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Li M, Devane D, Beecher C, Dowling M, Duffy AG, Duggan C, Grimes DR, Kennan A, Kilty C, Nsangi A, Oxman AD, Stewart DC, Toomey E, Tierney M. Prioritising Key Concepts for informed health choices in cancer: An evidence-based online educational programme. PEC INNOVATION 2024; 5:100311. [PMID: 39027229 PMCID: PMC11254741 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2024.100311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Objective The overabundance of health misinformation has undermined people's capacity to make evidence-based, informed choices about their health. Using the Informed Health Choices (IHC) Key Concepts (KCs), we are developing a two-stage education programme, Informed Health Choices-Cancer (IHC-C), to provide those impacted by cancer with the knowledge and skills necessary to think critically about the reliability of health information and claims and make well-informed choices. Stage 1 seeks to prioritise the most relevant Key Concepts. Methods A project group and a patient and carer participation group completed a two-round prioritisation process. The process involved disseminating pre-reading materials, training sessions, and a structured judgement form to evaluate concepts for inclusion. Data from each round were analysed to reach a consensus on the concepts to include. Results Fourteen participants were recruited and completed the first-round prioritisation. Fifteen participants undertook the second-round prioritisation. Nine Key Concepts were selected for the programme across five training sessions and two consensus meetings. Conclusion The prioritised concepts identified represent the most pertinent aspects of cancer-related information for those impacted by the disease. By incorporating these concepts into educational materials and communication strategies, healthcare providers and organisations can potentially help cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones to recognise and combat cancer-related misinformation more effectively. Innovation This study introduces a participatory prioritisation process, which integrates the expertise of healthcare professionals with the insights of patients and carers, thereby enhancing the programme's relevance and applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Li
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Health Research Board - Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN), University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Declan Devane
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Health Research Board - Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN), University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Claire Beecher
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Health Research Board - Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN), University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Maura Dowling
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Austin G. Duffy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caitriona Duggan
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Department of Oncology, Portiuncula University Hospital, Galway, Ireland
| | - David Robert Grimes
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
- Discipline of radiation therapy, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Avril Kennan
- Health Research Charities Ireland (HRCI), Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Allen Nsangi
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew D. Oxman
- Centre for Epidemic Interventions Research, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Derek C. Stewart
- Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland, Galway, Ireland
- College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Elaine Toomey
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Marie Tierney
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Health Research Board - Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN), University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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El Dine FB, Gebreal A, Samhouri D, Estifanos H, Kourampi I, Abdelrhem H, Mostafa HA, Elshaar AG, Suvvari TK, Ghazy RM. Ethical considerations during Mpox Outbreak: a scoping review. BMC Med Ethics 2024; 25:79. [PMID: 39034385 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-024-01078-0] [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] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Historically, epidemics have been accompanied by the concurrent emergence of stigma, prejudice, and xenophobia. This scoping review aimed to describe and map published research targeting ethical values concerning monkeypox (mpox). In addition, it aimed to understand the research gaps related to mpox associated stigma. METHODS We comprehensively searched databases (PubMed Central, PubMed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid, and Google Scholar) to identify published literature concerning mpox ethical issues and stigma from May 6, 2022, to February 15, 2023. The key search terms used were "monkeypox", "ethics", "morals", "social stigma", "privacy", "confidentiality", "secrecy", "privilege", "egoism", and "metaethics". This scoping review followed the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley in 2005 and was further improved by the recommendations of Levac et al. in 2010. RESULTS The search strategies employed in the scoping review yielded a total of 454 articles. We analyzed the sources, types, and topics of the retrieved articles/studies. The authors were able to identify 32 studies that met inclusion criteria. Six of the 32 included studies were primary research. The study revealed that the ongoing mpox outbreak is contending with a notable surge in misinformation and societal stigma. It highlights the adverse impacts of stigma and ethical concerns associated with mpox, which can negatively affect people with the disease. CONCLUSION The study's findings underscore the imperative need to enhance public awareness; involve civil society; and promote collaboration among policymakers, medical communities, and social media platforms. These collective endeavors are crucial for mitigating stigma, averting human-to-human transmission, tackling racism, and dispelling misconceptions associated with the outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Badr El Dine
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Assem Gebreal
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Dalia Samhouri
- Regional Manager, Emergency Preparedness & International Health Regulations WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Islam Kourampi
- Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | - Ramy Mohamed Ghazy
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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Sisco HKF, Brummette J. mRNA Vaccine Hesitancy: Spreading Misinformation Through Online Narratives. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39018340 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2024.2379954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
This research examined the themes that emerge from online discussions of the COVID-19 vaccines to assist health communicators and officials in combating misinformation in health-related discussions. Using framing theory and the diffusion of innovation framework, this study presents findings from a semantic network analysis of 3842 tweets collected during the first week of February 2022. The authors calculated betweenness and page rank centrality scores for Twitter users participating in the online dialogue and identified 36 semantic themes. Findings revealed that the most influential dialogue participants were retired health and medical professionals, data analysts, journalists, online advocates, and politicians. The frames identified in the study contained several misinformation narratives about the COVID-19 vaccines. The authors discuss the implications of these findings for health officials and communicators as well as the theoretical implications of the diffusion of misinformation and framing as a tool to reiterate untruths.
