Social media use informing behaviours related to physical activity, diet and quality of life during COVID-19: a mixed methods study

Abstract

Background This mixed methods study explored how social media use informed physical activity and diet-related behaviours, and self-perceived Quality of Life (QoL) during COVID-19, and assessed the contextual factors that drive social media use for health-related behaviour change in diverse groups. During the COVID-19 lockdown periods there were reported changes to social media use and health behaviours, and this gave an opportunity to investigate potential relationships. Methods An explanatory sequential research design of two parts was used: (1) An online survey that assessed social media use in relation to physical activity levels, diet quality and QoL (n = 786; Mage 45.1 ± 19.1 (range 16–88) years; Female =69%); (2) 20 purposive focus groups (n = 69; Mage = 52.88 ± 18.45 years, Female n = 68%) to understand the contextual factors that drive social media use for health-related behaviour change. Descriptive and thematic analysis were conducted. Results Participants in this study reported that social media facilitated the self-management of behaviours related to physical activity, diet and QoL, through access to information to inform workouts and dietary quality, and the opportunities for interaction with peers, family members and within social groups. Contextual factors including work, home and lifestyle arrangements, pre-existing health-related knowledge and behaviours, and the perceived value of social media for health influenced the relationship between social media use and self-reported outcomes. Social media influencers, peers/family members, and official organisations influenced the application of health-related information accessed via social media. Conclusions The evidence shows that participants were critical users of social media and were able to use social media to derive benefit for their health and wellbeing. Detailed guidance for those who use social media, as well as those who recommend and endorse social media content is required to maximise the potential of social media to support health behaviours. Future public health strategies and social media interventions should acknowledge diversity in contextual factors driving social media use for health behaviour change.

Will Nothing Be the Same Again?: Changes in Lifestyle during COVID-19 Pandemic and Consequences on Mental Health

“…Information and interventions for individuals, communities, and healthcare institutions aimed at maintaining the healthiest lifestyle under quarantine should be guaranteed in order to prevent chronic diseases and psychiatric problems not only during the pandemic but also after the end of the outbreak, paying particular attention to children, adolescents, and at-risk groups (individuals with mental and/or physical health problems that existed before the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, women, and older adults). For example, social media may play an important role in facilitating the self-management of behaviors related to physical activity, diet, and quality of life [43]. Besides, the rapid implementation of large-scale urban transformations may increase access to public open spaces and active transport infrastructure with the aim to promote physical activity and reduce sedentariness [44].…”

Social Media and Students’ Wellbeing: An Empirical Analysis during the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…In the last decade, research has focused on perceptions of quality of life in relation to SM [29][30][31], and research into overall satisfaction and well-being under their influence is still increasing [32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42]. The latter-mentioned took on completely new contexts during the COVID-19 pandemic, when changes in SM use and people s health behaviour [43][44][45]-and particularly mental health behaviours [33,46,47]-were especially reported.…”

The influence of online physical activity interventions on children and young people’s engagement with physical activity: a systematic review

“…It is plausible that the type of technology predominantly used (i.e. exergames) limited opportunities for cognitive and social learning and more social technologies like social media may have supported learning in these domains (Goodyear and Armour 2019). However, to prepare CYP for lifetime physical activitythe key purpose of PE -CYP need to gain the appropriate knowledge, understandings, and social skills to be active throughout their lifetime (Lonsdale et al 2013;Kirk 2020).…”

“…Drawing on previous literature these were defined as: (i) Gamificationprogressing through levels of achievement, interactive experiences (e.g. multi-player, team play), and/or competition (Fernandez-Rio et al 2020); (ii) Personalisation tailored and/or direct feedback from the screen or game and rewards or goals based on performance/progress (Ghanvatkar, Kankanhalli, and Rajan 2019); and (iii) Informationeducational materials and/or guidance to encourage changes to behaviours (Goodyear and Armour 2019). Most of the interventions focused on gamification (22 of 26), several studies focused on personalisation (14 of 26), with information least prevalent (7 of 26).…”

“…During COVID-19 lockdown periods, online workouts delivered via social media and targeted at CYP and their familiese.g. PE with Joe 1were reported to support physical activity engagement, with positive outcomes associated with the accessibility of real-time information and interaction, the feasibility of completing exercises in the home, and the creation of personalised experiences (Goodyear et al 2021). Research has also reported on the power of online mediums to reach and engage vulnerable and disadvantaged CYP in health and physical activity, through providing access to information at low-cost, and private spaces for interaction with peers and/or professionals (Casey, Goodyear, and Armour 2016;Kessel, Hardardottir, and Tyrefors 2020;Kirk 2020).…”