Using social networking sites to recruit participants: methods of an online survey of sexual health, knowledge and behaviour of young South Australians

OBJECTIVE: To describe the methods of recruitment and demographic results of an online sexual health survey using social networking sites (SNS) to recruit people aged 16-29 years in the state of South Australia (SA) during 2019. METHODS: A crosssectional online survey titled 'Let's Talk About It' using SNS (Facebook and Instagram) was administered between July and August 2019, targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous young people. The survey comprised questions on demographics information, sexual health knowledge, behaviours and healthcare access. RESULTS: During the data collection period, the study team closely monitored the demographics of participants and adjusted SNS messaging through paid advertising to increase the recruitment of under-represented population groups, especially Aboriginal people, males and regional and remote residents of SA. A total of 2,724 people accessed the survey predominately via Facebook during a six-week period between July and August 2019; 2,380 people were eligible and included in the analysis. Conclusions and implications for public health: Even though SNS have been used previously in recruitment for sexual health issues, small adjustments to the study during recruitment were specifically made to include under-represented populations in the final study. Using SNS is an effective method for recruiting survey participants; during recruitment phases, additional strategies may be required to be inclusive of diverse and under-represented populations.