RESULTS Among the 7361 women who initiated the questionnaire, 6650 (90%) completed it. A majority of participants were recruited through ResearchMatch. Online platforms were successful in recruiting women across a wide age range (ages, 18-93 years). The overall prevalence of incontinence was 46.1% with women 45 years and older having the highest prevalence (64.6%). Common reasons for not seeking care included "not bothersome enough," "other health problems," and "being unsure about treatment." CONCLUSIONS Internet-based recruitment was found to be feasible. The prevalence of incontinence was higher than has been reported in other population-based samples. Significant barriers to care exist, and further studies should focus on educational strategies.
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Pietrabissa G, Manzoni GM, Algeri D, Mazzucchelli L, Carella A, Pagnini F, Castelnuovo G. Facebook Use as Access Facilitator for Consulting Psychology. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ap.12139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giada Pietrabissa
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe,
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan,
| | - Gian Mauro Manzoni
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe,
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan,
| | - Davide Algeri
- S.I.P.O., Servizio Italiano di Psicologia Online, Italian Service for Online Psychology,
| | - Luca Mazzucchelli
- S.I.P.O., Servizio Italiano di Psicologia Online, Italian Service for Online Psychology,
| | - Alice Carella
- S.I.P.O., Servizio Italiano di Psicologia Online, Italian Service for Online Psychology,
| | | | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe,
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan,
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Sanchez C, Grzenda A, Varias A, Widge AS, Carpenter LL, McDonald WM, Nemeroff CB, Kalin NH, Martin G, Tohen M, Filippou-Frye M, Ramsey D, Linos E, Mangurian C, Rodriguez CI. Social media recruitment for mental health research: A systematic review. Compr Psychiatry 2020; 103:152197. [PMID: 32992073 PMCID: PMC7704547 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2020.152197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media holds exciting promise for advancing mental health research recruitment, however, the extent and efficacy to which these platforms are currently in use are underexplored. OBJECTIVE A systematic review was conducted to characterize the current use and efficacy of social media in recruiting participants for mental health research. METHOD A literature review was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsychINFO. Only non-duplicative manuscripts written in the English language and published between 1/1/2004-3/31/2019 were selected for further screening. Data extracted included study type and design, participant inclusion criteria, social media platform, advertising strategy, final recruited sample size, recruitment location, year, monetary incentives, comparison to other recruitment methods if performed, and final cost per participant. RESULTS A total of 176 unique studies that used social media for mental health research recruitment were reviewed. The majority of studies were cross-sectional (62.5%) in design and recruited adults. Facebook was overwhelmingly the recruitment platform of choice (92.6%), with the use of paid advertisements being the predominant strategy (60.8%). Of the reviewed studies, substance abuse (43.8%) and mood disorders (15.3%) were the primary subjects of investigation. In 68.3% of studies, social media recruitment performed as well as or better than traditional recruitment methods in the number and cost of final enrolled participants. The majority of studies used Facebook for recruitment at a median cost per final recruited study participant of $19.47. In 55.6% of the studies, social media recruitment was the more cost-effective recruitment method when compared to traditional methods (e.g., referrals, mailing). CONCLUSION Social media appears to be an effective and economical recruitment tool for mental health research. The platform raises methodological and privacy concerns not covered in current research regulations that warrant additional consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Sanchez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Adrienne Grzenda
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrea Varias
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alik S Widge
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
| | - Linda L Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Butler Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - William M McDonald
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Charles B Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ned H Kalin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Glenn Martin
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mauricio Tohen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Maria Filippou-Frye
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Drew Ramsey
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eleni Linos
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christina Mangurian
