Health Care Provider Perceptions of Using Social Media to Improve Sexual Health for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors
The study investigates health care providers' perceptions of using social media to communicate about sexual health with adolescent and young adult cancer survivors, identifying barriers, facilitators, and strategies for effective use. Findings suggest that while social media holds potential for enhancing sexual health communication, there is a need for resources and training to ensure ethical and effective implementation. Future research is recommended to explore specific communication strategies and their impact on outcomes.
College of Health researcher(s)
Abstract
This study explored (1) health care provider (HCP) perceived barriers and facilitators to social media communication about sexual health with adolescent and young adult survivors, and (2) strategies that can help HCPs navigate social media use for this purpose. Thematic analysis of 11 semistructured HCP interviews resulted in four themes and suggests that social media platforms offer a promising avenue to foster sexual health communication but that resources and training are needed to improve HCP capacity to use this approach ethically and effectively. Future studies are needed to determine specific communication strategies and whether these strategies would lead to improved outcomes.