Investigating Sociodemographic Factors and HIV Risk Behaviors Associated With Social Networking Among Adolescents in Soweto, South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

BackgroundInternet access via mobile phones and computers facilitates interaction and potential health communication among individuals through social networking. Many South African adolescents own mobile phones and can access social networks via apps.ObjectiveWe investigated sociodemographic factors and HIV risk behaviors of adolescent social networking users in Soweto, South Africa.MethodsWe conducted an interviewer-administered, cross-sectional survey of adolescents aged 14-19 years. Independent covariates of social networking were assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf 830 adolescents, 57% (475/830) were females and the median age was found to be 18 years (interquartile range 17-18). Social networking was used by 60% of adolescents (494/830); more than half, that is, 87% (396/494) accessed social networks through mobile phones and 56% (275/494) spent more than 4 hours per day using their mobile phones. Social networking was independently associated with mobile usage 2-4 hours (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.06, CI: 1.69-5.51) and more than 4 hours per day (AOR: 6.16, CI: 3.46-10.9) and one (AOR: 3.35, CI: 1.79-6.27) or more sexual partner(s) (AOR: 2.58, CI: 1.05-6.36).ConclusionsMobile phone–based social networking is prevalent among sexually active adolescents living in Soweto and may be used as an entry point for health promotion and initiation of low-cost adolescent health interventions.

“You Are on the Right Track With the App:” Qualitative Analysis of Mobile Phone Use and User Feedback Regarding Mobile Phone Sexual Risk Assessments for HIV Prevention Research

“…(female, aged 31-39) "We always get phones that allow Facebook and WhatsApp." (female, aged [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] The quantitative data showed that 27 (93.1%) participants bought airtime for voice calls using common South African prepaid services and all participants received data bundles with prepaid packages. Participants reported data to be expensive with unreliable internet connection.…”

“…"Maybe a survey like that through WhatsApp 'cause WhatsApp is like our easiest way to communicate." (female, aged [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] One participant (male, aged 19-30) suggested that both an application and SMS or WhatsApp formats should be available depending on whether a participant has a smartphone or basic phone.…”

“…Ha ah some people won't understand." (male, aged [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] However, three participants suggested that there could be an option between formal and informal language, because participants of different ages might have different preferences.…”

“…The questions are asked in a way that you best understand them." (male, aged [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] Two participants opted for informal language and another mentioned that it would depend on the person taking the survey. Some participants reported the mobile phone survey questions confusing and difficult to answer.…”

Results from the Healthy Active Kids South Africa 2018 Report Card

“…Furthermore, evidence indicates links between screen-based social networking and risky behaviours in adolescents. [33] Data from ISCOLE indicates that 9 -11-year-old children are spending an average of 3.3 hours on screens per day, with only 34% of children meeting the screentime guideline of <2 hours per day. [16,17] Based on the available evidence of screen time not decreasing, and the potential risks of excess screen time in adolescents, the grade remains an F. Early childhood sedentary behaviour INC Children attending preschools in low-and high-income urban areas spend approximately 73% of the preschool day sedentary, [23] which is similar to children in rural areas (70%).…”