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Wen D, Wan L, He H, Zhong Q, Jiang Q, Yang X, Zhang D, Shen Y. A cross-sectional survey of first-aid kit equipment in a family in Sichuan, China. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1829. [PMID: 38982457 PMCID: PMC11234814 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19376-y] [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] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine residents' first-aid kit preparation and its influencing factors. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted among 449 permanent residents in Sichuan Province using convenience sampling. We examined participants' demographic characteristics, self-efficacy, health literacy, and personality. FINDINGS Of the participants, 111 (24.7%) stocked a home first-aid kit. The most frequent supplies were disinfection supplies (91.9%), common medicines (86.5%), and dressing supplies (76.6%). Family per capita monthly income, medical expenses payment method, chronic diseases, general self-efficacy, and health literacy were influencing factors of family first-aid kit preparedness. CONCLUSION A multilevel and interactive emergency literacy education system should be established to improve residents' abilities to prevent emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wen
- Intensive Care Unit, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li Wan
- Department of Nursing, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Haiyan He
- Intensive Care Unit, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qianmei Zhong
- Department of Nursing, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qingli Jiang
- Intensive Care Unit, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiuru Yang
- Intensive Care Unit, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Intensive Care Unit, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Yuqi Shen
- Intensive Care Unit, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China
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Boakye EA, Gerend MA, Nair M, Khan HY, Abouelella DK, Osazuwa-Peters N, Fokom Domgue J. Trends in awareness of the causal link between HPV and cervical cancer in the US: 2013 to 2022. Am J Prev Med 2024:S0749-3797(24)00225-3. [PMID: 38972517 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Adjei Boakye
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI; Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, MI.
| | - Mary A Gerend
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL
| | - Mrudula Nair
- Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, Detroit, MI; Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI
| | - Heena Y Khan
- College of Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO
| | - Dina K Abouelella
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC; Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Joël Fokom Domgue
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Kim YI, Kim KH, Oh HJ, Seo Y, Kwon SM, Sung KS, Chong K, Lee MH. Assessing the Suitability of Artificial Intelligence-Based Chatbots as Counseling Agents for Patients with Brain Tumor: A Comprehensive Survey Analysis. World Neurosurg 2024; 187:e963-e981. [PMID: 38735564 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.05.023] [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] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The internet, particularly social media, has become a popular resource for learning about health and investigating one's own health conditions. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots has been fueled by the increasing availability of digital health data and advances in natural language processing techniques. While these chatbots are more accessible than before, they sometimes fail to provide accurate information. METHODS We used representative chatbots currently available (Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer-3.5, Bing Chat, and Google Bard) to answer questions commonly asked by brain tumor patients. The simulated situations with questions were made and selected by the brain tumor committee. These questions are commonly asked by brain tumor patients. The goal of the study was introduced to each chatbot, the situation was explained, and questions were asked. All responses were collected without modification. The answers were shown to the committee members, and they were asked to judge the responses while blinded to the type of chatbot. RESULTS There was no significant difference in accuracy and communication ability among the 3 groups (P = 0.253, 0.090, respectively). For empathy, Bing Chat and Google Bard were superior to Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer (P = 0.004, 0.002, respectively). The purpose of this study was not to assess or verify the relative superiority of each chatbot. Instead, the aim was to identify the shortcomings and changes needed if AI chatbots are to be used for patient medical purposes. CONCLUSION AI-based chatbots are a convenient way for patients and the general public to access medical information. Under such circumstances, medical professionals must ensure that the information provided to chatbot users is accurate and safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Il Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung Hwan Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyuk-Jin Oh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Youngbeom Seo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yeungnam University Hospital, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sae Min Kwon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dongsan Medical Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Kyoung Su Sung
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dong-A University Hospital, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Kyuha Chong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min Ho Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, School of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.
