Trend natural family planning - an online survey to assess attitudes towards NFP among German-speaking women

The Effect of Social Media Influencer Warranting Cues on Intentions to Use Non-Hormonal Contraception

Young women increasingly get sexual health information from social media influencers, who use persuasive communication and can alter attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. Contraception is a commonly discussed health topic among influencers on social media. Previous research suggests that influencers negatively frame and encourage the discontinuation of hormonal contraception. At the same time, influencers also encourage the uptake of less effective non-hormonal options, such as fertility awareness-based methods. Though descriptive content analysis work details these patterns in influencer contraceptive messaging, there is no experimental research that explains message effects. The purpose of this study was to experimentally test the effect of influencer contraceptive-related messaging on behavioral health intentions. This study introduces warranting theory as a potentially valuable model for explaining online health communication message effects. Specifically, this study tested the effect of influencer messages containing sponsorship and medical disclaimers on intentions to use non-hormonal contraception. U.S. females (n = 296) ranging in age from 18-29 years old participated in a survey. Findings suggest that the interaction led to decreased intentions to use non-hormonal contraception. However, findings did not support a relationship between influencer messaging and impressions, which highlights potential boundary conditions for warranting theory and high-risk health behaviors. Additionally, there was a positive relationship between perceived trustworthiness and expertise of the influencer and intention to use non-hormonal contraception. Future research should test influencer messaging using real social media content and consider the effect of parasocial relationships. Practical implications highlight the need for comprehensive contraceptive counseling.

Hormonal Contraceptive Side Effects and Nonhormonal Alternatives on TikTok: A Content Analysis

The use of hormonal contraceptives is decreasing in the United States alongside a growing interest in nonhormonal contraceptive options. Social media messaging may be contributing to this trend. TikTok thus offers a novel opportunity to understand how people share information about risks and alternatives for pregnancy prevention. To describe the availability and content of information about hormonal contraceptive side effects and nonhormonal contraceptive options on TikTok, we conducted a content analysis of 100 videos using the hashtags #birthcontrolsideeffects and #nonhormonalcontraception. We found that these videos were popular and often framed hormonal contraceptives and patient-provider interactions negatively, with users frequently discussing discontinuation of hormonal contraception and no plans for uptake of another contraceptive. When uptake of a new contraceptive method is mentioned, creators typically mention a fertility awareness-based method, which requires specialized knowledge to use safely and effectively. The risks and side effects of hormonal options were often overemphasized compared with the possible risks and side effects of nonhormonal options. This framing may suggest opportunities for providers and health educators to reassess how they counsel about contraceptive options. We conclude with recommendations for future research on TikTok and consider the policy implications of these findings.

What Do Social Media Influencers Say About Birth Control? A Content Analysis of YouTube Vlogs About Birth Control

Youth get their sexual health information from social media, often from social media influencers (SMIs) or microcelebrities with large followings. Previous research suggests that SMIs have powerful persuasive effects on attitudes and behaviors. Thus, it is important to examine the ways in which sexual health information, such as birth control, is conveyed by SMIs. Using framing theory as a theoretical framework, this study examines characteristics of SMIs and their shared experiences pertaining to birth control. A content analysis of YouTube vlogs (n = 50) posted from December 2019-2021 was conducted on SMIs who talk about their experiences using hormonal and non-hormonal birth control. SMI status was determined based on the number of people subscribed to the YouTube channels. Results suggest that SMI YouTube videos are primarily about the discontinuation of hormonal birth control and may provide inaccurate sexual health information. Reasons for discontinuation of hormonal birth control provided by the SMIs are discussed. Future research should explore the effects of influencer sexual health messaging on beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.