scholarly journals Health-Seeking Influence Reflected by Online Health-Related Messages Received on Social Media: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahila Iftikhar ◽  
Bahaa Abaalkhail
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related

BACKGROUND Major social networking platforms, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter, have become popular means through which people share health-related information, irrespective of whether messages disseminated through these channels are authentic. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the demographic characteristics of patients that may demonstrate their attitudes toward medical information shared on social media networks. Second, we address how information found through social media affects the way people deal with their health. Third, we examine whether patients initiate or alter/discontinue their medications based on information derived from social media. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey between April and June 2015 on patients attending outpatient clinics at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patients who used social media (Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter) were included. We designed a questionnaire with closed-ended and multiple-choice questions to assess the type of social media platforms patients used and whether information received on these platforms influenced their health care decisions. We used chi-square test to establish the relationship between categorical variables. RESULTS Of the 442 patients who filled in the questionnaires, 401 used Facebook, WhatsApp, or Twitter. The majority of respondents (89.8%, 397/442) used WhatsApp, followed by Facebook (58.6%, 259/442) and Twitter (42.3%, 187/442). In most cases, respondents received health-related messages from WhatsApp and approximately 42.6% (171/401) reported ever stopping treatment as advised on a social media platform. A significantly higher proportion of patients without heart disease (P=.001) and obese persons (P=.01) checked the authenticity of information received on social media. Social media messages influenced decision making among patients without heart disease (P=.04). Respondents without heart disease (P=.001) and obese persons (P=.01) were more likely to discuss health-related information received on social media channels with a health care professional. A significant proportion of WhatsApp users reported that health-related information received on this platform influenced decisions regarding their family’s health care (P=.001). Respondents’ decisions regarding family health care were more likely to be influenced when they used two or all three types of platforms (P=.003). CONCLUSIONS Health education in the digital era needs to be accurate, evidence-based, and regulated. As technologies continue to evolve, we must be equipped to face the challenges it brings with it.

INDIVIDUALS’ BEHAVIOR TOWARDS INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA MEDICAL INFORMATION IN DAMMAM AND KHOBAR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS

2021 ◽  
pp. 12-16
Author(s):  
Dania Alshiha ◽  
Mashael Alghamdi ◽  
Abeer Aldakhil
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Primary Health Care Centers ◽  
Health Care Centers ◽  
Internet And Social Media

Nowadays, internet and social media are being used widely. They affect individuals who seek medical information, as a result, inaccurate information lead individuals to misdiagnose themselves and change their treatment plan. The purpose of this study is to determine the behavior of individuals regarding using internet and social media to obtain medical information, sociodemographic factors and reasons for seeking medical information. This study employed a cross-sectional analytical design in primary health care centers in Dammam and Khobar cities. A total of 439 participants were invited to complete a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The results of the study revealed that 87.7% used internet and social media to obtain medical information. The most common reason for searching was symptoms participants had 42.9%. Eighty ve percent were inuenced and 15% were rarely inuenced by the information obtained. More than half of individuals had a positive behavioral change. Majority of individuals had veried the information they obtained, mostly with a physician 83.6%.

2201Coronary angioplasty patients' preferences for information about treatment risks: a survey study

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Astin ◽  
J Stephenson ◽  
J Probyn ◽  
J Holt ◽  
K Marshall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Information ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Invasive Procedure ◽  
Communication Process ◽  
Consent Process ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Alternative Treatments ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Treatment Risks

Abstract Background Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is the commonest invasive procedure in cardiology. Before treatment consent must be given. As part of this communication process patients receive information about the risks and benefits of PCI and alternative treatments. Published studies tell us that the amount and quality of the information received by patients undergoing PCI is variable; benefits are often overestimated, risks forgotten and alternative treatments not always considered. Very little is known about patients' preferences for PCI risk information. Aim: To describe patients' preferences for formation about PCI treatment risk as part of the informed consent process Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 350 participants treated with PCI across 10 PCI centres in England. Results Three hundred and twenty six participants completed the survey. Thirty percent of the sample reported needing help to understand written medical information. Fifty-one percent were treated with elective PCI, 75% were male, average age of 66.5 years. Recall and comprehension of PCI information given during the consent process was generally limited; 47% and 61% agreed that patients do not usually understand, or remember, the information given to them respectively. Eighty-eight percent of urgent PCI patients wanted to know about all possible risks compared to 90% of elective cases. Most participants (88% urgent and 94% elective) believed that PCI would reduce their risk of a future heart attack. Conclusion A significant proportion of PCI patients find it difficult to recall or understand information about treatment risks. It is recommended that patients are given health-related information designed to accommodate different health literacy levels in advance of their treatment. Acknowledgement/Funding National Institute for Health Research Research for Patient Benefit Programme Grant Reference Number PB-PG-0712-28089