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; UCSF Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carolyn I Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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Smith JA, Merlino A, Christie B, Adams M, Bonson J, Osborne RH, Drummond M, Judd B, Aanundsen D, Fleay J, Gupta H. Using social media in health literacy research: A promising example involving Facebook with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males from the Top End of the Northern Territory. Health Promot J Austr 2020; 32 Suppl 1:186-191. [PMID: 32946620 PMCID: PMC7984039 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James A Smith
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health & Wellbeing - Northern Territory, Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina, NT, Australia.,Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Anthony Merlino
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health & Wellbeing - Northern Territory, Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina, NT, Australia
| | - Ben Christie
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health & Wellbeing - Northern Territory, Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina, NT, Australia
| | - Mick Adams
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Jason Bonson
- Northern Territory Department of Health, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | | | | | - Barry Judd
- Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Jesse Fleay
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Himanshu Gupta
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health & Wellbeing - Northern Territory, Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina, NT, Australia
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Haikerwal A, Doyle LW, Patton G, Wark JD, Garland SM, Burnett AC, Cheong JLY. Using Facebook to Improve Participation Among 25-Year-Olds Enrolled in a Longitudinal Preterm Birth Cohort Study. Acad Pediatr 2020; 20:1029-1036. [PMID: 31987891 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Facebook is a popular social media platform used globally to keep connected and informed. The aims of this study were to determine the contribution of Facebook to the participation rate of young adults enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study, and to examine systematic differences in participants recruited through Facebook compared with those recruited through traditional methods. METHODS Potential participants comprised 297 consecutive survivors born extremely preterm (<28 weeks' gestation) or extremely low birth weight (<1000 g birth weight) in 1991-92 in the state of Victoria, Australia, and 260 contemporaneously recruited normal birth weight (>2499 g birth weight) controls who had participated previously in a prospective cohort study. At 25 years of age participants were approached initially via traditional methods (mail, telephone, texts), and subsequently by Facebook for those difficult to contact or locate. RESULTS Contact was attempted with 523 young adults via traditional methods and 49% (n = 255) agreed to participate. Of the 208 participants unable to be located or contacted via traditional methods, 153 were subsequently located via Facebook. Of these 82% (n = 125) responded promptly within a day of receiving the Facebook invite, and 41% (n = 63) ultimately participated. The participation rate increased from 49% (255 of 523) to 61% (318 of 523) with the addition of Facebook, an absolute increase of 12%. Participants recruited by Facebook were slightly older, had lower rates of school completion and lower cognitive score at 18 years of age compared with those recruited via traditional methods. CONCLUSIONS Using Facebook improved participation of young adults enrolled in this longitudinal preterm follow up study, 25 years after original recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Haikerwal
- Newborn Services, The Royal Women's Hospital (A Haikerwal, LW Doyle, AC Burnett, and JLY Cheong), Melbourne, Australia; Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute (A Haikerwal, LW Doyle, AC Burnett, and JLY Cheong), Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Lex W Doyle
- Newborn Services, The Royal Women's Hospital (A Haikerwal, LW Doyle, AC Burnett, and JLY Cheong), Melbourne, Australia; Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute (A Haikerwal, LW Doyle, AC Burnett, and JLY Cheong), Melbourne, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Melbourne (LW Doyle, SM Garland, and JLY Cheong), Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne (LW Doyle, G Patton, and AC Burnett), Melbourne, Australia
| | - George Patton
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne (LW Doyle, G Patton, and AC Burnett), Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital (G Patton), Melbourne, Australia
| | - John D Wark
- Royal Melbourne Hospital Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne (JD Wark), Melbourne, Australia.; Bone and Mineral Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital (JD Wark), Melbourne, Australia.; Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital (JD Wark), Australia
