None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Endometriosis is a complex and chronic condition impacting one in ten women. There is an average of 4-9 years between the onset of symptoms and receiving a diagnosis due to difficulties distinguishing between normal and abnormal period pain, and the long wait times and costs associated with diagnostic testing. Prior research has shown that women with endometriosis are increasingly turning to social media for information, and often perceive personal anecdotes as more valuable than scientific content in making medical decisions. In the current study, we will experimentally test with female participants aged 18-45 years the influence of social media content and source credibility on their hypothetical intention to seek diagnostic testing for endometriosis. This study will illuminate the features of social media posts that may shape women’s intentions to pursue endometriosis diagnosis and treatment, and further our understanding of the impact of social media on medical decisions.
Interventions
The aim of the study is to explore how the content and source credibility of endometriosis-related social media (Instagram) posts influence women’s intention to get a laparoscopy for a diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.
The study will feature a randomised 2x2x(2) design where participants will be randomly assigned to one of four Instagram posts where post content (personal anecdote vs evidence-based) and account source (high vs low credibility) are varied. A within subjects component wi
The aim of the study is to explore how the content and source credibility of endometriosis-related social media (Instagram) posts influence women’s intention to get a laparoscopy for a diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. The study will feature a randomised 2x2x(2) design where participants will be randomly assigned to one of four Instagram posts where post content (personal anecdote vs evidence-based) and account source (high vs low credibility) are varied. A within subjects component will be included to investigate change in intention when informed of the new guidelines stating laparoscopy is no longer required for diagnosis. Participants will first be randomised to view one of four Instagram posts using Qualtrics survey software. They will be blinded to randomised condition. Free stock images will be used to create stimuli that resemble posts on Instagram. A text caption and account user will accompany each image, varying by condition. For the Instagram post content arm, participants will be randomised to view an Instagram post that uses evidence-based information to describe endometriosis, or a personal anecdote of the lived experience of having endometriosis. For the source credibility arm, participants will be either be randomised to view a post from an account typically associated with high source credibility such as the World Health Organisation, or from an account typically associated with low source credibility such as from a layperson or stranger. After viewing the post, all participants will then be presented with the same written hypothetical scenario where a doctor is explaining pain medication and laparoscopy as possible treatment options. After viewing the information presented, participants will complete several outcome measures, including intention to get a laparoscopy, attitudes, perceived norms, self-efficacy, perceived source credibility, and psychosocial outcomes. An attention check item, as well as knowledge measures will also be included to monitor adherence to the intervention. All participants will then view a second hypothetical scenario, where their doctor describes the new treatment guidelines which state that laparoscopy is no longer required for endometriosis diagnosis. Their change in intention will be measured. The study is estimated to take 10-15 minutes.
Sponsors
Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Educational / counselling / training
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Women aged 18-45 years living in Australia who have not been diagnosed with endometriosis.
Exclusion criteria
None.
Outcome results
None listed