1. Examining the Relationship between Online Social Capital and eHealth Literacy: Implications for Instagram Use for Chronic Disease Prevention among College Students.
- Author
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Paige SR, Stellefson M, Chaney BH, Chaney JD, Alber JM, Chappell C, and Barry AE
- Abstract
Background: College students actively seek online health information and use Instagram, an image- and video-based social networking website, to build social networks grounded in trust and behavioral norms (social capital), which have the potential to prevent chronic disease., Purpose: This study aimed to: (1) examine how intensity of Instagram use moderates the relationship between eHealth Literacy and online social capital in college students, and (2) discuss how Instagram can be used as a social awareness platform for chronic disease prevention among college students., Methods: Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to analyze web-based survey data from a random sample of college students ( N =327)., Results: Online bridging social capital was associated with greater eHealth Literacy ( P <.05) and intensity of Instagram use ( P <.001), when controlling for socio-demographic variables. The relationship between eHealth Literacy and online bridging social capital was strongest among respondents' with average ( P <.01) and high ( P <.01) intensity Instagram use, as compared to low Instagram intensity., Discussion: High intensity of Instagram may strengthen college students' low eHealth Literacy, especially when interacting with heterogeneous connections with weaker ties., Translation to Health Education Practice: Health education specialists should continue to explore how college students' intensity of Instagram use can be strengthened to build bridging online social capital, and ultimately prevent chronic disease.
- Published
- 2017
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