A meta-analysis of the effect of new-media interventions on sexual-health behaviours

Abstract

Background and objectives: Direct access to individuals in non-intrusive ways, as well as the technical abilities of new-media to provide tailored information in relatively inexpensive ways, creates a unique opportunity for the delivery of health-related information. The aim of the present research was to examine the effect that new-media-based sexual-health interventions have on sexual-health behaviours in non-clinical populations and to determine the factors that moderate the effect of technology-based sexual-health interventions on sexual--health behaviours.

Data sources: A systematic literature search of the following databases was conducted: MEDLINE, psycINFO, Global health, and EMBASE, using terms that captured three subject areas-'Sexual-health', 'New Technology' and 'Intervention'.

Study eligibility criteria: Randomised controlled trial, or a quasi-experiment; delivered exclusively via new-media; included sexual risk behaviour change as an outcome measure and delivered to non-clinical groups.

Results: Twelve studies tested the effect of new-media interventions on condom use, whereas nine tested the effect on sexually transmitted disease testing. Results indicated that new-media interventions led to significant increases in both outcomes; however, these effects were not homogeneous. Moderation analyses revealed that interactivity of the intervention, target population and study design influenced the efficacy of interventions on both sexual-health outcomes, whereas intervention duration influenced sexually transmitted infection testing.

Conclusions and implications: Interventions aiming to improve condom use are more successful when an interactive component is used. Further research needs to be conducted to reach specific at-risk populations.