scholarly journals Using Crowdsourcing to Develop a Peer-Led Intervention for Safer Dating App Use: Pilot Study

10.2196/12098 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. e12098 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Chi Wai Wong ◽  
Lin Song ◽  
Christopher See ◽  
Stephanie Tze Hei Lau ◽  
Wai Han Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Risk Assessment Tool ◽  
Simulation Game ◽  
First Person ◽  
Peer Mentors ◽  
Dating Apps

Background Smartphone-based dating apps are rapidly transforming how people seek potential sexual and romantic partners. However, they can also increase the risk of unsafe sexual behaviors, harassment, and infringement of personal privacy. Current research on interventions for safer dating app use remains insufficient. Objective The goal of this study was to describe the development of an intervention for safer dating app usage using crowdsourcing and peer-led approaches. Methods This paper describes the development of an intervention program designed to promote safer dating app use among college students. Crowdsourcing and peer-led approaches were adopted during key stages of the development process. Focus group discussions were held to assess the experience and needs of dating app users. A crowdsourcing contest then solicited ideas for performance objectives for the intervention. These objectives were grouped to further identify practical strategies. A one-day intensive workshop was subsequently held with peer mentors to brainstorm ideas for the production of creative interventional materials. The intervention programs were produced and tested in a pilot study. The app’s effectiveness will be evaluated in a cluster randomized controlled trial. Results The intervention program consists of a risk assessment tool, a first-person scenario game, and four short videos. The risk assessment tool, comprised of 14 questions, will give the participant a score to determine their level of risk of adverse events when using dating apps. The scenario game is a first-person simulation game where the players are presented with choices when faced with different scenarios. The short videos each last 2-4 minutes, with points of discussion aimed at addressing the risks of using dating apps. The programs were piloted and were found to be relatable and helpful when further modifications were made. Conclusions Potential challenges identified during the development process included data management and analysis, sustaining peer mentors’ interests and participation, and balancing between providing more information and perpetuating social stigma around dating app use. By integrating new approaches, such as crowdsourcing and the peer-led approach, in developing an intervention for safer dating app use, our development process provides a viable model for developing future interventions to address the risks associated with dating app use.

scholarly journals Using Crowdsourcing to Develop a Peer-Led Intervention for Safer Dating App Use: Pilot Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Chi Wai Wong ◽  
Lin Song ◽  
Christopher See ◽  
Stephanie Tze Hei Lau ◽  
Wai Han Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Risk Assessment Tool ◽  
Simulation Game ◽  
First Person ◽  
Peer Mentors ◽  
Dating Apps

BACKGROUND Smartphone-based dating apps are rapidly transforming how people seek potential sexual and romantic partners. However, they can also increase the risk of unsafe sexual behaviors, harassment, and infringement of personal privacy. Current research on interventions for safer dating app use remains insufficient. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to describe the development of an intervention for safer dating app usage using crowdsourcing and peer-led approaches. METHODS This paper describes the development of an intervention program designed to promote safer dating app use among college students. Crowdsourcing and peer-led approaches were adopted during key stages of the development process. Focus group discussions were held to assess the experience and needs of dating app users. A crowdsourcing contest then solicited ideas for performance objectives for the intervention. These objectives were grouped to further identify practical strategies. A one-day intensive workshop was subsequently held with peer mentors to brainstorm ideas for the production of creative interventional materials. The intervention programs were produced and tested in a pilot study. The app’s effectiveness will be evaluated in a cluster randomized controlled trial. RESULTS The intervention program consists of a risk assessment tool, a first-person scenario game, and four short videos. The risk assessment tool, comprised of 14 questions, will give the participant a score to determine their level of risk of adverse events when using dating apps. The scenario game is a first-person simulation game where the players are presented with choices when faced with different scenarios. The short videos each last 2-4 minutes, with points of discussion aimed at addressing the risks of using dating apps. The programs were piloted and were found to be relatable and helpful when further modifications were made. CONCLUSIONS Potential challenges identified during the development process included data management and analysis, sustaining peer mentors’ interests and participation, and balancing between providing more information and perpetuating social stigma around dating app use. By integrating new approaches, such as crowdsourcing and the peer-led approach, in developing an intervention for safer dating app use, our development process provides a viable model for developing future interventions to address the risks associated with dating app use.

scholarly journals Pilot study for the evaluation and adaptation of a Four Item-Acne-Scar Risk Assessment Tool (4-ASRAT): a resource to estimate the risk of acne-induced scars

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 651
Author(s):  
Jorge Estrella Porter ◽  
Mikaela Camacho ◽  
María Isabel Viteri ◽  
Katherine Aguilar ◽  
Drifa Belhadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Risk Assessment Tool ◽  
Acne Scar ◽  
Acne Scars ◽  
Final Study ◽  
Different Populations

Background: Acne-induced scarring is associated with a similar burden as acne, i.e. diminished quality of life, and may be avoided if patients receive appropriate and timely acne treatment. In 2017, a four item-Acne-Scar Risk Assessment Tool (4-ASRAT) was designed by Tan et al. to categorise patients with acne into lower-risk or higher-risk for acne scarring. Its applicability outside the initial study population (France, Brazil and United States) remains to be determined.  Methods: A study protocol was developed to create a systematic approach for validating and adapting 4-ASRAT to different populations, Ecuador in this case. The protocol was reviewed by 11 local and international dermatologists and pilot-tested in an Ecuadorian population using a sample of 10 participants who currently had or had had acne. Feedback from the pilot study was used to improve the study protocol. The results of the pilot study are included here, and the final study protocol is available as extended data.  Results: The protocol proved to be applicable. Images taken of participants were a valuable resource for dermatological evaluation about the presence or absence of acne scars. Tangential light is necessary for this evaluation. Although dermatological assessments varied, we concluded that assessment by three local dermatologists for each participant was adequate for reaching a consensus on the presence or absence of acne scars.   Conclusions: Considering the morbidity related to acne and acne scars, tools designed as prevention that alert patients about risk of developing scarring are necessary. The proposed protocol shows a feasible way of validating and adapting 4-ASRAT to different populations.

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