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Kaňková J, Binder A, Matthes J. Health-Related Communication of Social Media Influencers: A Scoping Review. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024:1-14. [PMID: 39258728 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2024.2397268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Social media influencers (SMIs) are an essential part of today's digital media landscape and have the ability to significantly impact the health-related attitudes and behavior of their audiences. Despite an increasing number of studies, research has produced mixed results, and a comprehensive overview of the main findings is lacking. Therefore, the goal of this scoping review was to comprehensively map the literature focusing on SMIs and their health-related communication. Specifically, we analyzed the most frequently studied health topics and social media platforms, the methodological characteristics of the studies, as well as the communication techniques employed by SMIs, and the potential positive and negative effects of their communication on their audience. Additionally, we examined the major research gaps in this area. Altogether, we analyzed n = 116 empirical papers. The results reveal a wide range of different outcomes influenced by SMIs, including both positive and negative changes in health-related attitudes and behavioral intentions among their followers. Furthermore, our findings highlight the need for future research to prioritize experimental and longitudinal studies, investigate actual behavioral outcomes resulting from influencer content exposure, and closely examine the potential negative effects of SMIs' health-related communication. More attention needs to be paid to health-related misinformation disseminated by SMIs. Lastly, this study identified several highly relevant health topics and social media platforms that should be the focus of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Binder
- Department of Communication, University of Vienna
| | - Jörg Matthes
- Department of Communication, University of Vienna
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Ashcroft N, Cooper M, Nazar H. Digital screens in community pharmacy for public health messaging; a mixed-methods study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2024; 32:340-346. [PMID: 39052939 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An independent evaluation was undertaken to investigate the perceived impact of installing digital screens in a group of community pharmacies as an approach to provide public health messaging. METHODS Community pharmacy staff were interviewed prior to screen installation to investigate experience and perceptions of conventional public health campaigns using written materials. Staff were interviewed after the digital screen installation to investigate their opinions of the installation and its impact on public health delivery in the pharmacy. Patients and public representatives were recruited to visit the pharmacies and asked to complete a survey about what they observed and thought about the public health messaging. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Surveys consisted of open, closed, and rating questions. The results of which were descriptively analysed. KEY FINDINGS Community pharmacy staff found paper-based campaigns work-intensive and created paper wastage. The digital screen installation was received positively by pharmacy staff and patient, and public representatives found them eye-catching and engaging. Staff were unable to report any conversations with members of the public triggered by the screens, but the patient and public volunteers were able to recall some of the health messages. CONCLUSIONS Digital messaging is common practice and digital screens are already in use in areas where patients and the public have conventionally been in attendance, e.g. GP surgeries. Digital screens in community pharmacy for public health messaging could be considered an inevitable progression for public health messaging given concerns about wastage and up-to-date information. The impact, however, on triggering healthier choices and lifestyles requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Ashcroft
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Cooper
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Newcastle Patient Safety Research Collaborative, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Hamde Nazar
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Newcastle Patient Safety Research Collaborative, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
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Ng IK, Thong C, Tan LF, Teo DB. The rise of medical influencers: The pros and the cons. J R Coll Physicians Edinb 2024; 54:231-235. [PMID: 38867442 DOI: 10.1177/14782715241261736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, the online influencer industry has exponentially expanded, fuelled by the COVID pandemic lockdown, increased social media platforms and lifestyle appeal of influencership. This phenomenon has likewise infiltrated the medical field, where many healthcare practitioners have taken to social media platforms for content creation and influencer marketing. There are many reasons that underlie medical influencership - some may use it to improve public health literacy and correct medical misinformation, engage in medical advocacy or use the platform simply as a means of humanistic expression of the medical career, while others may seek to advertise private practice/medical products, boost personal reputation, and gain popularity and monetary benefits. Regardless of the underlying motivations of the medical influencers, some have fallen afoul of professionally accepted practices and ethical boundaries in their use of social media platforms, leading to serious consequences such as professional sanctioning or termination of employment. In this article, we hope to provide a comprehensive review of the 'good' (positive practices), the 'bad' (practices with possible unintended negative consequences) and the outright unprofessional or unethical behaviours aspects of social media use by medical influencers and offer practical strategies to ensure responsible and meaningful use of influencer platforms at both the physician and health systems level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Ks Ng
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christopher Thong
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Li Feng Tan
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Healthy Ageing Programme, Alexandra Hospital, Singapore
| | - Desmond B Teo
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Fast and Chronic Programmes, Alexandra Hospital, Singapore
- Division of Advanced Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