| | - Suzanne M Garland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Melbourne (LW Doyle, SM Garland, and JLY Cheong), Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Women's Infectious Diseases Research, The Royal Women's Hospital (SM Garland), Melbourne, Australia; Infection & Immunity Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute (SM Garland), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alice C Burnett
- Newborn Services, The Royal Women's Hospital (A Haikerwal, LW Doyle, AC Burnett, and JLY Cheong), Melbourne, Australia; Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute (A Haikerwal, LW Doyle, AC Burnett, and JLY Cheong), Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne (LW Doyle, G Patton, and AC Burnett), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jeanie L Y Cheong
- Newborn Services, The Royal Women's Hospital (A Haikerwal, LW Doyle, AC Burnett, and JLY Cheong), Melbourne, Australia; Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute (A Haikerwal, LW Doyle, AC Burnett, and JLY Cheong), Melbourne, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Melbourne (LW Doyle, SM Garland, and JLY Cheong), Melbourne, Australia
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Frattaroli S, Schulman E, McDonald EM, Omaki EC, Shields WC, Jones V, Brewer W. Utilizing Facebook and Automated Telephone Calls to Increase Adoption of a Local Smoke Alarm Installation Program. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2020; 25:E27-E33. [PMID: 31136522 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Innovative strategies are needed to improve the prevalence of working smoke alarms in homes. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the effectiveness of Facebook advertising and automated telephone calls as population-level strategies to encourage an injury prevention behavior. OBJECTIVE We examine the effectiveness of Facebook advertising and automated telephone calls as strategies to enroll individuals in Baltimore City's Fire Department's free smoke alarm installation program. PARTICIPANTS We directed our advertising efforts toward Facebook users eligible for the Baltimore City Fire Department's free smoke alarm installation program and all homes with a residential phone line included in Baltimore City's automated call system. DESIGN The Facebook campaign targeted Baltimore City residents 18 years of age and older. In total, an estimated 300 000 Facebook users met the eligibility criteria. Facebook advertisements were delivered to users' desktop and mobile device newsfeeds. A prerecorded message was sent to all residential landlines listed in the city's automated call system. RESULTS By the end of the campaign, the 3 advertisements generated 456 666 impressions reaching 130 264 Facebook users. Of the users reached, 4367 individuals (1.3%) clicked the advertisement. The automated call system included approximately 90 000 residential phone numbers. Participants attributed 25 smoke alarm installation requests to Facebook and 458 to the automated call. CONCLUSION Facebook advertisements are a novel approach to promoting smoke alarms and appear to be effective in exposing individuals to injury prevention messages. However, converting Facebook message recipients to users of a smoke alarm installation program occurred infrequently in this study. Residents who participated in the smoke alarm installation program were more likely to cite the automated call as the impetus for their participation. Additional research is needed to understand the circumstances and strategies to effectively use the social networking site as a tool to convert passive users into active participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Frattaroli
- The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Injury Research and Policy, Baltimore, Maryland (Drs Frattaroli and Jones, Mr Schulman, and Mss McDonald, Omaki, and Shields); and Baltimore City Fire Department, Baltimore, Maryland (Mr Brewer)
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Frampton GK, Shepherd J, Pickett K, Griffiths G, Wyatt JC. Digital tools for the recruitment and retention of participants in randomised controlled trials: a systematic map. Trials 2020; 21:478. [PMID: 32498690 PMCID: PMC7273688 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04358-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recruiting and retaining participants in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is challenging. Digital tools, such as social media, data mining, email or text-messaging, could improve recruitment or retention, but an overview of this research area is lacking. We aimed to systematically map the characteristics of digital recruitment and retention tools for RCTs, and the features of the comparative studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of these tools during the past 10 years. METHODS We searched Medline, Embase, other databases, the Internet, and relevant web sites in July 2018 to identify comparative studies of digital tools for recruiting and/or retaining participants in health RCTs. Two reviewers independently screened references against protocol-specified eligibility criteria. Included studies were coded by one reviewer with 20% checked by a second reviewer, using pre-defined keywords to describe characteristics of the studies, populations and digital tools evaluated. RESULTS We identified 9163 potentially relevant references, of which 104 articles reporting 105 comparative studies were included in the systematic map. The number