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Shakhnazaryan N, Gima-Lange L, Desai A, Fitzgerald K, Kwon DH. Accuracy, readability, and quality of websites about metastatic renal cell carcinoma treatment. Urol Oncol 2024:S1078-1439(24)00527-1. [PMID: 38955572 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2024.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) face complex treatment decisions and frequently turn to the Internet for treatment information. The content of patient educational websites about mRCC treatment has not been evaluated. This study evaluated the accuracy, readability, and quality of websites about the treatment of mRCC. METHODS A total of 2,700 Internet queries were performed. Across 3 Internet search engines, 25 links of 36 permutations of mRCC keywords and their synonyms were screened for eligibility. Eligible websites were English-language websites containing information about mRCC treatments. Sponsored, social media, provider-facing, and news websites were excluded. Accuracy of eligible websites was evaluated in 2 domains: (1) Completeness by calculating the percentage of mRCC facts included in websites using an investigator-created checklist based on the NCI's RCC Treatment (PDQ®)-patient version, and (2) Correctness by identifying incorrect statements that were inconsistent with guidelines. Websites containing ≥60% of checklist items had a "passing" completeness score. Incorrect statements were tallied and qualitatively categorized. Readability was evaluated using the Fry and SMOG formulae, which calculate reading grade levels. Quality was evaluated using validated instruments that appraise health information quality: QUEST (scored 0-28), which focuses on online information, and DISCERN (scored 16-80), which focuses on treatment choices. RESULTS Thirty-nine websites were analyzed. Mean completeness score was 30% (range 0%-69%); only 2 (5%) websites had a passing score. Twelve (31%) websites had ≥1 incorrect statement, such as listing homeopathy or hormone therapy as mRCC treatment options, or including outdated statements. Mean readability levels were 11th and 12th grades for the Fry and SMOG methods, respectively. No website had a reading level lower than 9th grade. Mean QUEST score was 19 (range 9-28); authorship, complementarity, and currency items had the lowest scores. Mean DISCERN score was 56 (range 42-76), with 7 (18%) websites rated "excellent", 22 (56%) rated "good", and 10 (26%) rated fair. CONCLUSIONS Many websites about mRCC treatment have incomplete, inaccurate, and unreadable information. Quality is highly variable. Efforts to improve accuracy, readability, and quality are needed to ensure that patients with mRCC can make well-informed treatment decisions and avoid harm from misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonna Shakhnazaryan
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Liam Gima-Lange
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Arpita Desai
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Kelly Fitzgerald
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Daniel H Kwon
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA.
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Sayan M, Eren AA, Tuac Y, Langoe A, Alali B, Aynaci O, Mohammadipour S, Vahedi F, Daneshmand B, Abbas W, Hawsawi Y, Nader T, Joseph J, Wahby R, Ozgenc I, Mula-Hussain L, Moningi S, Orio PF, Atalar B, Eren MF. Prostate Cancer Awareness in the Middle East: A Cross-Sectional International Study. JCO Glob Oncol 2024; 10:e2400171. [PMID: 38991182 DOI: 10.1200/go.24.00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Prostate cancer has emerged as a significant public health challenge in the Middle East, characterized by rising incidence rates and a concerning mortality-to-incidence ratio. Yet, despite these alarming trends, data regarding prostate cancer awareness in the region remain limited. To address this critical knowledge gap, this study investigates prostate cancer awareness within the Middle East. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey was performed among 5,913 men age 40 years and older across 14 Middle Eastern countries between January 1, 2022, and July 31, 2023. Excluding those with a history of prostate cancer, a validated questionnaire assessed prostate cancer awareness. Data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, medians and ranges for continuous variables, and Pearson chi-square analysis for relationships between education levels and awareness of prostate cancer. RESULTS The survey achieved a 74.9% response rate, with 4,431 male participants. Regarding prostate cancer awareness, 83.8% of participants had heard of the disease. However, only 31.0% correctly identified it as the most common malignancy in men, and 21.8% believed it affects both sex. Awareness of screening was limited, with just 19.1% recognizing the prostate-specific antigen test's role. Additionally, participants had a pessimistic view, with a mean perception that 75% of patients with prostate cancer die from the disease, rather than from other causes. Higher education levels were associated with significantly increased awareness of prostate cancer (P < .001). CONCLUSION This study reveals that while general awareness of the disease exists, crucial knowledge deficits regarding risk factors, screening, and prognosis are evident. Addressing these knowledge gaps through culturally tailored education may improve early detection rates, treatment outcomes, and ultimately reduce the burden of prostate cancer in the Middle East.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutlay Sayan
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ayfer Ay Eren
- Kartal Dr Lütfi Kirdar Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yetkin Tuac
- Department of Statistics, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wajid Abbas
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Jessie Joseph
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Ismail Ozgenc
- University of Nicosia Medical School, Egkomi, Cyprus
| | - Layth Mula-Hussain
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- College of Medicine, Ninevah University, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Shalini Moningi
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Peter F Orio
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Mehmet Fuat Eren
- Marmara University, Istanbul Pendik Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Anagnostou A, Hearrell M, Timberlake D, Huang X, Staggers KA, Stukus D. Social media use among parents of children with food allergies. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024; 133:103-105. [PMID: 38570161 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2024.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Anagnostou
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Immunology, Allergy, and Retrovirology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas; Section of Allergy, Immunology, & Retrovirology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
| | - Melissa Hearrell
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Immunology, Allergy, and Retrovirology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas; Section of Allergy, Immunology, & Retrovirology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Dylan Timberlake
- Prevea Health Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Altoona, Wisconsin
| | - Xiaofan Huang
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Kristen A Staggers
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - David Stukus
- Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
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Gollwitzer A, Bao E, Oettingen G. Intellectual humility as a tool to combat false beliefs: An individual-based approach to belief revision. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 63:1450-1478. [PMID: 38421055 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12732] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
