Increased awareness of testicular diseases can lead to early diagnosis. Evidence suggests that men's awareness of testicular diseases is low, with many expressing their willingness to delay help-seeking for symptoms of concern. The risk of testicular diseases is higher in gender and sexual minority groups. In this study, we discuss the codesign, refinement and launch of 'On the Ball', an inclusive community-based 'testicular awareness' campaign.
The World Café participatory research methodology was used. Individuals from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+ friendly organisations, testicular cancer survivors, policymakers, media/marketing experts and graphic designers were recruited. Participants were handed a brief for 'On the Ball', which was designed based on feedback from a previous World Café workshop. They were assigned to three tables. Participants rotated tables at random for three 20-min rounds of conversations. Each table had a facilitator who focussed on one element of the campaign brief. Data were collected using audio recorders and in writing and were analysed thematically.
Thirteen individuals participated in the workshop. The following themes emerged from the data: (i) campaign identity, (ii) campaign delivery and (iii) campaign impact. Participants recommended enhancements to the campaign logo, slogan, social media posts and poster. They suggested delivering the campaign online via social media and offline using various print and broadcast media. Participants recommended targeting areas with a large number of men such as workplaces. To help measure the impact of the campaign, participants proposed capturing social media analytics and tracking statistics relating to testicular diseases. Recommendations were used to refine the 'On the Ball' campaign and launch it in a university. In total, 411 students engaged with the various elements of the campaign during the soft launch.
'On the Ball' campaign visuals ought to be inclusive. Online and offline campaign delivery is warranted to reach out to a wider cohort. Campaign impact can be captured using social media analytics as well as measuring clinical outcomes relating to testicular diseases. Future research is needed to implement the campaign online and offline, explore its impact and evaluate its feasibility, acceptability, cost and effect on promoting testicular awareness.
The 'On the Ball' campaign was codesigned and refined with members of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+ friendly organisations, testicular cancer survivors, health policymakers, media and marketing experts and graphic designers using the World Café participatory research methodology.
Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy. 2024 Jun [Epub]
Mohamad M Saab, Varsha N Shetty, Megan McCarthy, Martin P Davoren, Angela Flynn, Ann Kirby, Steve Robertson, Gillian W Shorter, David Murphy, Michael J Rovito, Frances Shiely, Josephine Hegarty
Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland., Sexual Health Centre, Cork, Ireland., Department of Economics, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland., School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK., Drug and Alcohol Research Network, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK., School of Computer Science & Information Technology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland., Department of Health Sciences, College of Health Professions and Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA., School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.