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Social networking site interventions

Health Factors: Sexual Activity
Decision Makers: Community Organizations, Government - Local, Government - State, Government - Federal, Healthcare Organizations, Individuals
Evidence Rating: Insufficient Evidence
Population Reach: 50-99% of WI's population
Impact on Disparities: Likely to increase disparities

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Description

Social networking site interventions use online resources such as Facebook and MySpace to deliver messages aimed at increasing sexually transmitted infection (STI) knowledge, improving risk perception, and decreasing risky sexual behaviors.

Expected Beneficial Outcomes

Increased HIV and STI knowledge
Increased use of condoms
Decreased number of sexual partners

Evidence of Effectiveness

There is insufficient evidence to determine whether social networking site interventions promote sexual health (Gold 2011). Additional evidence is needed to determine the extent to which these promotions are utilized and the impact they have on STI knowledge, perceived risk, and risky sexual behaviors.

Implementation Examples

United States

Social networking sites are increasingly used for promotion of sexual health interventions (Gold 2011).

Citations - Evidence

Gold 2011 - Gold J, Pedrana AE, Sacks-Davis R, et al. A systematic examination of the use of online social networking sites for sexual health promotion. BMC Public Health. 2011;11(583). Accessed on June 19, 2012
Webpage: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2458-11-583.pdf

Citations - Implementation Examples

Gold 2011 - Gold J, Pedrana AE, Sacks-Davis R, et al. A systematic examination of the use of online social networking sites for sexual health promotion. BMC Public Health. 2011;11(583). Accessed on June 19, 2012
Webpage: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2458-11-583.pdf

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Health Factors

Health Behaviors
Tobacco Use
Diet & Exercise
Alcohol Use
Sexual Activity
 Clinical Care
Access to Care
Quality of Care
 Social & Economic Factors
Education
Employment
Income
Family & Social Support
Community Safety
 Physical Environment
Environmental Quality
Built Environment

Decision Makers

Businesses & Employers
Community Organizations
Government - Local
Government - State
Government - Federal
Healthcare Organizations
Individuals
Schools

Evidence Rating

Level of effectiveness based on a scan of academic literature and key recommendations of leading organizations.

  • Scientifically Supported Numerous studies or systematic review(s) with positive results
  • Some Evidence Research suggests positive impacts; further study may be warranted
  • Expert Opinion Recommended by credible groups*; research evidence limited
  • Insufficient Evidence Evidence limited or unavailable; further study warranted
  • Mixed Evidence Evidence mixed; further study warranted
  • Evidence of Ineffectiveness Research consistently shows program is detrimental or has no effect

Although many policies and programs are recommended by credible groups, we apply the rating ‘expert opinion’ only when policies are recommended but limited scientific evidence of effectiveness is available.

* The American Heritage Dictionary defines credible as 'capable of being believed; plausible.' and 'worthy of confidence; reliable.' To be considered an 'expert recommendation,' policies and programs must be recommended by one or more organizations that are recognized for their impartial expertise in the area of interest and have limited evidence available.

Potential Population Reach

Portion of Wisconsin's population likely to be reached by a policy or program if implemented statewide, based on its characteristics (e.g., target population(s), geographic limitations, and potential implementers).

<1%   20-49%
1-9%   50-99%
10-19%   100%

Potential Population Reach

Portion of Wisconsin's population likely to be reached by a policy or program if implemented statewide, based on its characteristics (e.g., target population(s), geographic limitations, and potential implementers).

<1%   20-49%
1-9%   50-99%
10-19%   100%

Potential Impact on Health Disparities

Likely impact of a given policy or program on racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic or other disparities in Wisconsin based on its characteristics (e.g., target audience, mode of delivery, etc.) and best available evidence related to disparities.

  • Likely to decrease disparities
  • No impact on disparities likely
  • Likely to increase disparities