scholarly journals Ethnicity matters in perceived impacts and information sources of COVID-19 among mothers with young children in Australia: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e050557
Author(s):  
Li Ming Wen ◽  
Huilan Xu ◽  
Danielle Jawad ◽  
Limin Buchanan ◽  
Chris Rissel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
English Speaking

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate perceived impacts, ways of communication with professionals and information sources related to COVID-19, and explore whether these impacts or information sources were associated with ethnicity that is, language spoken at home.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingSydney, Australia during the period from March to October 2020.ParticipantsMothers of young children participating in an existing trial.Outcome measuresMothers were asked to respond to a set of survey questions related to COVID-19 via telephone. The questions included a mental health scale, and how they communicated with health professionals and their information sources related to COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsOf 537 mothers who completed the survey (81% response rate), 45% reported they spoke a language other than English at home. Overall, 136 (26%) reported experiencing mental distress. 234 (44%) reported that COVID-19 affected the way they receive and communicate health-related information with health professionals, especially for those from non-English speaking backgrounds with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.58 (95% CI 1.10 to 2.27). They were less likely to use a face-to-face service (AOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.80) and more likely to use social media (AOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.40 to 3.17) for health-related information. Regarding sources of COVID-19-related information, mothers from non-English-speaking backgrounds were more likely to rely on family members (AOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.19) and social media (AOR 3.34, 95% CI 2.05 to 5.43).ConclusionsCOVID-19 has significantly impacted mothers with young children in regard to their mental health, means of communication with health professionals and sources of health information. Mothers from non-English-speaking communities were less likely to use a face-to-face service, and more likely to seek information from family members and social media. Appropriate health support for non-English-speaking community needs to take these factors into account.Trial registration numberANZCTR:12618001571268.they

scholarly journals Perception of Patients on Usage of Smartphones by Health Care Professionals during Clinic Hours

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel O Bolarinde ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Background of the study: Smartphones medically related applications are quickly becoming one of the main tools for accessing clinical information among health care professionals. Aim of Study: This study assessed the perception of patients on usage of smartphones by health care professionals during clinic hours. Methodology: The study recruited 185 patients. Data on demographic characteristics and perception of patients on the use of smartphones for medical information were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were summarized using a descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Chi square. Alpha level was set at 0.005 Results: 76 Males, 109 Females participated in this study. 67.6% (125) own a smartphones. 34.6% (64) have seen health care professionals using smartphones during clinic hours, 28.1% (18) had their health care providers explain to them reasons for using smartphone. 34.1% (63) agreed it was unprofessional for health care provider to use smartphone during clinic, 33.5% (62) disagreed, 32.4% (60) were undecided. No association observed between respondents’ age (χ2= 12.00, p= 0.606), educational qualification (χ2= 8.501, p= 0.075) and responses to the statement that use of smartphones by health care professional was unprofessional. Conclusion: Although one third of the respondents agreed that usage of smartphones by healthcare professionals in the clinic while attending to patients was unprofessional however, usage of smartphone for health related information by health care professionals during clinic hours should be with caution to avoid losing the confidence repose in them by their patients.

scholarly journals Brief report: social media as a tool for scientific updating at the time of COVID pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Murri ◽  
Francesco Vladimiro Segala ◽  
Pierluigi Del Vecchio ◽  
Antonella Cingolani ◽  
Eleonora Taddei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
The Face ◽  
Use Of Social Media