of published studies on digital tools has doubled in the past decade, but most studies evaluated digital tools for recruitment rather than retention. The key health areas investigated were health promotion, cancers, circulatory system diseases and mental health. Few studies focussed on minority or under-served populations, and most studies were observational. The most frequently-studied digital tools were social media, Internet sites, email and tv/radio for recruitment; and email and text-messaging for retention. One quarter of the studies measured efficiency (cost per recruited or retained participant) but few studies have evaluated people's attitudes towards the use of digital tools. CONCLUSIONS This systematic map highlights a number of evidence gaps and may help stakeholders to identify and prioritise further research needs. In particular, there is a need for rigorous research on the efficiency of the digital tools and their impact on RCT participants and investigators, perhaps as studies-within-a-trial (SWAT) research. There is also a need for research into how digital tools may improve participant retention in RCTs which is currently underrepresented relative to recruitment research. REGISTRATION Not registered; based on a pre-specified protocol, peer-reviewed by the project's Advisory Board.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoff K. Frampton
- Southampton Health Technology Assessments Centre (SHTAC), Wessex Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Alpha House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NS UK
- Wessex Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Alpha House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NS UK
| | - Jonathan Shepherd
- Southampton Health Technology Assessments Centre (SHTAC), Wessex Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Alpha House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NS UK
- Wessex Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Alpha House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NS UK
| | - Karen Pickett
- Southampton Health Technology Assessments Centre (SHTAC), Wessex Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Alpha House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NS UK
- Wessex Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Alpha House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NS UK
| | - Gareth Griffiths
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton and Southampton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD UK
| | - Jeremy C. Wyatt
- Wessex Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Alpha House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NS UK
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Vogel A, Comtesse H, Rosner R. Challenges in recruiting and retaining adolescents with abuse-related posttraumatic stress disorder: lessons learned from a randomized controlled trial. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2020; 14:14. [PMID: 32322300 PMCID: PMC7164245 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-020-00320-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on effective recruitment and retention strategies for adolescents and young adults suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder is scarce. The aim of the current study was to provide data on recruitment sources, barriers, and facilitators for participation in a randomized controlled trial for young individuals with histories of sexual and/or physical abuse. METHODS Study participants aged 14 to 21 were asked to complete a checklist on individual sources of recruitment, barriers, and facilitators for participation in the trial. Fifty-three out of the 80 study participants who were contacted completed the checklist (66.3%). RESULTS Most respondents reported multiple recruitment sources, with online and media advertising search strategies indicated most frequently (45.4% of all mentions), followed by practitioner-referred sources (38.7%). Respondents' reported barriers included additional demands of the trial (60.3%), followed by distress caused by having to talk about painful topics (15.5%). The most frequently indicated facilitators were the organizational setting (55.1%) and monetary incentives (22.2%), followed by social support (12.0%) and non-monetary incentives (10.2%). No significant differences were observed between adolescent and young adult respondents with the exception that adolescents reported significantly more frequently that they had learned about the trial from their caregiver. CONCLUSIONS Our findings permit the formulation of recommendations for planning and conducting trials with this clientele. Future research is needed on how specific barriers can be effectively overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Vogel
- grid.440923.80000 0001 1245 5350Department of Psychology, Catholic University Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, Ostenstrasse 25, 85071 Eichstaett, Germany
| | - Hannah Comtesse
- grid.440923.80000 0001 1245 5350Department of Psychology, Catholic University Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, Ostenstrasse 25, 85071 Eichstaett, Germany
| | - Rita Rosner
- grid.440923.80000 0001 1245 5350Department of Psychology, Catholic University Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, Ostenstrasse 25, 85071 Eichstaett, Germany
