Elements that underpin the design, development and evaluation of social media health interventions. A Scoping Review Protocol

Abstract

Background: Social media use has grown tremendously over the years. Given the volume of people on social media and the amount of information being exchanged, it is perhaps unsurprising that social media is being used to promote health interventions. There exists an opportunity for social media-driven health interventions to make a positive impact on health. There is a need to explore the current state of this field, including the platforms being used, models of design, models of behavior change, and evaluation that underpin social media health interventions. This scoping protocol will help to inform those who wish to develop such health interventions.

Objective: The main objective of this scoping review protocol is to map the landscape of health interventions disseminated through social media. In addition to which we aim to understand what models of design, models of behavior change, and evaluation underpin social media health interventions.

Methods: The methodological framework for this review is guided by Arksey and O’Malley and enhancements by Levac et al. and Peters et al. We will search relevant literature from 9 databases (1) PubMed, (2) PsychINFO, (2) Embase, (4) Web of Science, (5) SCOPUS, (6) CINAHL, (7) ERIC, (8) MEDLINE, (9) Google Scholar. The literature will be screened by at least two reviewers in two stages 1) Title/Abstract screening against the eligibility criteria; eligible articles will then undergo full text screening. Data will be charted using the data charting tool developed by the authors.

Results: The results of this study will be presented in the final scoping review in two sections. The first section will describe the search strategy and study selection process and will contain the PRISMA flow chart. The second section will provide key details pertaining to the review objective and question.

Conclusions: Our scoping review will provide insights into the use of social media in the field of health intervention. Using social media to drive health interventions is an emerging way of reaching diverse audiences. This scoping review provides an opportunity to explore the current state of the field and help to inform others who wish to enter into the space of social mediadriven health interventions to improve health outcomes.