scholarly journals Patients’ Perspectives on Qualitative Olfactory Dysfunction: Thematic Analysis of Social Media Posts

10.2196/29086 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. e29086
Author(s):  
Jane K Parker ◽  
Christine E Kelly ◽  
Barry C Smith ◽  
Aidan F Kirkwood ◽  
Claire Hopkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Patient Benefit ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Common Items ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Detrimental Impact

Background The impact of qualitative olfactory disorders is underestimated. Parosmia, the distorted perception of familiar odors, and phantosmia, the experience of odors in the absence of a stimulus, can arise following postinfectious anosmia, and the incidences of both have increased substantially since the outbreak of COVID-19. Objective The aims of this study are to explore the symptoms and sequalae of postinfectious olfactory dysfunction syndrome using unstructured and unsolicited threads from social media, and to articulate the perspectives and concerns of patients affected by these debilitating olfactory disorders. Methods A thematic analysis and content analysis of posts in the AbScent Parosmia and Phantosmia Support group on Facebook was conducted between June and December 2020. Results In this paper, we identify a novel symptom, olfactory perseveration, which is a triggered, identifiable, and usually unpleasant olfactory percept that persists in the absence of an ongoing stimulus. We also observe fluctuations in the intensity and duration of symptoms of parosmia, phantosmia, and olfactory perseveration. In addition, we identify a group of the most common items (coffee, meat, onion, and toothpaste) that trigger distortions; however, people have difficulty describing these distortions, using words associated with disgust and revulsion. The emotional aspect of living with qualitative olfactory dysfunction was evident and highlighted the detrimental impact on mental health. Conclusions Qualitative and unsolicited data acquired from social media has provided useful insights into the patient experience of parosmia and phantosmia, which can inform rehabilitation strategies and ongoing research into understanding the molecular triggers associated with parosmic distortions and research into patient benefit.

scholarly journals Patients’ Perspectives on Qualitative Olfactory Dysfunction: Thematic Analysis of Social Media Posts (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane K Parker ◽  
Christine E Kelly ◽  
Barry C Smith ◽  
Aidan F Kirkwood ◽  
Claire Hopkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Patient Benefit ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Common Items ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Detrimental Impact

BACKGROUND The impact of qualitative olfactory disorders is underestimated. Parosmia, the distorted perception of familiar odors, and phantosmia, the experience of odors in the absence of a stimulus, can arise following postinfectious anosmia, and the incidences of both have increased substantially since the outbreak of COVID-19. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study are to explore the symptoms and sequalae of postinfectious olfactory dysfunction syndrome using unstructured and unsolicited threads from social media, and to articulate the perspectives and concerns of patients affected by these debilitating olfactory disorders. METHODS A thematic analysis and content analysis of posts in the AbScent Parosmia and Phantosmia Support group on Facebook was conducted between June and December 2020. RESULTS In this paper, we identify a novel symptom, olfactory perseveration, which is a triggered, identifiable, and usually unpleasant olfactory percept that persists in the absence of an ongoing stimulus. We also observe fluctuations in the intensity and duration of symptoms of parosmia, phantosmia, and olfactory perseveration. In addition, we identify a group of the most common items (coffee, meat, onion, and toothpaste) that trigger distortions; however, people have difficulty describing these distortions, using words associated with disgust and revulsion. The emotional aspect of living with qualitative olfactory dysfunction was evident and highlighted the detrimental impact on mental health. CONCLUSIONS Qualitative and unsolicited data acquired from social media has provided useful insights into the patient experience of parosmia and phantosmia, which can inform rehabilitation strategies and ongoing research into understanding the molecular triggers associated with parosmic distortions and research into patient benefit.

scholarly journals An analysis of patients’ perspectives on qualitative olfactory dysfunction using social media

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane K. Parker ◽  
Christine E. Kelly ◽  
Barry Smith ◽  
Claire Hopkins ◽  
Simon B. Gane
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Patient Benefit ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Emotional Aspect ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Detrimental Impact ◽  
Post Infectious