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Eisinger RS, Islam S. Caring for People With Untreated Pectus Excavatum. Chest 2020; 157:590-594. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2019.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Fägerstad A, Lundgren J, Arnrup K, Carlson E. Barriers and facilitators for adolescent girls to take on adult responsibility for dental care - a qualitative study. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2019; 14:1678971. [PMID: 31608818 PMCID: PMC6807868 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2019.1678971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to explore and describe experiences of the dental care system among adolescent dental patients with a recent history of missed dental appointments at public dental clinics (PDCs) in a Swedish county. Methods: Twelve adolescent girls participated in the study. Data were collected by individual, semi-structured, open-ended interviews and analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results: The study findings could be summed into the theme "Triggers for adolescent girls to take on or not take on adult responsibility for dental care". The experience of free dental care could be summarized in five main categories: Pain and discomfort; Attractive and healthy teeth; Feeling safe and secure; Taking on the responsibility; and Free of charge. These five categories consisted of 15 subcategories. Conclusions: The results of this study should increase the knowledge on how to meet and treat adolescent girls in dental care. Knowing what will happen during the dental visit was highlighted by the participants as decisive to whether or not they would attend their dental appointments. Therefore, we should as far as possible ensure that our patients feel safe at their dental visits and by trying to avoid painful treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anida Fägerstad
- Public Dental Service, Region Örebro County, Örebro, Sweden
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Jesper Lundgren
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristina Arnrup
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Eva Carlson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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McCarthy E, Mazza D. Cost and Effectiveness of Using Facebook Advertising to Recruit Young Women for Research: PREFER (Contraceptive Preferences Study) Experience. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e15869. [PMID: 31782738 PMCID: PMC6911229 DOI: 10.2196/15869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media is a popular and convenient method for communicating on the Web. The most commonly used social networking website, Facebook, is increasingly being used as a tool for recruiting research participants because of its large user base and its ability to target advertisements on the basis of Facebook users' information. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the cost and effectiveness of using Facebook to recruit young women into a Web-based intervention study (PREFER). The PREFER study aimed to determine whether an educational video could increase preference for and uptake of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). METHODS We placed an advertisement on Facebook over a 19-day period from December 2017 to January 2018, inviting 16- to 25-year-old women from Australia to participate in a Web-based study about contraception. Those who clicked on the advertisement were directed to project information, and their eligibility was determined by using a screening survey. RESULTS Our Facebook advertisement delivered 130,129 impressions, resulting in over 2000 clicks at an overall cost of Aus $918 (Aus $0.44 per click). Web-based project information was accessed by 493 women. Of these, 462 women completed the screening survey, and 437 (437/463, 95%) women were eligible. A total of 322 young women participated in Surveys 1 and 2 (74% response rate), and 284 women participated in Survey 3 (88% retention rate), with an advertising cost of Aus $2.85 per consenting participant. CONCLUSIONS Facebook proved to be a quick, effective, and cost-efficient tool for recruiting young Australian women into a study that was investigating contraceptive preferences. However, Web-based recruitment may result in sociodemographic biases. Further research is required to evaluate whether Facebook is suitable for recruiting older study populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwina McCarthy
- Department of General Practice, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Danielle Mazza
