Understanding and improving skin cancer communication on social media for young people
Skin cancer on social media: Analyzing current communications, modeling diffusion potential, and developing innovative prevention-focused messages
['FUNDING_R01'] · TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY · NIH-10881117
This study is looking at how social media, like Facebook and Instagram, can help share important skin cancer prevention tips with teens and young adults, aiming to create messages that really connect with them to encourage safer habits like using sunscreen and avoiding tanning beds.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BLOOMINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10881117 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be used to communicate important information about skin cancer prevention to adolescents and young adults. It aims to analyze the current landscape of skin cancer-related posts and misinformation on these platforms, and to develop effective prevention messages tailored to resonate with young audiences. By understanding how these messages can spread and influence behavior, the research seeks to reduce risky behaviors such as indoor tanning and inadequate sunscreen use among at-risk youth. The project will involve a multidisciplinary team to ensure that the messages are clear, consistent, and based on the latest scientific evidence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 20 who are active users of social media.
Not a fit: Patients who are not active on social media or who are outside the age range of 15 to 20 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of skin cancer among young people by promoting healthier behaviors through effective social media communication.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that social media can be an effective tool for health communication, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
BLOOMINGTON, UNITED STATES
- TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY — BLOOMINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WALSH-BUHI, ERIC RICHARD — TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: WALSH-BUHI, ERIC RICHARD
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 below.