How Helpful and What Is the Quality of Digital Sources of Healthy Lifestyle Information Used by Australian Adolescents? A Mixed Methods Study

Matthew Armstrong; Nicole K Halim; Rebecca Raeside; Si Si Jia; Karice Hyun; Farzaneh Boroumand; Mariam Mandoh; Anna C Singleton; Philayrath Phongsavan; Julie Redfern; Stephanie R Partridge

doi:10.3390/ijerph182312844

How Helpful and What Is the Quality of Digital Sources of Healthy Lifestyle Information Used by Australian Adolescents? A Mixed Methods Study

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Dec 6;18(23):12844. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182312844.

Authors

Matthew Armstrong¹, Nicole K Halim^{1

2}, Rebecca Raeside¹, Si Si Jia¹, Karice Hyun^{1

3}, Farzaneh Boroumand^{1

3}, Mariam Mandoh¹, Anna C Singleton¹, Philayrath Phongsavan^{2

4}, Julie Redfern^{1

5}, Stephanie R Partridge^{1

2

4}

Affiliations

¹ Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Westmead 2145, Australia.
² Prevention Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia.
³ ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2137, Australia.
⁴ Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia.
⁵ The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2006, Australia.

Abstract

To evaluate the digital platforms most used by adolescents for healthy lifestyle information, perceived helpfulness of platform information, helpfulness for positive behaviour changes, and quality of platforms' lifestyle health information. Mixed-methods study including a cross-sectional online survey and content analysis. Eligible participants were 13-18-years; living in Australia; and had searched online for healthy lifestyle behaviour (nutrition, physical activity, weight management, sleep) information in the previous three months. Survey items examined the use of digital platforms, self-perceived helpfulness, usefulness for positive behaviour, and popular content. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression models. Content analysis was performed on popular digital content to evaluate expertise, objectivity, transparency, popularity, and relevance. In total, 297 participants completed the survey (62.3% female; 15.8 [SD1.5] years). Seventy-eight percent and 77% of participants reported using websites and social media, respectively, for seeking healthy lifestyle information. Websites and social media were rated as somewhat helpful by 43% and 46% of participants, respectively. Sixty-six percent and 53% of participants agreed/strongly agreed smartphone apps and social media were helpful for positive behaviour change, respectively. Helpfulness did not differ by age or gender. We evaluated 582 popular digital content; 38% were produced by a commercial company. Only 7% of content was from health organisations, 10% from health professionals and only 10% of content was objective, and 14% was transparent. Adolescents extensively utilise websites and social media for health information, yet popular content has limited objectivity and transparency. Governments and health organisations should consider creating age-appropriate digital information for healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Keywords: adolescents; chronic disease; nutrition; obesity; physical activity; prevention; smartphone applications; social media; streaming services; websites.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Australia
Cross-Sectional Studies
Exercise
Female
Healthy Lifestyle*
Humans
Male
Mobile Applications*