Analysis of sexual health promotion online content for young people: a mixed-methods study

Objectives: Analyze French-language online content promoting sexual health targeting young people. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study by: identifying online content; collecting standardized data and analyzing content: topics of online formats (22 websites and 62 Instagram accounts); qualitative study and thematic analysis of sexual health influencer opinions (6 influencers) conducted between May and July 2021. Results: Most websites are aimed at a general audience in terms of age (77%) or themes (55%), while most Instagram accounts either lack a main theme (37%) or address feminist issues (34%), gender, or sexual and sexist violence concerns. Instagram accounts offer more interactive options than websites, and a wider variety of formats. Websites focus more on risk-related issues, while influencers more frequently address violence and gender issues. Conclusion: Online sexual health content for young people encompasses diverse themes and formats. A perspective would be to study the perception and impact of this content on young people.