title: The potential influence of a social media intervention on risky sexual behavior and Chlamydia incidence.
abstract: The purpose of this descriptive pilot study was to evaluate an evidence-based social-networking intervention aimed at reducing the incidence of Chlamydia among 15- to 24-year-olds. The intervention consists of a Facebook site that addresses signs, symptoms, treatment, screening, and prevention of Chlamydia infection. Findings included a 23% self-reported increase in condom utilization, and a 54% reduction in positive Chlamydia cases among 15- to 17-year-olds. Study results support that social media may be an effective mechanism for information dissemination and the promotion of positive behavioral changes among this population.
authors.affiliation: University of Illinois College of Nursing, Chicago, Illinois, USA. kjones29@illinois.edu
authors.forename: Krista
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Kathleen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Baldwin
authors.forename: Patricia Ryan
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Lewis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D033181:Information Dissemination; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D061108:Social Media; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult