Social media effective adjunct for contraception education

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1. An adjunctive Facebook page was more effective than pamphlets for contraceptive education in young women. 

2. Women who received adjunctive contraception education on Facebook were more likely to choose long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). 

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)

Study Rundown: This study found that Facebook, a social media outlet, was more effective than a traditional pamphlet at educating young women on contraceptive options and increasing uptake of LARCs. A major strength of this study is the randomized controlled design, which assured that all participants had equal access to their respective educational formats during their in-office visit. Generalizability is limited by well-educated sample population. Additionally, due to its in-office design, this study does not inform how patients would use resources outside of the office. Future studies might expand on these findings by additionally providing the Facebook page link or pamphlet to participants to take home and reassess their contraceptive knowledge at a follow-up visit to better evaluate at-home use and effectiveness.

Click to read the study in Obstetrics & Gynecology

Relevant Reading: Teledermatology via a social networking web site

In-Depth [randomized controlled trial]: Researchers randomized women ages 18-45 to receive an educational pamphlet (n=74) or an interactive Facebook page using video, diagram, and game form (n=69) in addition to the standard contraceptive counseling. Contraceptive knowledge was evaluated before and after education using the Contraceptive Knowledge Inventory score. Raw score, percentage increase in score, participant satisfaction, and contraceptive preference post intervention were evaluated.

Post intervention, women who received Facebook supplementation had both a higher median raw score (15 vs. 12, p<0.001) and a higher percentage increase in score (36% vs. 12%, p<0.001) compared to the pamphlet group. Compared to controls, women in the Facebook group were also reported more satisfied with their counseling method (median 10 vs. 6, p<0.001) and were more likely to choose long-acting reversible contraceptives (57% vs. 35%, p=0.01).

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