SUMMARYBackgroundThe impact of qualitative olfactory disorders is underestimated. Parosmia is the triggered perception of distorted odours whereas phantosmia is the perception of odours in the absence of a trigger. Both can arise from post-infectious anosmia and have increased substantially since the outbreak of COVID-19.Methodology/PrincipalThematic analysis of a social media support group for parosmia and phantosmia was used to articulate the perspectives and concerns of those affected by these debilitating olfactory disorders.ResultsA novel symptom (olfactory perseveration) was identified where a triggered, identifiable, and usually unpleasant olfactory percept persisted in the absence of an ongoing stimulus. Fluctuations in intensity and duration of perseveration, parosmia and phantosmia were observed. Coffee, meat, onion, and toothpaste were identified as common triggers of these disorders, but people struggled to describe the distortions, using words associated with disgust and revulsion. Common strategies to avoid triggers may result in a diet lacking in both nutrition and reward. The emotional aspect of living with qualitative olfactory dysfunction was evident and highlighted the detrimental impact on mental health.ConclusionsThe data acquired can inform rehabilitation strategies and drive our ongoing research into understanding the molecular triggers associated with parosmia, and research into patient benefit.

General Surgery Twitter during COVID-19: Tweets, Trends, and Implications for Recruitment Strategies

2021 ◽  
pp. 000313482110604
Author(s):  
James Shell Cox ◽  
Chase J. Wehrle ◽  
Christopher Mejias ◽  
Aditya K. Devarakonda ◽  
Jonathan Andrew McKenzie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
General Surgery ◽  
Recruitment Strategies ◽  
Residency Programs ◽  
General Surgery Residency ◽  
Recruitment Practices ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Virtual Events ◽  
The Impact

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted traditional resident recruitment practices, requiring virtual interviews and new forms of outreach. Social media, such as Twitter, is one tool programs can use to connect with applicants. This study sought to assess changes in Twitter use during the COVID-19 pandemic among general surgery programs. Methods Twitter and residency program websites were queried for public Twitter accounts related to general surgery residency programs. Publicly available tweets for available accounts were reviewed for all posts for the period March 15, 2019-November 25, 2020. Thematic analysis of each tweet was performed, and engagement was determined by likes and retweets on each tweet. Results The number of programs with active Twitter accounts increased after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, as did the number of tweets, likes-, and retweets-per-tweet. There was a significant increase in the number of tweets regarding resident promotion, program promotion, and virtual event promotion. Tweets received more likes-per-tweet if the subject was program promotion and resident promotion than tweets regarding virtual events. All results were statistically significant ( P < .05). Discussion Twitter use and engagement with residency programs have increased significantly since pandemic onset. Engagement is highest for tweets regarding program and resident promotion as measured by likes-per-tweet and highest for program promotion and virtual events as measured by retweets-per-tweet. Given the nearly nationwide increase in Twitter engagement after pandemic onset, programs should consider the impact of Twitter as a means of communication with applicants and program branding.

scholarly journals From ‘It has stopped our lives’ to ‘Spending more time together has strengthened bonds': The varied experiences of Australian families during COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Subhadra Evans ◽  
Antonina Mikocka-Walus ◽  
Anna Klas ◽  
Lisa Olive ◽  
Emma Sciberras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Family Life ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time

The present study uses a qualitative approach to understand the impact of COVID-19 on family life. Australian parents of children aged 0-18 years were recruited via social media between April 8th and April 28th, 2020, when Australians were experiencing social distancing/isolation measures for the first time. As part of a larger survey, participants were asked to respond via an open-ended question about how COVID-19 had impacted their family. A total of 2,130 parents were included and represented a diverse range of family backgrounds. Inductive template thematic analysis was used to understand patterns of meaning across the texts. Six themes were derived from the data, including: 'Boredom, depression and suicide: A spectrum of emotion'; 'Families are missing the things that keep them healthy'; 'Changing family relationships: The push pull of intimacy'; 'The unprecedented demands of parenthood'; 'The unequal burden of COVID-19'; and 'Holding on to positivity'. Overall, the findings demonstrated a breadth of responses. Messages around loss and challenge were predominant, with many families reporting mental health difficulties and strained family relationships. However, not all families were negatively impacted by the restrictions, with some families reporting positive benefits and meaning, including opportunities for strengthening relationships, finding new hobbies, and developing positive characteristics such as appreciation, gratitude and tolerance.