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Lau N, Srinakarin K, Aalfs H, Zhao X, Palermo TM. TikTok and teen mental health: an analysis of user-generated content and engagement. J Pediatr Psychol 2024:jsae039. [PMID: 38950415 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsae039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TikTok is a social media mobile application that is widely used by adolescents, and has the potential to serve as a revolutionary platform for public and mental health discourse, education, and intervention. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to describe the content and engagement metrics of the hashtag #teenmentalhealth on TikTok. METHODS In this study, we: (a) conducted a directed content analysis of the Top 100 TikTok videos tagged with #teenmentalhealth, and (b) collected data on video engagements (views, likes, saves, and shares) and computed view-based engagement rates. RESULTS The videos collectively garnered 144,320,591 views; 28,289,655 likes; 219,780 comments; 1,971,492 saves; and 478,696 shares. Most of the generated content were from teens and therapists. Engagement metrics revealed strong user engagement rates across user types. The most prevalent content categories represented across videos were personal experience, coping techniques or treatment, humor, interpersonal relationships, and health campaign. The content categories with the highest engagement rates were relatable media representation, health campaign, social isolation, and humor. Only a single video incorporated evidence-based treatment content. CONCLUSION TikTok facilitates communication and information dissemination on teen mental health. Future research should focus on improving the quality and credibility of digital content while maintaining engagement through creativity, self-expression, and relatability. Use of popular social media platforms and community-engaged research to disseminate evidence-based content may help bridge the translational research gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Lau
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kavin Srinakarin
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Homer Aalfs
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Tonya M Palermo
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
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Amon KL, Brunner M, Campbell AJ. The Reel Health Care Professionals of Instagram: A Systematic Review. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2024; 27:172-186. [PMID: 38359390 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2023.0311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Social media and health research have covered the benefits for the public and patients as users. Specifically, this has focused on searching for health information, connecting with others experiencing similar health issues, and communicating with their health professionals. Recently, there has been a shift in research to focus on health care professionals as users as they participate in professional development, improve communication with patients, and contribute to health research and service. However, such research has predominantly focused on text-based platforms, namely Facebook and Twitter. The scope of this article is a systematic review of publications on health care professionals' use of the image-based platform Instagram, according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. This study, drawing from 51 articles, shows how health care professionals use Instagram, and reveals that these professionals utilize the platform to address health concerns that may not necessarily align with their specific expertise. Images were the common format of posts created by health care professionals, with six content types identified: (a) educational, (b) promotional, (c) patient experience, (d) personal, (e) emotion based, and (f) other. Three measures of post engagement were used by researchers, including (a) likes and comments, (b) use of hashtags, and (c) number of followers. This study also identified the dangers of misleading users, including (a) lack of credentials reported, (b) edited images, (c) quality of content, and (d) patient and client confidentiality issues. In conclusion, insights into the advantages of health care professionals' use of Instagram and ways in which they can maximize its use to reach and engage with their target audience are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krestina L Amon
- Cyberpsychology Research Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Melissa Brunner
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew J Campbell
- Cyberpsychology Research Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Hartnett Y, Cummings E. Social media and ADHD: implications for clinical assessment and treatment. Ir J Psychol Med 2024; 41:132-136. [PMID: 37650215 DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2023.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between social media use and mental health is complicated. The mental health information shared on these platforms is frequently of poor quality but has the potential to exert powerful influence on users. Social media trend peaks in some mental disorders have led to increases in illness behaviour through social contagion. There has been a marked upsurge in online interest in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) over the last number of years, which has been particularly noticeable since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The exponential increase in online ADHD interest has the potential to contribute to overloading mental health services with referrals. Mental health professionals and organisations need to consider strategies to ensure that quality health information is disseminated to younger audiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Hartnett
- Cluain Mhuire Community Mental Health Service, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland
| | - E Cummings
- Cluain Mhuire Community Mental Health Service, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland
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Heiss R, Bode L, Adisuryo ZM, Brito L, Cuadra A, Gao P, Han Y, Hearst M, Huang K, Kinyua A, Lin T, Ma Y, Manion TO, Roh Y, Salazar A, Yue S, Zhang P. Debunking Mental Health Misperceptions in Short-Form Social Media Videos: An Experimental Test of Scientific Credibility Cues. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38389200 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2301201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, short-form social media videos have emerged as an important source of health-related advice. In this study, we investigate whether experts or ordinary users in such videos are more effective in debunking the common misperception that talking about suicide should be avoided. We also explore a new trend on TikTok and other platforms, in which users attempt to back up their arguments by displaying scientific articles in the background of their videos. To test the effect of source type (expert vs. ordinary user) and scientific references (present or absent), we conducted a 2 × 2 between-subject plus control group experiment (n = 956). In each condition, participants were shown a TikTok video that was approximately 30 seconds long. Our findings show that in all four treatment groups, participants reduced their misperceptions on the topic. The expert was rated as being more authoritative on the topic compared to the ordinary user. However, the expert was also rated as being less credible compared to the ordinary user. The inclusion of a scientific reference did not make a difference. Thus, both experts and ordinary users may be similarly persuasive in a short-form video environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffael Heiss