- Department of General Practice, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Reuter K, Zhu Y, Angyan P, Le N, Merchant AA, Zimmer M. Public Concern About Monitoring Twitter Users and Their Conversations to Recruit for Clinical Trials: Survey Study. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e15455. [PMID: 31670698 PMCID: PMC6914244 DOI: 10.2196/15455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Social networks such as Twitter offer the clinical research community a novel opportunity for engaging potential study participants based on user activity data. However, the availability of public social media data has led to new ethical challenges about respecting user privacy and the appropriateness of monitoring social media for clinical trial recruitment. Researchers have voiced the need for involving users’ perspectives in the development of ethical norms and regulations. Objective This study examined the attitudes and level of concern among Twitter users and nonusers about using Twitter for monitoring social media users and their conversations to recruit potential clinical trial participants. Methods We used two online methods for recruiting study participants: the open survey was (1) advertised on Twitter between May 23 and June 8, 2017, and (2) deployed on TurkPrime, a crowdsourcing data acquisition platform, between May 23 and June 8, 2017. Eligible participants were adults, 18 years of age or older, who lived in the United States. People with and without Twitter accounts were included in the study. Results While nearly half the respondents—on Twitter (94/603, 15.6%) and on TurkPrime (509/603, 84.4%)—indicated agreement that social media monitoring constitutes a form of eavesdropping that invades their privacy, over one-third disagreed and nearly 1 in 5 had no opinion. A chi-square test revealed a positive relationship between respondents’ general privacy concern and their average concern about Internet research (P<.005). We found associations between respondents’ Twitter literacy and their concerns about the ability for researchers to monitor their Twitter activity for clinical trial recruitment (P=.001) and whether they consider Twitter monitoring for clinical trial recruitment as eavesdropping (P<.001) and an invasion of privacy (P=.003). As Twitter literacy increased, so did people’s concerns about researchers monitoring Twitter activity. Our data support the previously suggested use of the nonexceptionalist methodology for assessing social media in research, insofar as social media-based recruitment does not need to be considered exceptional and, for most, it is considered preferable to traditional in-person interventions at physical clinics. The expressed attitudes were highly contextual, depending on factors such as the type of disease or health topic (eg, HIV/AIDS vs obesity vs smoking), the entity or person monitoring users on Twitter, and the monitored information. Conclusions The data and findings from this study contribute to the critical dialogue with the public about the use of social media in clinical research. The findings suggest that most users do not think that monitoring Twitter for clinical trial recruitment constitutes inappropriate surveillance or a violation of privacy. However, researchers should remain mindful that some participants might find social media monitoring problematic when connected with certain conditions or health topics. Further research should isolate factors that influence the level of concern among social media users across platforms and populations and inform the development of more clear and consistent guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Reuter
- Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yifan Zhu
- School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Praveen Angyan
- Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - NamQuyen Le
- Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Michael Zimmer
- Department of Computer Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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Truong H, Salib A, Rowe CK. The Use of Social Media in Pediatric Urology-Forging New Paths or Crossing Boundaries? Curr Urol Rep 2019; 20:72. [PMID: 31620926 DOI: 10.1007/s11934-019-0928-y] [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: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There has been a remarkable change in how people connect, access, and share professional and medical information over social media. This perspective article describes opportunities, potential pitfalls, and guidelines for social media use by pediatric urology providers. RECENT FINDINGS Pediatric urologists have effectively used social media to connect and share expertise, augment scientific conference participation, promote themselves and their research, disseminate guidelines and best practices, participate in virtual journal clubs, and engage with patients and their families. Information shared over social media is not protected by copyright law, not confidential, not regulated, permanent, and subjected to public domain and scrutiny. Despite these potential pitfalls, social media is a useful tool if best practices are observed and online communication adheres to professional guidelines and organizational policy. Social media use in healthcare is here to stay and pediatric urologists have online visibility whether or not they choose to actively participate. Despite new legal, ethical, and professional considerations that social media introduces, a well-executed social media presence provides pediatric urologists a wealth of new opportunities for networking, research, and disseminating high-quality medical information online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Truong
- Department of Urology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 1025 Walnut St, Suite 1112, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA. .,Division of Pediatric Urology, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT, USA.