Understanding citizen engagement and concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic in China: a thematic analysis of government social media

2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (6) ◽  
pp. 865-884
Author(s):  
Lijuan Luo ◽  
Siqi Duan ◽  
Shanshan Shang ◽  
Wenfei Lyu
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Emotional Valence ◽  
User Participation ◽  
Chinese Government ◽  
Citizen Engagement ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

PurposeIn crises such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, governments need to act in time to lead citizens toward rational reactions and disclose information effectively to the public. This paper aims to understand the content published by the government and identify how citizen engagement relates to content type and emotional valence.Design/methodology/approachThe grounded theory approach was adopted and nine types of content posted by the government were observed. The data were obtained from “People's Daily”, an official Sina Weibo account representing the voice of the Chinese government, from January 3 to June 22 in 2020.FindingsThe analysis shows that information related to emotional support and social mobilization were the most reposted, while those mentioning immoral and illegal incidents were the most liked and commented. Also, it was found that positive posts tend to attract more likes, yet with fewer reposts than neutral posts.Originality/valueThe authors adopted thematic analysis and focused on the impact of post content and valence on user participation behavior. This study expands the existing literature. The government can improve crises management capability by learning about citizen engagement behaviors on social media.

scholarly journals UK-Based Police Officers' Perceptions of, and Role in Investigating, Cyber-Harassment as a Crime

2019 ◽  
pp. 113-130
Author(s):  
Catherine M. Millman ◽  
Belinda Winder ◽  
Mark D. Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cyber Harassment ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Detrimental Impact ◽  
Insight Into

Within the UK, cyber-harassment is a criminal act and perpetrators can be prosecuted if the crime is reported to the police. Cyber-harassment has a detrimental impact and causes psychological distress to victims but due to its online nature, complaints made may not be taken seriously and the impact may not be fully acknowledged. Police officers' perceptions of this crime and its victims are crucial as this will impact on how the crime is investigated and whether perpetrators are prosecuted. The present exploratory study aimed to gain insight into how cyber-harassment is investigated and identify issues and barriers. Eight police officers based in the United Kingdom were recruited using a snowball technique to participate in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and three themes were identified: online accessibility, threat, and the unhelpful victim. Each theme is discussed in relation to theory, policy and legislation within the UK.

scholarly journals UK-Based Police Officers' Perceptions of, and Role in Investigating, Cyber-Harassment as a Crime

2019 ◽  
pp. 290-307
Author(s):  
Catherine M. Millman ◽  
Belinda Winder ◽  
Mark D. Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cyber Harassment ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Detrimental Impact ◽  
Insight Into

Within the UK, cyber-harassment is a criminal act and perpetrators can be prosecuted if the crime is reported to the police. Cyber-harassment has a detrimental impact and causes psychological distress to victims but due to its online nature, complaints made may not be taken seriously and the impact may not be fully acknowledged. Police officers' perceptions of this crime and its victims are crucial as this will impact on how the crime is investigated and whether perpetrators are prosecuted. The present exploratory study aimed to gain insight into how cyber-harassment is investigated and identify issues and barriers. Eight police officers based in the United Kingdom were recruited using a snowball technique to participate in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and three themes were identified: online accessibility, threat, and the unhelpful victim. Each theme is discussed in relation to theory, policy and legislation within the UK.

scholarly journals UK-Based Police Officers' Perceptions of, and Role in Investigating, Cyber-Harassment as a Crime

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine M Millman ◽  
Belinda Winder ◽  
Mark D. Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cyber Harassment ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Detrimental Impact ◽  
Insight Into

Within the UK, cyber-harassment is a criminal act and perpetrators can be prosecuted if the crime is reported to the police. Cyber-harassment has a detrimental impact and causes psychological distress to victims but due to its online nature, complaints made may not be taken seriously and the impact may not be fully acknowledged. Police officers' perceptions of this crime and its victims are crucial as this will impact on how the crime is investigated and whether perpetrators are prosecuted. The present exploratory study aimed to gain insight into how cyber-harassment is investigated and identify issues and barriers. Eight police officers based in the United Kingdom were recruited using a snowball technique to participate in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and three themes were identified: online accessibility, threat, and the unhelpful victim. Each theme is discussed in relation to theory, policy and legislation within the UK.

scholarly journals Social Media Usage Experiences of Young Adults during the COVID 19 Pandemic through Social Cognitive Approach to Uses and Gratifications

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-462
Author(s):  
Oya Onat Kocabıyık
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Information Transfer ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Cognitive Approach ◽  
The Impact

Since social media is a powerful information transfer and sharing tool in this modern world, it has become more used especially during the pandemic. It may be important to examine the use experiences of individuals in order to understand the impact of social media on individuals during the pandemic period. For this reason, the aim of the study is to examine the experiences of social media use in the pandemic of young adults who use social media actively in detail with thematic analysis. The study group of the research consists of 52 young adults between the ages of 20 and 25 studying at the university. In line with the thematic analysis, four main themes are found: "reasons for using social media", "shares", "social comparison", "self-regulation and addiction". Each theme is explained in the context of the relevant literature.

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