- Center for Social & Health Innovation, MCI - The Entrepreneurial School
| | - Leticia Bode
- Communication, Culture, and Technology Program, Georgetown University
| | | | - Livia Brito
- Communication, Culture, and Technology Program, Georgetown University
| | - Ana Cuadra
- Communication, Culture, and Technology Program, Georgetown University
| | - Peng Gao
- Communication, Culture, and Technology Program, Georgetown University
| | - Yi Han
- Communication, Culture, and Technology Program, Georgetown University
| | - Megan Hearst
- Communication, Culture, and Technology Program, Georgetown University
| | - Kexin Huang
- Communication, Culture, and Technology Program, Georgetown University
| | - Andrea Kinyua
- Communication, Culture, and Technology Program, Georgetown University
| | - Tianan Lin
- Communication, Culture, and Technology Program, Georgetown University
| | - Yuwei Ma
- Communication, Culture, and Technology Program, Georgetown University
| | | | - Youngjoo Roh
- Communication, Culture, and Technology Program, Georgetown University
| | - Ariana Salazar
- Communication, Culture, and Technology Program, Georgetown University
| | - Siqi Yue
- Communication, Culture, and Technology Program, Georgetown University
| | - Peizhen Zhang
- Communication, Culture, and Technology Program, Georgetown University
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Maaitah W, Abdelhay O, Tourkmani A, Azzeh M, Abu-Soud MS, Atiani S. Telemedicine interventions in type 2 diabetes management: a protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078100. [PMID: 38388501 PMCID: PMC10884257 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The consequences of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) heavily strain individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. Interventions via telemedicine have become a potential tactic to tackle the difficulties in effectively managing T2DM. However, more research is needed to determine how telemedicine interventions affect T2DM management. This study sets out to systematically analyse and report the effects of telemedicine treatments on T2DM management to gain essential insights into the potential of telemedicine as a cutting-edge strategy to improve the outcomes and care delivery for people with T2DM. METHODS AND ANALYSIS To uncover relevant research, we will perform a comprehensive literature search across six databases (PubMed, IEEE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library). Each piece of data will be extracted separately, and any discrepancies will be worked out through discussion or by a third reviewer. The studies included are randomised controlled trial. We chose by predefined inclusion standards. After the telemedicine intervention, glycated haemoglobin will be the primary outcome. The Cochrane risk-of-bias approach will be used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. RevMan V.5.3.5 software and RStiduo V.4.3.1 software can be used to analyse the data, including publication bias. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Since this research will employ publicly accessible documents, ethical approval is unnecessary. The review is registered prospectively on the PROSPERO database. The study's findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42023421719.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasan Maaitah
- Department of Data Science, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Amman, Jordan
| | - Osama Abdelhay
- Department of Data Science, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ayla Tourkmani
- Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Azzeh
- Department of Data Science, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad S Abu-Soud
- Department of Data Science, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Amman, Jordan
| | - Serin Atiani
- Department of Data Science, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Amman, Jordan
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Putukian M, Blauwet C, Currie A, Gouttebarge V, McDuff D, Mountjoy ML, Sloan S, Bindra A, Budgett R, Engebretsen L, Purcell R. Social media impact on athlete mental health: #RealityCheck. Br J Sports Med 2024:bjsports-2023-107651. [PMID: 38373828 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cheri Blauwet
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alan Currie
- Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Vincent Gouttebarge
- Orthopaedic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Duivendrecht, The Netherlands
| | - David McDuff
- Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Scott Sloan
- Medical and Scientific Department, IOC, lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Abhinav Bindra
- International Olympic Committee, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Richard Budgett
- International Olympic Committee, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Lars Engebretsen
- International Olympic Committee, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
- University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rosemary Purcell
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Zehrung RF, Chen Y. Self-Expression and Sharing around Chronic Illness on TikTok. AMIA ... ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS. AMIA SYMPOSIUM 2024; 2023:1334-1343. [PMID: 38222376 PMCID: PMC10785898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
While prior work has investigated the benefits of online health communities and general-purpose social media used for health-related purposes, little work examines the use of TikTok, an emerging social media platform with a substantial user base. The platform's multimodal capabilities foster creative self-expression, while the content-driven network allows users to reach new audiences beyond their personal connections. To investigate users' challenges and motivations, we analyzed 160 TikTok videos that center on users' firsthand experiences living with chronic illness. We found that users struggled with a loss of normalcy and stigmatization in daily life. To contend with these challenges, they publicly shared their experiences to raise awareness, seek support from peers, and normalize chronic illness experiences. Based on our findings, we discuss the modalities of TikTok that facilitate self-expression around stigmatized topics and provide implications for the design of online health communities that better support adolescents and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yunan Chen
- University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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