Use of Social Media among Intern Doctors in Regards to Covid-19

Background: The world is not just fighting a pandemic of COVID-19, but also tackling infodemic due to the rampant spread of misinformation and rumor about COVID-19 across various online and printed media. Social media is an easy, quick, and cost-effective source of information but its contents are not regulated. Users also usually don't verify information on social media on authentic sites. So, misinformation spreads at a exponential rate. Intern doctors as young physician should have scientific knowledge of disease and not be misled by rumors. Also, health-related information shared by health professionals owes greater credibility to the public. This study aims to explore whether or not intern doctors are using social media rationally in regards to COVID-19. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, mixed-method study carried out among medical and dental interns of KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital. Data was collected with the help of a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire after pretesting. Two Focus group discussions were conducted to gain in- depth information. Findings: 65 % percent of the intern doctors most often used social media to gain information about COVID-19 out of which 87.1 % used Facebook more often. Around 46 % just read the full title of news appearing in social media while only 32.9 % read the full text. 36 % share the news just by seeing the title. Nearly 35 % of intern doctors check the authenticity of information on social media by verifying it via experts or from authentic sources. Conclusion: Rational use of social media is a must to combat the epidemic of COVID 19. Health professionals including young doctors like interns should focus on scientific and evidence-based information and should use social media rationally both for acquisition and dissemination of information on COVID-19.

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

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050557 ◽

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

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Consumer perceptions of using social media for health purposes: Benefits and drawbacks

Health Informatics Journal ◽

10.1177/1460458218796664 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 1661-1674 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Arcelio Benetoli ◽

Timothy F Chen ◽

Parisa Aslani

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Information Overload ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Online Information ◽

Social And Emotional ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Related Information ◽

Health Related ◽

Use Of Social Media

Consumers are increasingly using social media to interact with other consumers about health conditions and treatment options. This study aimed to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of using social media for health-related purposes from the consumers’ perspectives. Five focus groups with 36 Australian adults with a chronic condition and on medication were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Consumers reported that social media was very convenient, for accessing health-related information and for peer engagement; user-friendly; improved their health knowledge; empowered them; and provided social and emotional support. The disadvantages included information overload, wasting time; negative feelings; doubts about online information credibility; and issues related to online interactions. Despite some disadvantages, health-related use of social media led consumers to feel supported, knowledgeable, and empowered. Consumers’ motivation to keep accessing social media for health-related purposes opens up avenues for the delivery of services via social media.

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Use of Social Media for Seeking Health Related Information – An Exploratory Study

Journal of Young Pharmacists ◽

10.5530/jyp.2017.9.52 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 267-271 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Navya Bhaskaran ◽

Manish Kumar ◽

Manthan Dilipkumar Janodia

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Exploratory Study ◽

Related Information ◽

Health Related ◽

Use Of Social Media

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

10.2196/preprints.5989 ◽

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.

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

10.2196/preprints.24097 ◽

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

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

10.21203/rs.3.rs-74512/v1 ◽

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.

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Exploring Social Media for Health and Wellness

Journal of Cases on Information Technology ◽

10.4018/jcit.2012040104 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 42-64 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sinjini Mitra ◽

Rema Padman

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Health Plans ◽

Health And Wellness ◽

Mobile Media ◽

Wellness Promotion ◽

Media Usage ◽

Related Information ◽

Technology Platforms ◽

Health Related ◽

Use Of Social Media

The use of social media for health and wellness promotion is a relatively new concept. Nonetheless, several early adopting health plans and provider organizations have begun to design and pilot social and mobile media platforms to empower members to enhance self management of health and wellness goals. In this case study of a large health plan in Pennsylvania, the authors describe the design and execution of a member survey to identify some factors that are significantly associated with interest in adopting such technology platforms for obtaining health-related information and services. Analysis of relevant data from more than 4,000 responses indicates significant differences among important segments of the member population defined with respect to demographic factors, level of computer and social media usage, and frequency of engagement in specific online activities. They anticipate that these insights can assist health plans to develop and deploy targeted services and tools for health and wellness management.

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Internet and social media usage for health related information among diabetes patients in Saudi Arabia (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.20543 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Emtinan Alharbi ◽

Ahdab Alreheli ◽

Maryam Almubarak ◽

Rami Elshatarat ◽

Omar Al Nozha

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

The Internet ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Related Information ◽

Seeking Behavior ◽

Health Related ◽

Low Educated ◽

Internet And Social Media

BACKGROUND Health-related information (H.I.) can now be accessed more easily than ever using the web and social media. OBJECTIVE Identify H.I. seeking behavior on the internet and social media among DM patient in Kingdom Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODS This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 406 patients with DM. A structured Arabic questionnaire was used to collect the data. RESULTS A total of 211 of the participants used the internet and/or social media to seek H.I. Most of the participants (44.4%) were using internet for the last 6 to 10 years. The majority of the participants (60%) rated their skills as a “very good”, used YouTube (72.7%) and Twitter (55.2%) when seeking H.I., and considered YouTube (76.4%) and Twitter (64.8%) as “excellent” or “very good” resources to seek online H.I. CONCLUSIONS Older age and low educated people are less likely to seek online H.I. about DM management. The majority of the participants believed that their health behaviors are positively influenced after online seeking for H.I.

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