Posting Health Education Videos Online for Young Adults: A Contemporary Approach

The Gallup Organization conducted a national survey of pre-pregnancy awareness and behavior among women of childbearing age. The survey revealed that 36% of the women did not know the meaning of the term “preconception health”. With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March of Dimes recognized the need for materials addressing this issue and population. The concept of developing a contemporary video containing preconception health messages for non-contemplating women between the ages of 18-24 emerged.

The task of communicating pre-conception health messages to women who are not contemplating pregnancy posed a unique challenge. After researching best practice guidelines for targeting this group with health messages, the following guidelines were created:

• Be contemporary and relevant (internet/popular trends)

• Promote healthy behaviors (positive associations)

• Research-based (social learning theories/transtheoretical)

• Know your audience (Gallup, SSA)

• Engaging and funny

• Include info about benefits to women outside of reproductive health benefits

• Don't talk about babies

• Acknowledge barriers to change and offer alternatives (i.e. vitamins are too expensive – buy store brands)

Getting Healthy Before Pregnancy: The Video “Don't U Dare”

Don't U Dare is a short video about a young woman's unique journey through self-discovery and positive behavior change. The goal is to heighten awareness about physical fitness, good nutrition, and multivitamin use among women between the ages of 18-24.