Social Network Influences in Sexual Health: Multimedia Games for Peruvian Youth

The spread of contagious STDs, HIV/AIDS, and unintended pregnancies in developing nations is a source of concern, especially for marginalized youth. In recent years there has been growing interest expressed in incorporating information and communication technologies (ICTs) to achieve development goals. This book examines how innovative ICTs could bridge gaps in knowledge and attitudes about sexual and reproductive health. The study observed the utilization of an interactive computer-based multimedia game and a traditional board game to educate Peruvian youth living in the barrios of Lima The research design consisted of pre- and post- intervention surveys. The study utilized network analysis to include social influences in a mixed-influence model. The analysis should be not only useful to social theorists and communication scholars for understanding the complexities of social structure, but can act as a guide to social marketers and practitioners on not just the what and why, but also how to implement ICT interventions in health. ICTs can provide an advantage, in terms of innovation, interactivity, and social networking, for use in health interventions in developing countries.