Increasing Health and Fitness Knowledge by Using Social Media

Recognizing the advances of technology and wanting to increase the health and fitness literacy of students through novel approaches, we relied on the framework offered by social theory. Accepting that knowledge is constructed through social interaction, we believed health and fitness literacy could be enhanced through shared experiences. Consistent with the needs and skills of our population, we found facebook® to be an ideal venue for a virtual collaborative experience.

Purpose: This study investigated the efficacy of social media in increasing health and fitness knowledge of students participating in a college personal health and wellness course.

Method: A facebook® discussion site was created. The group was called "Ask BOOTS" (Boost Optimal Outcomes Through Social media). PED 186 and 281 students (n=92) were asked to voluntarily post health and fitness related questions on the discussion board for approximately 25 weeks. Data was collected through questionnaires regarding the experience.

Results: Questionnaire responses exhibit the following relation: social media would help with their fitness routine if it were available long term (56%), gained more knowledge or obtained good information from the site (35%), students found the site was easy to access and provided quick responses to questions posted. (17%), students found the site helpful by providing useful health and workout information (18%), students found answers to other student's questions and nutrition information helpful (24%).

Conclusions: Facebook® provided a conduit for easy, timely, helpful social collaboration regarding health and fitness literacy.