A social media-based physical activity intervention targeting socially disadvantaged young adults: pilot study

Mini-Oral Presentation B1.8`

Authors

  • Liane Guenther University of Dusseldorf
  • Claudia R. Pischke University of Dusseldorf

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.597

Keywords:

Social Media, Physical Activity, Health, Young Adults, Social Disadvantage

Abstract

Background: In Germany, 67% of women and 44% of men aged 18-29 years with low levels of education do not reach the WHO recommendations for physical activity (PA). Online social networks, such as Facebook, are used by 67% of individuals with low levels of education and may therefore be an appropriate channel for delivering PA interventions. This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a PA intervention delivered via an online social network in a sample of socially disadvantaged young adults. Program Delivery: In this two-armed controlled intervention trial, 160 participants will be recruited either at vocational schools or via Facebook and randomized to an experimental or a waitlisted control group. Vocational school students will be asked to set up their own team of 2-8 Facebook friends. Through rival comparison and self-monitoring, the teams in the intervention arm will be encouraged to walk 10.000 steps per day for two months using Facebook and a linked pedometer app. Evaluation: To estimate the feasibility of the intervention, aspects related to the process of implementation will be tracked. Potential intervention effects on PA will be assessed at baseline, two- and four–month follow-ups via accelerometers and questionnaires in both groups. Conclusions: The current study will help guide the development and implementation of future social media-based PA interventions on a larger scale targeting young socially disadvantaged adults. Funding: This study is part of the dissertation of the first author and not externally funded.  

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Guenther, L., & Pischke, C. (2021). A social media-based physical activity intervention targeting socially disadvantaged young adults: pilot study: Mini-Oral Presentation B1.8`. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.597