The impact of social media messages on health behaviors in African American women
Official title: How Health and Weight Management Social Media Messages Targeting African American Women Impact Health Behaviors
Funded at North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ · NIH-10911801 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how social media posts with pictures can affect the eating and exercise habits of young African American women, aiming to find ways to encourage healthier lifestyles for this group that faces higher risks of obesity and related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greensboro, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $133,800 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM145594-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911801 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Generation Z African American women who actively use social media.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of the Generation Z age group or those who do not engage with social media may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social media messages, particularly those that use imagery, influence the diet and exercise habits of Generation Z African American women. By employing a mixed methods approach, the study aims to gather both qualitative and quantitative data to understand the relationship between social media use and health behaviors. The goal is to identify effective strategies for promoting healthier lifestyles among this demographic, which is particularly vulnerable to obesity and related chronic illnesses. Participants will share their experiences and habits, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective health communication strategies that promote better health behaviors among African American women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social media can significantly influence health behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ
Greensboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Kalynda Chivon — North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ
- Study coordinator: Smith, Kalynda Chivon
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.