False beliefs pose significant societal threats, including health risks, political polarization and even violence. In two studies (N = 884) we explored the efficacy of an individual-based approach to correcting false beliefs. We examined whether the character virtue of intellectual humility (IH)-an appreciation of one's intellectual boundaries-encourages revising one's false beliefs in response to counter-information. Our research produced encouraging but also mixed findings. Among participants who held false beliefs about the risks of vaccines (Study 1) and the 2020 US Election being rigged (Study 2), those with higher IH explored more information opposing these false beliefs. This exploration of opposing information, in turn, predicted updating away from these inaccurate health and political beliefs. IH did not directly predict updating away from false beliefs, however, suggesting that this effect-if it exists-may not be particularly powerful. Taken together, these results provide moderate support for IH as a character trait that can foster belief revision but, simultaneously, suggest that alternate pathways to combat false beliefs and misinformation may be preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Gollwitzer
- Department of Leadership and Organizational Behaviour, BI Norwegian Business School, Oslo, Norway
- Center for Adaptive Rationality, Max Plank Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Evelina Bao
- New York University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Gabriele Oettingen
- New York University, New York City, New York, USA
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, Zeppelin University Friedrichshafen, Friedrichshafen, Germany
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Hulland EN, Charpignon ML, El Hayek GY, Desai AN, Majumder MS. "What's in a name?": Using mpox as a case study to understand the importance of communication, advocacy, and information accuracy in disease nomenclature. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.06.24.24309420. [PMID: 38978677 PMCID: PMC11230329 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.24.24309420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Historically, many diseases have been named after the species or location of discovery, the discovering scientists, or the most impacted population. However, species-specific disease names often misrepresent the true reservoir; location-based disease names are frequently targeted with xenophobia; some of the discovering scientists have darker histories; and impacted populations have been stigmatized for this association. Acknowledging these concerns, the World Health Organization now proposes naming diseases after their causative pathogen or symptomatology. Recently, this guidance has been retrospectively applied to a disease at the center of an outbreak rife with stigmatization and misinformation: mpox (f.k.a. 'monkeypox'). This disease, historically endemic to west and central Africa, has prompted racist remarks as it spread globally in 2022 in an epidemic ongoing today. Moreover, its elevated prevalence among men who have sex with men has yielded increased stigma against the LGBTQ+ community. To address these prejudicial associations, 'monkeypox' was renamed 'mpox' in November 2022. We used publicly available data from Google Search Trends to determine which countries were quicker to adopt this name change-and understand factors that limit or facilitate its use. Specifically, we built regression models to quantify the relationship between 'mpox' search intensity in a given country and the country's type of political regime, robustness of sociopolitical and health systems, level of pandemic preparedness, extent of gender and educational inequalities, and temporal evolution of mpox cases through December 2023. Our results suggest that, when compared to 'monkeypox' search intensity, 'mpox' search intensity was significantly higher in countries with any history of mpox outbreaks or higher levels of LGBTQ+ acceptance; meanwhile, 'mpox' search intensity was significantly lower in countries governed by leaders who had recently propagated infectious disease misinformation. Among infectious diseases with stigmatizing names, mpox is among the first to be revised retrospectively. While the adoption of a given disease name will be context-specific-depending in part on its origins and the affected subpopulations-our study provides generalizable insights, applicable to future changes in disease nomenclature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin N Hulland
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Comp Epi Dispersed Volunteer Research Network, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marie-Laure Charpignon
- Comp Epi Dispersed Volunteer Research Network, Boston, MA, United States
- Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Ghinwa Y El Hayek
- Comp Epi Dispersed Volunteer Research Network, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Angel N Desai
- Comp Epi Dispersed Volunteer Research Network, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Davis Health Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Maimuna S Majumder
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Comp Epi Dispersed Volunteer Research Network, Boston, MA, United States
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12
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Raber M, Allen H, Huang S, Vazquez M, Warner E, Thompson D. Mediterranean Diet Information on TikTok and Implications for Digital Health Promotion Research: Social Media Content Analysis. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e51094. [PMID: 38896841 PMCID: PMC11222766 DOI: 10.2196/51094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mediterranean diet has been linked to reduced risk for several cardiometabolic diseases. The lack of a clear definition of the Mediterranean diet in the scientific literature and the documented proliferation of nutrition misinformation on the internet suggest the potential for confusion among consumers seeking web-based Mediterranean diet information. OBJECTIVE We conducted a social media content analysis of information about the Mediterranean diet on the influential social media platform, TikTok, to examine public discourse about the diet and identify potential areas of misinformation. We then analyzed these findings in the context of health promotion to identify potential challenges and opportunities for the use of TikTok in promoting the Mediterranean diet for healthy living. METHODS The first-appearing 202 TikTok posts that resulted from a search of the hashtag #mediterraneandiet were downloaded and qualitatively examined. Post features and characteristics, poster information, and engagement metrics were extracted and synthesized across posts. Posts were categorized as those created by health professionals and those created by nonhealth professionals based on poster-reported credentials. In addition to descriptive statistics of the entire sample, we compared posts created by professionals and nonprofessionals for content using chi-square tests. RESULTS TikTok posts varied in content, but posts that were developed by health professionals versus nonprofessionals were more likely to offer a definition of the Mediterranean diet (16/106, 15.1% vs 2/96, 2.1%; P=.001), use scientific citations to support claims (26/106, 24.5% vs 0/96, 0%; P<.001), and discuss specific nutrients (33/106, 31.1% vs 6/96, 6.3%; P<.001) and diseases related to the diet (27/106, 25.5% vs 5/96, 5.2%; P<.001) compared to posts created by nonhealth professionals. CONCLUSIONS Social media holds promise as a venue to promote the Mediterranean diet, but the variability in information found in this study highlights the need to create clear definitions about the diet and its components when developing Mediterranean diet interventions that use new media structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Raber
