Work

Facebook as a follow-up tool for women with criminal justice histories

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to measure Facebook (FB) use as a tool for maintaining research contact with hard-to-reach women with criminal justice histories. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Retrospective data were analyzed from a jail health intervention. Bivariate analysis compared the rates of follow-up between FB group users and non-FB group users at one post-intervention time point. Multivariate models explored predictors for FB group follow-up. FINDINGS: Among 184 participants, 89 (48.4%) used the private research FB group. This group was more likely to complete the follow-up survey one year after enrollment compared to non-FB group users (P = 0.002). Regression analyses showed that, compared to non-FB group users, FB group users were more likely to be younger and have a history of sexually transmitted infections. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: FB is popular among women with criminal justice histories. Use of this social media site with study participants from hard-to-reach populations may enhance study retention. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This paper fills a gap in examining the long-term use of FB as a research strategy to maintain contain with typically hard-to-reach populations.

Source: International Journal of Prisoner Health

DOI: 10.1108/ijph-08-2019-0042

Authors: Ashlyn Lipnicky, Patricia J. Kelly, Megha Ramaswamy

Institutions: University of Kansas Medical Center, University of Missouri–Kansas City

Language: English

Topic: Social Media in Health Education

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Cancer Institute