Exploring Social Media Preferences for Healthy Weight Management Interventions among Adolescents of Color: Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)

Abstract

Social media holds promise as an intervention platform to engage youth in healthy weight management and target racial inequities in obesity.

This mixed methods study aimed to examine social media habits, preferences, and obesity-related behaviors (e.g., diet, physical activity) among adolescents of color and understand preferences for healthy weight management interventions delivered via social media.

This mixed-methods study is comprised of a cross-sectional online survey and a series of virtual focus groups. Study participants (English-speaking youth of color ages 14-18 years) were recruited from high schools and youth-based community settings in Massachusetts and California. For surveys, participants were invited to complete an anonymous online survey assessing self-reported sociodemographics, social media habits and preferences, health behaviors (diet, physical activity, sleep, and screen time), and height and weight. For focus groups, participants were invited to participate in 45-60 minute virtual group discussions assessing social media habits, preferred social media platform, and preferences for physical activity and nutrition intervention content and delivery. Survey data were analyzed descriptively; focus group transcripts were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach.

A total of 101 adolescents completed the survey and N=20 adolescents participated in a total of 3 focus groups. Participants reported most frequently using TikTok, followed by Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter; preference for platform varied by purpose of use (e.g., content consumption, connection, or communication). TikTok emerged as the platform of choice as an engaging way to learn about various topics, including desired health information on physical fitness and diet.

Findings from this study suggest that social media platforms can be an engaging way to reach adolescents of color. Data will inform future social media-based interventions to engage adolescents of color in healthy weight management content.