| | - Andrew Salib
- Department of Urology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 1025 Walnut St, Suite 1112, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.,Division of Pediatric Urology, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Courtney K Rowe
- Department of Urology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 1025 Walnut St, Suite 1112, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.,Division of Pediatric Urology, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT, USA
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Ford KL, Albritton T, Dunn TA, Crawford K, Neuwirth J, Bull S. Youth Study Recruitment Using Paid Advertising on Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook: Cross-Sectional Survey Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2019; 5:e14080. [PMID: 31599739 PMCID: PMC6811770 DOI: 10.2196/14080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of paid social media advertising for targeted study recruitment is an effective strategy in health research and evaluation, specifically to reach diverse youth participants. Although the literature adequately describes the utility of Facebook in recruitment, limited information exists for social media platforms that are more popular with youth, specifically Instagram and Snapchat. OBJECTIVE This paper outlines a paid advertising approach using Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook to evaluate a statewide youth marijuana prevention campaign. The objective of this study was to compare recruitment metrics across Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook for two surveys documenting youth knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to retail marijuana in Colorado post legalization. In addition, the study assessed the feasibility of using Instagram and Snapchat as effective additions to Facebook for youth study recruitment. METHODS A social media recruitment strategy was used to conduct two cross-sectional surveys of youth, aged 13 to 20 years, in Colorado. Geographically targeted ads across 3 social media platforms encouraged the completion of a Web-based self-administered survey. Ad Words and Snap Ads were used to deploy and manage advertising campaigns, including ad design, placement, and analysis. Ad costs and recruitment metrics (ie, impressions, link clicks, and conversion rates) were calculated across the three social media platforms. RESULTS Over two 1-month periods, 763,613 youth were reached (ie, impressions), 6089 of them clicked survey links (ie, clicks), and 828 eligible youth completed surveys about knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to retail marijuana. Instagram converted 36.13% (803/2222) of impressions to clicks (ie, conversion rate) in the first survey and 0.87% (864/98982) in the second survey. Snapchat generated the most impressions and link clicks, but it did so with the lowest conversion rate for both surveys, with a 1.40% (1600/114,200) conversion rate in the first survey and a 0.36% (1818/504700) conversion rate in the second survey. Facebook maintained a consistent conversion rate of roughly 2% across both surveys, despite reductions in budget for the second survey. The cost-per-click ranged between US $0.25 and $0.37 across the three platforms, with Snapchat as both the most cost-effective platform in the first survey and the most expensive platform in the second survey. CONCLUSIONS Recruitment and enrollment outcomes indicate the use of Instagram and Snapchat, in addition to Facebook, may be a modern, useful, and cost-effective approach to reach youth with surveys on sensitive health topics. As the use of Facebook declines among youth, the use of more popular social media platforms can augment study recruitment for health research and evaluation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Lynett Ford
- The mHealth Impact Lab, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States.,Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Tashuna Albritton
- School of Medicine, The City College of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tara A Dunn
- Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Kacy Crawford
- Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Jessica Neuwirth
- Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Sheana Bull
- The mHealth Impact Lab, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States.,Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
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Ryan J, Lopian L, Le B, Edney S, Van Kessel G, Plotnikoff R, Vandelanotte C, Olds T, Maher C. It's not raining men: a mixed-methods study investigating methods of improving male recruitment to health behaviour research. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:814. [PMID: 31234825 PMCID: PMC6591998 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7087-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although gender is an important determinant of health behaviour with males less likely to perform health-protective behaviours, samples in health behaviour research are heavily biased towards females. This study investigated the use of online social network, Facebook, to reach and recruit inactive males to a team-based, social, and gamified physical activity randomised controlled trial. Methods Methodological techniques included a narrative literature review, survey of inactive males (n = 34) who rated advertisement images and text captions on scales of 1–10, and trial Facebook-delivered recruitment campaigns. Advertisement effectiveness was measured by cost-per-click to the study website, number of expressions of interest, and study enrolments from males. Results Survey results showed that vibrant images of men exercising accompanied by concise captions (< 35 words) were most effective. An advertising campaign incorporating these components achieved a cost-per-click of $0.60, with 80% of n = 50 expressions of interest being from men, a marked improvement from baseline campaigns in which only 11% of expressions of interest were from men. Despite this, men who were recruited through the targeted campaign failed to enrol into the study, primarily due to reluctance to invite friends to join their team. An alternative strategy of encouraging females to invite men boosted male participation from 18% of the sample at baseline to 29% in the targeted recruitment phase. Conclusions Evidence-based approaches can improve Facebook recruitment outcomes, however, there are complex barriers hindering male recruitment to health behaviour studies that may necessitate multi-faceted strategies including involvement of family and friends. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7087-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Ryan