- Department of Health Disparities Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Haley Allen
- Department of Kinesiology, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sophia Huang
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Maria Vazquez
- Department of Health Disparities Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Echo Warner
- The University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Debbe Thompson
- Baylor College of Medicine, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Mansueto MF, Bigi S, Follino M, Lupi A, Coppola A. Patient Perspective on Disease Burden and Gene Therapy for Hemophilia A and B: The "Haemvolution for Patients" Italian Survey. Semin Thromb Hemost 2024. [PMID: 38889801 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Hemophilia is a rare X-linked congenital bleeding disorder due to a deficiency of factor VIII (hemophilia A [HA]) or factor IX (hemophilia B [HB]). Replacement and nonreplacement treatments are available but have limitations. Gene therapy (GT) provides an effective, long-term, single-dose treatment option, now approaching clinical practice. This study aimed to understand patient perspectives on GT for HA and HB in Italy using a qualitative questionnaire distributed through Italian patient associations, addressing patient views on daily life, treatments, unmet needs, quality of life (QoL), and GT for hemophilia. In total, 141 participants had HA, and 14 had HB (severe 78.6%). Daily life was most affected by pain and/or joint function limitations (57.5% of participants), high infusion frequency (42.5%), management of breakthrough bleeding episodes (40.3%), and anxiety/fear of severe or sudden bleeding (38.8%). Despite current treatments, about half of the participants experienced three or more annual bleeding episodes. Most participants knew of GT (87.2%) and expected improvements in QoL (60.5%), reduced frequency of current treatments (53.5%), and a permanent cure (49.1%); 46.4% were unaware of its once-off dosage and 46.4% were not concerned about the costs they anticipated to be associated with GT. Although several fears were reported, 25.0% of participants were willing to undergo GT with the support of a multidisciplinary team. This survey provided valuable insight into patient perspectives on hemophilia and GT in Italy. Overall, relevant proportions of patients still experience limitations affecting their daily life. Most were positive about GT and anticipated improvements in their clinical outcomes and QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Francesca Mansueto
- Centro Emofila e Divisione di Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico Paolo Giaccone, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sarah Bigi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Linguistiche e Letterature Straniere, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Lupi
- Federation of Haemophilia Associations (FedEmo), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Coppola
- Regional Reference Centre for Inherited Bleeding Disorders, Department of General and Specialist Medicine, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Hriberšek M, Eibensteiner F, Bukowski N, Yeung AWK, Atanasov AG, Schaden E. Research areas and trends in family-centered care in the 21st century: a bibliometric review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1401577. [PMID: 38933103 PMCID: PMC11201138 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1401577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Family-centered care (FCC) is a model of care provision that sees a patient's loved ones as essential partners to the health care team and positively influences the psychological safety of patients and loved ones. Objectives This review aims to present an overview of impactful publications, authors, institutions, journals, countries, fields of application and trends of FCC in the 21st century as well as suggestions on further research. Methods The Web of Science Database was searched for publications on FCC between January 2000 and Dezember 2023. After screening for duplicates, VOS Viewer and CiteSpace were used to analyze and visualize the data. Results Scientific interest in FCC has grown and resulted in the scientific output of 4,836 publications originating from 103 different countries. Based on the frequent author keywords, FCC was of greatest interest in neonatology and pediatrics, nursing, critical and intensive care, end-of-life and palliative care, and patient-related outcomes. The recent research hotspots are "patient engagement," "qualitative study," and "health literacy." Conclusion FCC has gained recognition and spread from the pediatric to the adult palliative, intensive, end-of-life and geriatric care settings. This is a very reassuring development since adults, especially when older, want and need the assistance of their social support systems. Recent research directions include the involvement of patients in the development of FCC strategies, health literacy interventions and the uptake of telemedicine solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojca Hriberšek
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Digital Health and Patient Safety (LBG), Vienna, Austria
- Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabian Eibensteiner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Digital Health and Patient Safety (LBG), Vienna, Austria
- Clinical Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Gastroenterology, University Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nils Bukowski
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Digital Health and Patient Safety (LBG), Vienna, Austria
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andy Wai Kan Yeung
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Digital Health and Patient Safety (LBG), Vienna, Austria
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Atanas G. Atanasov
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Digital Health and Patient Safety (LBG), Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Eva Schaden
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Digital Health and Patient Safety (LBG), Vienna, Austria
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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15
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Lu Q, Schulz PJ. Physician Perspectives on Internet-Informed Patients: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e47620. [PMID: 38842920 PMCID: PMC11190621 DOI: 10.2196/47620] [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] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The internet has become a prevalent source of health information for patients. However, its accuracy and relevance are often questionable. While patients seek physicians' expertise in interpreting internet health information, physicians' perspectives on patients' information-seeking behavior are less explored. OBJECTIVE This review aims to understand physicians' perceptions of patients' internet health information-seeking behavior as well as their communication strategies and the challenges and needs they face with internet-informed patients. METHODS An initial search in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Communication and Mass Media Complete, and PsycINFO was conducted to collect studies published from January 1990 to August 1, 2022. A subsequent search on December 24, 2023, targeted recent studies published after the initial search cutoff date. Two reviewers independently performed title, abstract, and full-text screening, adhering to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement guidelines. Thematic analysis was then used