AbstractIn the face of the rapid evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals on the frontline are in urgent need of frequent updates in the accomplishment of their practice. Hence, clinicians started to search for prompt, valid information on sources parallel to academic journals publications. Aim of this work is to investigate the extent of this phenomenon.We administered an anonymous online cross-sectional survey to 645 Italian clinicians. 369 questionnaires were returned. 19,5% (n=72) of respondents were younger than 30 years-old; 49,3% (n=182) worked in Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine or Respiratory Medicine departments, 11.5% (n=42) in Intensive Care Unit and 7.4% (n=27) were general practitioner. 70% (n=261) of respondents reported that their use of social media to seek medical information increased during the pandemic. 39.3% (n = 145) consistently consulted Facebook groups and 53.1% (n = 196) Whatsapp chats. 47% (n = 174) of respondents reported that information shared on social media had a consistent impact on their daily practice. In the present study, we found no difference in social media usage between age groups or medical specialties.Given the urgent need for scientific update in face of the present health emergency, these findings may help understanding how clinicians access new evidences and implement them in their daily practice.

scholarly journals Digital health literacy and online information seeking in times of COVID-19. A cross-sectional survey among university students in Germany (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Dadaczynski ◽  
Orkan Okan ◽  
Melanie Messer ◽  
Angela Y. M. Leung ◽  
Rafaela Rosário ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
University Students ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Online Information Seeking

BACKGROUND Digital communication technologies play an important role in governments’ and public health authorities’ health communication strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The internet and social media have become important sources of health-related information on the coronavirus and on protective behaviours. In addition, the COVID-19 infodemic spreads faster than the coronavirus itself, which interferes with governmental health-related communication efforts. This puts national public health containment strategies in jeopardy. Therefore, digital health literacy is a key competence to navigate coronavirus-related information and service environments. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate university students’ digital health literacy and online information seeking behaviours during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic in Germany. METHODS A cross-sectional study among N=14,916 university students aged ≥18 from 130 universities across all sixteen federal states of Germany was conducted using an online survey. Along with sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, subjective social status) measures included five subscales from the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI), which was adapted to the specific coronavirus context. Online information seeking behaviour was investigated by examining the online sources used by university students and the topics that students search for in connection with the coronavirus. Data were analysed using univariate and bivariate analyses. RESULTS Across digital health literacy dimensions, the greatest difficulties could be found for assessing the reliability of health-related information (42.3%) and the ability to determine whether the information was written with commercial interest (38.9%). Moreover, respondents also indicated that they most frequently have problems finding the information they are looking for (30.4%). When stratified according to sociodemographic characteristics, significant differences were found with female university students reporting a lower DHLI for the dimensions of ‘information searching’ and of ‘evaluating reliability’. Search engines, news portals and public bodies’ websites were most often used by the respondents as sources to search for information on COVID-19 and related issues. Female students were found to use social media and health portals more frequently, while male students used Wikipedia and other online encyclopaedias as well as YouTube more often. The use of social media was associated with a low ability to critically evaluate information, while opposite differences were observed for the use of public websites. CONCLUSIONS Although digital health literacy is, in summary, well developed in university students, a significant proportion of students still face difficulties with certain abilities to deal with information. There is need to strengthen the digital health literacy capacities of university students using tailored interventions. Improving the quality of health-related information on the internet is also key. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals A Cross-sectional Online Survey on Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of COVID-19 among Ghanaians

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebenezer Akuoko ◽  
Cyril Alando
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
The Government ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Continuous Use ◽  
Descriptive Statistical Analysis

Abstract This study examined knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of COVID-19 among Ghanaians. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using Google forms to recruit 503 participants over six weeks. We performed descriptive statistical analysis, and presented results in tables/charts. From the results, 66.4% of respondents depended on social media for COVID-19 related information, and 59.8% mostly heard/read about preventive measures in all COVID-19 information heard/read. Knowledge was adequate, but with noticeable gaps. Attitude was generally positive, with 84.1% willing to accept reintegration of treated COVID-19 patients. Perceptions were healthy, with only 3.8% perceiving insusceptibility. We conclude that these findings contribute significantly to the literature on COVID-19 in Ghana. We recommend the continuous use of social media by the Government of Ghana and relevant stakeholders for COVID-19 communications, and further research in the general population for evidence based COVID-19 prevention interventions in Ghana.

