About
Christopher (CJ) Calabrese, PhD, MPH, CHES is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at Clemson University. His research examines the communication effects and processes in which online technologies influence health behaviors. Utilizing both classic and emerging theoretical perspectives in health communication, CJ focuses on developing online network and social media interventions to promote preventive health behaviors and reduce health disparities. His research interests broadly center around new media, misinformation, social networks, and online technologies, with topics focusing on HIV prevention, gene editing, vaccination, harm reduction, and COVID-19. Dr. Calabrese recently developed an online network intervention employed through a mobile app to increase the adoption of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among young gay and bisexual men. The mobile application includes several features including a feed that pushes out theoretically driven messages to address beliefs and barriers related to PrEP use, an interactive chat function that leverages social support from small, private online groups, and a locator widget where users can identify where to find PrEP in their local area. Dr. Calabrese is currently pursuing grant funding to scale up and develop culturally tailored interventions to address health disparities among racial, ethnic, gender and sexual minority groups. He is excited for the opportunity to foster collaborative partnerships with Clemson University and its health system partners.
Visit Dr. Calabrese's Faculty Profile.
How their research is transforming health care
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of new media technologies and the communication of essential information for our personal health decisions and social connections. My research agenda focuses on cutting-edge, innovative technologies to promote preventive health behaviors. Through the development of online network and social media interventions, this research moves beyond individual-level health and focuses on the social contexts as well. Online social networks may provide anonymous support that transcends geographical boundaries, and my research agenda focuses on leveraging these capabilities to further improve health outcomes. For example, there is a national push for the development of clear, tailored prevention messages and innovative campaigns for HIV prevention. My research utilizes big data analyses to examine the current, most discussed beliefs about PrEP on social media. This allows for a deeper understanding on how to develop relevant messaging that resonates with individuals. In addition, my research uses a mobile app to employ a small group intervention to promote PrEP. This intervention allows individuals to connect online and receive anonymous social support to further promote the adoption of PrEP. The mobile app was successful at improving attitudes and intention to initiate PrEP, prompting future research to scale-up and develop more culturally relevant interventions.
Health research keywords
Faculty Scholar, Health communication, social networks, misinformation, public health, health promotion, HIV prevention, harm reduction, vaccination, health behavior, persuasion, social influence.