to identify key themes and systematically categorize evidence from both qualitative and quantitative studies under these themes. RESULTS A total of 22 qualifying articles were identified after the search and screening process. Physicians were found to hold diverse views on patients' internet searches, which can be viewed as a continuous spectrum of opinions ranging from positive to negative. While some physicians leaned distinctly toward either positive or negative perspectives, a significant number expressed more balanced views. These physicians recognized both the benefits, such as increased patient health knowledge and informed decision-making, and the potential harms, including misinformation and the triggering of negative emotions, such as patient anxiety or confusion, associated with patients' internet health information seeking. Two communicative strategies were identified: the participative and defensive approaches. While the former seeks to guide internet-informed patients to use internet information with physicians' expertise, the latter aims to discourage patients from using the internet to seek health information. Physicians' perceptions were linked to their strategies: those holding positive views tended to adopt a participative approach, while those with negative views favored a defensive strategy. Some physicians claimed to shift between the 2 approaches depending on their interaction with a certain patient. We also identified several challenges and needs of physicians in dealing with internet-informed patients, including the time pressure to address internet-informed patient demands, a lack of structured training, and being uninformed about trustworthy internet sites that can be recommended to internet-informed patients. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the diverse perceptions that physicians hold toward internet-informed patients, as well as the interplay between their perceptions, communication strategies, and their interactions with individual patients. Incorporating elements into the medical teaching curriculum that introduce physicians to reliable internet health resources for patient guidance, coupled with providing updates on technological advancements, could be instrumental in equipping physicians to more effectively manage internet-informed patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022356317; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=356317.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianfeng Lu
- Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Peter Johannes Schulz
- Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
- Department of Communication & Media, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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16
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Ding R, Kong Q, Sun L, Liu X, Xu L, Li Y, Zuo X, Li Y. Health information in short videos about metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: Analysing quality and reliability. Liver Int 2024; 44:1373-1382. [PMID: 38441405 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15871] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Short videos, crucial for disseminating health information on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), lack a clear evaluation of quality and reliability. This study aimed to assess the quality and reliability of MASLD-related videos on Chinese platforms. METHODS Video samples were collected from three platforms (TikTok, Kwai and Bilibili) during the period from November 2019 to July 2023. Two independent reviewers evaluated the integrity of the information contained therein by scoring six key aspects of its content: definition, epidemiology, risk factors, outcomes, diagnosis and treatment. The quality and reliability of the videos were assessed using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) criteria, the Global Quality Score (GQS) and the modified DISCERN score. RESULTS A total of 198 videos were included. The video content exhibited an overall unsatisfactory quality, with a primary emphasis on risk factors and treatment, while diagnosis and epidemiology were seldom addressed. Regarding the sources of the videos, the GQS and modified DISCERN scores varied significantly between the platforms (p = .003), although they had generally similar JAMA scores (p = .251). Videos created by medical professionals differed significantly in terms of JAMA scores (p = .046) compared to those created by nonmedical professionals, but there were no statistically significant differences in GQS (p = .923) or modified DISCERN scores (p = .317). CONCLUSIONS The overall quality and reliability of the videos were poor and varied between platforms and uploaders. Platforms and healthcare professionals should strive to provide more reliable health-related information regarding MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihao Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for digestive disease, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qingzhou Kong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for digestive disease, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Longfei Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for digestive disease, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xuyan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for digestive disease, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Leiqi Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for digestive disease, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yueyue Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for digestive disease, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiuli Zuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for digestive disease, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yanqing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for digestive disease, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Wang JY, Patel P, Bitterman D, Jagdeo J. An Analysis of Dermatology-Related Red-Light Therapy Patient Questions on Reddit. Dermatol Surg 2024; 50:553-557. [PMID: 38460195 DOI: 10.1097/dss.0000000000004156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reddit is one of the world's most popular social media platforms and is increasingly used as a health information resource for patients on topics such as red-light (RL) therapy. OBJECTIVE In this article, the authors present an analysis of prevalent patient questions and concerns regarding RL therapy. METHODS All posts on the "Hot" page of the r/redlighttherapy subreddit were analyzed and categorized. RESULTS A total of 930 questions from 664 posts were analyzed. The most commonly asked question category was related to product recommendations or feedback (29.7%), followed by usage instructions (15.3%), safety and side effects (12.6%), and indications and efficacy (12.3%). CONCLUSION Understanding patient concerns and questions about RL, as expressed on online platforms like Reddit, can help clinicians improve patient satisfaction, education, and clinical outcomes. The study offers an innovative approach by using social media to uncover valuable patient insights that might not be easily observable within clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Y Wang
- Department of Dermatology, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York
- Dermatology Service, Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System-Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Paras Patel
- Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey
- Dermatology Service, Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System-Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, New York
| | - David Bitterman
- Dermatology Service, Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System-Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, New York
