title: A Qualitative Study to Examine Feasibility and Design of an Online Social Networking Intervention to Increase Physical Activity in Teenage Girls.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Online social networks present wide-reaching and flexible platforms through which to deliver health interventions to targeted populations. This study used a social marketing approach to explore teenage girls' perceptions of physical activity and the potential use of online social networks to receive a physical activity intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six focus groups were conducted with 19 Australian teenage girls (ages 13 to 18 years) with varying levels of physical activity and socioeconomic status. A semi-structured format was used, with groups discussion transcribed verbatim. Content analysis identified emergent themes, with triangulation and memos used to ensure accuracy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Physical activity was most appealing when it emphasised sport, exercise and fitness, along with opportunities for socialisation with friends and self-improvement. Participants were receptive to delivery of a physical activity intervention via online social networks, with Facebook the most widely reported site. Participants commonly accessed online social networks via mobile devices and particularly smartphones. Undesirable features included promotion of physical activity in terms of walking; use of cartoon imagery; use of humour; and promotion of the intervention via schools, each of which were considered "uncool". Participants noted that their parents were likely to be supportive of them using an online social networking physical activity intervention, particularly if not promoted as a weight loss intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study identified key features likely to increase the feasibility and retention of an online social networking physical activity intervention for teenage girls. Guidelines for the design of interventions for teenage girls are provided for future applications.
authors.affiliation: University of South Australia, School of Health Sciences, Adelaide, Australia.
authors.forename: Gisela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Van Kessel
authors.affiliation: University of South Australia, School of Health Sciences, Adelaide, Australia.
authors.forename: Madeleine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kavanagh
authors.affiliation: University of South Australia, School of Health Sciences, Adelaide, Australia.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Maher
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001315:Australia; D015444:Exercise; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D061108:Social Media; D060756:Social Networking; D012944:Social Support; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000379:methods