Development and Pilot Testing of a Social Media-Based Educational Sexual Health Intervention

The purpose of this project was to develop and determine the impact of a social media educational intervention on sexual health among 18-24 year olds residing in a Midwestern metropolitan city, as compared to self-exploration of educational resources delivered via a website.  This evidence-based pilot project utilized pre- and post-test data for outcome measures.  Forty-six participants were recruited, 23 randomized to “like” a Facebook fan page (intervention) and 23 directed to view a website (control) containing links to educational material regarding sexually transmitted infections/human immunodeficiency virus (STI/HIV).  The website did not change throughout the study, while educational information was posted to Facebook three times a week for six weeks.  Pre-test data indicate ninety-one percent of participants reported sexual activity; 30% reported 6+ lifetime partners; however, 54% reported one partner in the last three months.  Thirty-seven percent reported using a condom at last intercourse; and 44% were previously diagnosed with an STI.  The low participation rate among post-test surveys provides limited data.  These data indicate no difference between groups in sexual health education or behavior measures, such as condom use.  There was a positive change in confidence with STI/HIV knowledge in both groups and an immediate sexual behavior change in condom use in the website group.  The increased confidence of STI/HIV knowledge in the Facebook intervention group and website control group is promising in that Facebook and websites have the potential to disseminate educational material among adolescents and young adults.  Low participation rates may be related to decreased presence of youth on Facebook and inability to engage participants directly, thus alternative social media applications should be explored.  Future recommendations include conducting focus groups to determine preferred learning modalities, suggestions for engagement, recommendations for incentives, and exploration of alternative SNS for sexual health education dissemination.