Managing Calls to Mauri Ora: Medical Reception in Action

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Fiona Grattan
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Health Related

<p>Often a patient’s first contact with their health service is through a medical receptionist. Literature has framed medical receptionists as gate-keepers, and few studies have examined what they actually do when they answer incoming calls by studying recordings of them. The current thesis asks how receptionists managed calls to Mauri Ora, a student health service, to deliver what the callers were asking for. The findings present evidence that receptionists are skilled and supportive in their interactions with patients.  Following discursive psychology and conversation analysis as theoretical and methodological frameworks this thesis examined naturally occurring social interactions to discover how joint understanding and coordinated action was accomplished. Eighteen (N=18) calls between receptionists and patients were recorded, transcribed and examined in detail for what happened in each call and how receptionists worked to deliver what the callers were asking for.  Callers ring with a broad range of different problems. The analysis documents how receptionists showed that they understood what callers wanted, and the ways they worked to progress solutions. The examination of requests for doctors’ appointments were of particular interest because of their very limited availability and the triage process for getting one. By establishing with the caller the conditions under which they could see a doctor, including if it was an urgent problem, receptionists opened the door to the health care being sought. A difficult matter for receptionists is asking for and responding to health-related information because they have no medical training. An additional aspect of the analysis demonstrated that receptionists only asked for medical information as a record for triage referral, and when it had not previously been disclosed.  Far from casting medical receptionists as gate-keepers withholding help, the current thesis demonstrates their orientation towards granting the requests of callers and doing what they can to facilitate access to health care. Practical applications for the training and practice of medical receptionists are considered as well as future research, and the ethical constraints of this kind of work.</p>

Characteristics of Adults Who Use Prayer as an Alternative Therapy

2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 369-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick J. O'Connor ◽  
Nicolaas P. Pronk ◽  
Agnes Tan ◽  
Robin R. Whitebird
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Preventive Health ◽  
Satisfaction With Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Related

Purpose. To describe the demographics, health-related and preventive-health behaviors, health status, and health care charges of adults who do and do not pray for health. Design. Cross-sectional survey with 1-year follow-up. Setting. A Minnesota health plan. Subjects. A stratified random sample of 5107 members age 40 and over with analysis based on 4404 survey respondents (86%). Measures. Survey data included health risks, health practices, use of preventive health services, satisfaction with care, and use of alternative therapies. Health care charges were obtained from administrative data. Results. Overall, 47.2% of study subjects reported that they pray for health, and 90.3% of these believed prayer improved their health. After adjustment for demographics, those who pray had significantly less smoking and alcohol use and more preventive care visits, influenza immunizations, vegetable intake, satisfaction with care, and social support and were more likely to have a regular primary care provider. Rates of functional impairment, depressive symptoms, chronic diseases, and total health care charges were not related to prayer. Conclusions. Those who pray had more favorable health-related behaviors, preventive service use, and satisfaction with care. Discussion of prayer could help guide customization of clinical care. Research that examines the effect of prayer on health status should adjust for variables related both to use of prayer and to health status.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Perceptions of COVID-19 Among Health Care Workers: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula ◽  
Wafa Ali Aldhaleei ◽  
Jamal Rahmani ◽  
Mohammadjavad Ashrafi Mahabadi ◽  
Deepak Kumar Bandari
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Delayed Treatment ◽  
Care Workers

BACKGROUND During the first week of March, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak reached more than 100 countries with over 100,000 cases. Health care authorities have already initiated awareness and preparedness activities worldwide. A poor understanding of the disease among health care workers (HCWs) may result in delayed treatment and result in the rapid spread of the infection. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and perceptions of HCWs about COVID-19. METHODS A cross-sectional, web-based study was conducted among HCWs about COVID-19 during the first week of March 2020. A 23-item survey instrument was developed and distributed randomly to HCWs using social media; it required 5 minutes to complete. A chi-square test was used to investigate the level of association among variables, with significance set to <i>P</i>&lt;.05. RESULTS Of 529 participants, a total of 453 HCWs completed the survey (response rate: 85.6%); 51.6% (n=234) were male, 32.1% (n=147) were aged 25-34 years, and most were doctors (n=137, 30.2%) and medical students (n=134, 29.6%). Most participants (n=276, 61.0%) used social media to obtain information on COVID-19. A significant proportion of HCWs had poor knowledge of its transmission (n=276, 61.0%) and symptom onset (n=288, 63.6%) and showed positive perceptions of COVID-19. Factors such as age and profession were associated with inadequate knowledge and a poor perception of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS As the global threat of COVID-19 continues to emerge, it is critical to improve the knowledge and perceptions of HCWs. Educational interventions are urgently needed to reach HCWs worldwide, and further studies are warranted.

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