The social network -- using social media to support individuals with traumatic brain injury participating in a pilot study weight-loss program

Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J78807

Journal:

Brain Injury

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2018 , , ,

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study implemented social media (Facebook group) as a tool for engagement among individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) enrolled in a weight-loss intervention. Participants were individuals with TBI enrolled in a community-based weight-loss program who were provided the opportunity to join the closed Facebook group led by the research team during the 12-week core weight-loss intervention. Of the 22 participants, 10 with a median time since injury of 5.5 years joined the closed Facebook group. Six of the 10 made contributions to the group (median posts = 12.5). Fifty-eight percent of participants who reported mild or moderate impairment utilized the Facebook group, compared to 30 percent of participants with severe impairment. Facebook users achieved an average weight loss of 6.2 pounds after the 12-week core program compared to 5.2 pounds among non-users. Facebook users perceived their injuries to be less severe and their time since injury was shorter. Initial observations of social media supporting a weight-loss intervention are positive, with participants experiencing constructive interactions among peers with TBI. Future research is needed to evaluate the role of social media within weight-loss interventions to determine if it provides meaningful impacts in weight-loss efforts and engagement among individuals with TBI

Author(s):

Reynolds, Megan|Driver, Simon|Bennett, Monica|