Social media as a tool to promote informed decision-making in cervical cancer screening among Turkish migrant women in Germany: Protocol for a participatory mixed-methods study (SIFEMi)
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Background: Cervical cancer can be effectively prevented through screening, yet uptake of cervical cancer screening is socially patterned. Migrant women, particularly younger Turkish migrant women in Germany, may encounter informational, communicative, structural and emotional barriers that hinder informed decision-making. These barriers include limited access to target-group-relevant information, lower health literacy, shame, fear and discomfort related to gynaecological examinations. Social media may offer a low-threshold channel to reach younger women and to provide culturally and diversity-sensitive health information in formats that are accessible and acceptable. Methods: SIFEMi is a prospective, non-clinical, non-randomised participatory mixed-methods study. It aims to develop and pilot a diversity-sensitive social media campaign that supports informed decision-making for or against the use of cervical cancer screening among Turkish migrant women. The study comprises five sequential and interlinked components: (A) a scoping review of existing cervical cancer screening information materials; (B) a quantitative and qualitative content analysis of identified materials; (C) a discussion circle with six Turkish migrant women acting as co-researchers; (D) two participatory workshops to co-develop campaign content and design; and (E) a pilot implementation of the campaign through a social media influencer, accompanied by monitoring of reach and engagement and a qualitative process interview. Patient and public involvement is embedded throughout the study through co-researchers, a social media influencer, patient organisations, prevention experts and a Turkish migrant gynaecologist. Discussion: The study will generate evidence on how existing cervical cancer screening information can be transformed into diversity-sensitive social media communication and how participatory approaches can inform campaign development for groups affected by inequities in preventive care. Findings may be used to evaluate whether a social media campaign can support informed decision-making on cervical cancer screening. Trial registration: Not applicable.
Source: Research Square
Institution: Witten/Herdecke University
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225819154
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