#Wematter: Creating culturally tailored health promotion content for Black and Latina college women on Instagram

Abstract

Objective Although students at Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs, AAPISIs) have been found to make sound health choices as compared to their counterparts at Predominately White Institutions and have positive expectancy outcomes of physical activity engagement, it is consistently suggested that MSIs examine and bolster health enhancing avenues. Black and Latina women frequently use social media platforms to connect to content that can initiate and support lifestyle changes or improvements. Thus, establishing culturally relevant health related social media content geared toward Black and Latina College Women (BLCW) may be successful in achieving health-related goals. Therefore, the purpose of this study using social identity theory as a theoretical lens, was to identify the fundamental characteristics of culturally tailored health-related content for BLCW. Method This study employed a qualitative approach to ascertain the characteristics of culturally tailored health-related content for BLCW. Black and Latina college women were asked to provide feedback on mock culturally tailored health-related content in semi-structured focus groups. Participants discussed the authenticity and cultural relevancy of images designed to promote physical activity engagement and other healthy behaviors. Results Results indicated that at a minimum, culturally tailored health-related content should include an array of body shapes, authentic language and messaging, in relevant settings. Moreover, BLCW prefer content that is realistic, reflects their experiences, and embodies their relevant identities. Conclusion Social media content designed to attract and promote healthy lifestyles of BLCW must be comprised of imagery and language that represent the diversity of the priority group. The findings from this study can help to establish best practices when designing content intended to strengthen wellness among college students and young adults.