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Luke Lopian
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity: University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Brian Le
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity: University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sarah Edney
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity: University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gisela Van Kessel
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity: University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ronald Plotnikoff
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Corneel Vandelanotte
- Physical Activity Research Group, School of Human Health and Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Tim Olds
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity: University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Carol Maher
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity: University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Wozney L, Turner K, Rose-Davis B, McGrath PJ. Facebook ads to the rescue? Recruiting a hard to reach population into an Internet-based behavioral health intervention trial. Internet Interv 2019; 17:100246. [PMID: 31080751 PMCID: PMC6500917 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2019.100246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Facebook (FB) ads are touted as a way to facilitate recruitment of hard to reach participants into digital health research but the evidence has been mixed. This study aimed to empirically evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of paid ads for recruitment into a national trial testing an Internet-based, coached intervention for parents of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. METHODS Post hoc analysis of FB ad data and Google analytics on the online trial consent site (myStudies) were conducted on 11 campaigns employing static image/text ads. Standard metrics (e.g., click through rate, cost per 1000 impressions, cost per consent) were calculated and descriptive statistics comparing FB ad engagement and enrolled participants over time were conducted. RESULTS Ad campaigns were active for a combined 115 days over 58 weeks resulting in 1533 links to the online recruitment site. During the ad campaigns, the mean rate of enrolment was 1 participant every 2 days. The first 3 ad campaigns were the most cost-effective. Mean cost per enrolment was $19.27 (Canadian dollars). CONCLUSIONS FB ads were efficient and cost-effective in broad dissemination of trial information, but more research is needed to explore the impact of saturation (how often ads are posted), design (what is in the ad), and individual determinants (who is likely to respond to an ad) on converting FB ad engagement into enrolment. Avoiding a reductionist approach to analytics will help ensure appropriate and targeted strategies remain the priority for digital health research recruitment through social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori Wozney
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Mental Health and Addictions Policy and Planning, E.C. Purdy Building, 302 Pleasant Street, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 3Z9, Canada,Corresponding author.
| | - Karen Turner
- Centre for Research in Family Health, IWK Health Centre, 5850—5980 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Halifax B3K 6R8, Canada
| | - Benjamin Rose-Davis
- Centre for Research in Family Health, IWK Health Centre, 5850—5980 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Halifax B3K 6R8, Canada
| | - Patrick J. McGrath
- Dalhousie University, Department of Psychiatry, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2E2, Canada
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Bracken K, Askie L, Keech AC, Hague W, Wittert G. Recruitment strategies in randomised controlled trials of men aged 50 years and older: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e025580. [PMID: 30948584 PMCID: PMC6500287 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify and review evaluations of strategies to recruit men aged 50 years and over to randomised controlled trials (RCTs). DESIGN Systematic review and narrative synthesis. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and ORRCA databases were searched to 1 December 2017. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies using quantitative methods to evaluate recruitment strategies to RCTs of men aged 50 years and older. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS A single reviewer extracted data (for each strategy, number of participants approached, screened and randomised, and cost). Study quality was assessed using National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Quality Assessment Tools and considered study design, description of interventions, description and measurement of outcomes, completeness of outcome reporting, performance of statistical testing and consideration of confounders. Recruitment strategies were categorised by the recruitment stage they addressed. RESULTS Sixteen studies (n >14 000) were included: one good quality, ten fair quality and five poor quality. Studies evaluated strategies to identify prospective participants, and to improve the processes for assessing participant eligibility, providing participant information and seeking consent. In good and fair quality studies, the most effective strategies for identifying participants were referral from an affiliated health service provider (two studies), mass mailing (five studies) and media coverage (two studies). Community outreach activities such as displaying posters and attending local community events were not effective (two studies). Trial-specific training of site recruitment staff, developed using qualitative analysis of recruitment visits (two studies), and provision of study information to prospective participants at a multidisciplinary, group information session (one study) both improved recruitment. CONCLUSION Improved engagement of men aged 50 years and older in RCTs is needed. A gender-sensitised approach to RCT recruitment may help to address this need. We have identified several promising recruitment strategies that merit further evaluation. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42017060301.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Bracken
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa Askie
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony C Keech
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wendy Hague
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gary Wittert
- Department of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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