- New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Jared Jagdeo
- Department of Dermatology, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York
- Dermatology Service, Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System-Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, New York
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Skowrońska M, Pawłowski M, Milewski R. Evaluating the Reliability of Health Portals' Nutrition and Supplementation Advice for Pregnant Women: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:1739. [PMID: 38892672 PMCID: PMC11175121 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111739] [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] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This article evaluates the reliability and consistency of nutrition- and supplementation-related advice for pregnant women provided by ten selected health-related Internet portals. The portals were chosen based on their perceived reliability and prominence in Google searches, with representation from both English and Polish language sources. The evaluation criteria included the adherence of the presented information to official recommendations and its evidence-based character based on specific items representing dietary aspects important in pregnancy. While the overall reliability was deemed acceptable, significant variations existed both among the portals and specific evaluated items. Notably, HealthLine, Medline Plus, and NCEZ emerged as the most evidence-based, while WebMD and Medycyna Praktyczna were identified as less reliable. Despite a number of issues, the analysed portals remain valuable sources of nutritional information for pregnant women, offering user-friendly accessibility superior to alternatives such as social media on the one hand and scientific articles on the other. Improved consistency and attention to detail, especially in relation to vitamin intake and supplementation, would improve the overall quality of health portals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michał Pawłowski
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Medical University of Białystok, 15-295 Białystok, Poland;
| | - Robert Milewski
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Medical University of Białystok, 15-295 Białystok, Poland;
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Lu Q, Schulz PJ, Chang A. Medication safety perceptions in China: Media exposure, healthcare experiences, and trusted information sources. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 123:108209. [PMID: 38367304 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Amid ongoing medication safety concerns in China and limited research on public perceptions, this study investigates the correlations between media exposure, healthcare experiences, and individuals' perceptions of medication safety. It also examines individuals' reliance on information sources during safety crises. METHODS A multistage stratified random sampling was employed with the gross sample containing 3090 Chinese adults aged 18-60 years. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. RESULTS Social media exposure was found to negatively correlate with perceptions of current medication safety and its perceived improvement, while exposure to television and print media showed positive correlations. Positive healthcare experiences were associated with improved medication safety perceptions. Among various information sources, healthcare professionals were deemed most trustworthy during medication safety incidents. CONCLUSIONS Media exposure and personal healthcare experiences significantly shape individuals' perceptions of medication safety in China, with healthcare professionals playing a crucial role in this context. Practiceimplications: Effective health crisis communication in China needs to be multifaceted, integrating traditional media and social media platforms to disseminate accurate information broadly. Additionally, healthcare professionals should be actively involved in crisis communication. Their role as trusted sources can be leveraged to clarify misconceptions, and reassure the public during medication safety incidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianfeng Lu
- Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Peter J Schulz
- Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland; Department of Communication & Media, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Angela Chang
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
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20
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Trần TB, Ambrens M, Nguyễn J, Coleman E, Gilanyi Y, Letton M, Pandit A, Lock L, Thom JM, Sen S, Lambert K, Arnold R. Preferences of people with chronic kidney disease regarding digital health interventions that promote healthy lifestyle: qualitative systematic review with meta-ethnography. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e082345. [PMID: 38802278 PMCID: PMC11131123 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082345] [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] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diet and physical activity are crucial for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to maintain good health. Digital health interventions can increase access to lifestyle services. However, consumers' perspectives are unclear, which may reduce the capacity to develop interventions that align with specific needs and preferences. Therefore, this review aims to synthesise the preferences of people with CKD regarding digital health interventions that promote healthy lifestyle. DESIGN Qualitative systematic review with meta-ethnography. DATA SOURCES Databases Scopus, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus were searched between 2000 and 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Primary research papers that used qualitative exploration methods to explore the preferences of adults with CKD (≥18 years) regarding digital health interventions that promoted diet, physical activity or a combination of these health behaviours. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent reviewers screened title, abstract and full text. Discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. Consumers' quotes were extracted verbatim and synthesised into higher-order themes and subthemes. RESULTS Database search yielded 5761 records. One record was identified following communication with a primary author. 15 papers were included. These papers comprised 197 consumers (mean age 51.0±7.2), including 83 people with CKD 1-5; 61 kidney transplant recipients; 53 people on dialysis. Sex was reported in 182 people, including 53% male. Five themes were generated regarding consumers' preferences for digital lifestyle interventions. These included simple instruction and engaging design; individualised interventions; virtual communities of care; education and action plans; and timely reminders and automated behavioural monitoring. CONCLUSION Digital health interventions were considered an important mechanism to access lifestyle services. Consumers' preferences are important to ensure future interventions are tailored to specific needs and goals. Future research may consider applying the conceptual framework of consumers' preferences in this review to develop and evaluate the effect of a digital lifestyle intervention on health outcomes. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42023411511.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thái Bình Trần
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Meghan Ambrens
- Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer Nguyễn
- Department of Renal Medicine, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, University of New South Wales Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eve Coleman
- Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, University of New South Wales Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yannick Gilanyi
- School of Health Sciences, University of New South Wales Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Meg Letton
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anurag Pandit
- School of Health Sciences, University of New South Wales Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Logan Lock
- School of Health Sciences, University of New South Wales Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeanette M Thom
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shaundeep Sen
- Department of Renal Medicine, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
- Concord Clinical School, The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kelly Lambert
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ria Arnold
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, University of New South Wales Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Li X, Chen K, Jia Y, Yin F, Wen X, Wang C, Li Z, Zhang H. Assessment of medical information on irritable bowel syndrome information in Wikipedia and Baidu Encyclopedia: comparative study. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17264. [PMID: 38803580 PMCID: PMC11129691 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) with heterogeneous clinical presentations. There are no clear testing parameters for its diagnosis, and the complex pathophysiology of IBS and the limited time that doctors have to spend with patients makes it difficult to adequately educate patients in the outpatient setting. An increased awareness of IBS means that patients are more likely to self-diagnose and self-manage IBS based on their own symptoms. These factors may make patients more likely to turn to Internet resources. Wikipedia is the most popular online encyclopedia among English-speaking users, with numerous validations. However, in Mandarin-speaking regions, the Baidu Encyclopedia is most commonly used. There have been no studies on the reliability, readability, and objectivity of IBS information on the two sites. This is an urgent issue as these platforms are accessed by approximately 1.45 billion people. Objective We compared the IBS content on Wikipedia (in English) and Baidu Baike (in Chinese), two online encyclopedias, in terms of reliability, readability, and objectivity. Methods The Baidu Encyclopedia (in Chinese) and Wikipedia (in English) were evaluated based on the Rome IV IBS definitions and diagnoses. All possible synonyms and derivatives for IBS and IBS-related FGIDs were screened and identified. Two gastroenterology experts evaluated the scores of articles for both sites using the DISCERN instrument, the Journal of the American Medical Association scoring system (JAMA), and the Global Quality Score (GQS). Results Wikipedia scored higher overall with DISCERN (p < .0001), JAMA (p < .0001) and GQS (p < .05) than the Baidu Encyclopedia. Specifically, Wikipedia scored higher in DISCERN Section 1 (p < .0001), DISCERN Section 2 (p < .01), DISCERN Section 3 (p < .001), and the General DISCERN score (p < .0001) than the Baidu Encyclopedia. Both sites had low DISCERN Section 2 scores (p = .18). Wikipedia also had a larger percentage of high quality scores in total DISCERN, DISCERN Section 1, and DISCERN Section 3 (p < .0001, P < .0001, P < .0004, respectively, based on the above 3 (60%) rule). Conclusions Wikipedia provides more reliable, higher quality, and more objective IBS-related health information than the Baidu Encyclopedia. However, there should be improvements in the information quality for both sites. Medical professionals and institutions should collaborate with these online platforms to offer better health information for IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- General Practice ward/ International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kexin Chen
- Lab of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongbin Jia
- Lab of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Yin
- Lab of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Wen
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunhui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhipeng Li
- General Practice ward/ International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hu Zhang
- Lab of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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22
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Williams-Ceci S, Macy MW, Naaman M. Misinformation does not reduce trust in accurate search results, but warning banners may backfire. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10977. [PMID: 38744967 PMCID: PMC11094033 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61645-8] [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] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
People rely on search engines for information in critical contexts, such as public health emergencies-but what makes people trust some search results more than others? Can search engines influence people's levels of trust by controlling how information is presented? And, how does the presence of misinformation influence people's trust? Research has identified both rank and the presence of misinformation as factors impacting people's search behavior. Here, we extend these findings by measuring the effects of these factors, as well as misinformation warning banners, on the perceived trustworthiness of individual search results. We conducted three online experiments (N = 3196) using Covid-19-related queries, and found that although higher-ranked results are clicked more often, they are not more trusted. We also showed that misinformation does not damage trust in accurate results displayed below it. In contrast, while a warning about unreliable sources might decrease trust in misinformation, it significantly decreases trust in accurate information. This research alleviates some concerns about how people evaluate the credibility of information they find online, while revealing a potential backfire effect of one misinformation-prevention approach; namely, that banner warnings about source unreliability could lead to unexpected and nonoptimal outcomes in which people trust accurate information less.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sterling Williams-Ceci
- Department of Information Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Cornell Tech, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Michael W Macy
- Department of Information Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Sociology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Mor Naaman
- Department of Information Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Cornell Tech, New York, NY, USA
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23
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Zhang B, Naderi N, Mishra R, Teodoro D. Online Health Search Via Multidimensional Information Quality Assessment Based on Deep Language Models: Algorithm Development and Validation. JMIR AI 2024; 3:e42630. [PMID: 38875551 PMCID: PMC11099810 DOI: 10.2196/42630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Widespread misinformation in web resources can lead to serious implications for individuals seeking health advice. Despite that, information retrieval models are often focused only on the query-document relevance dimension to rank results. OBJECTIVE We investigate a multidimensional information quality retrieval model based on deep learning to enhance the effectiveness of online health care information search results. METHODS In this study, we simulated online health information search scenarios with a topic set of 32 different health-related inquiries and a corpus containing 1 billion web documents from the April 2019 snapshot of Common Crawl. Using state-of-the-art pretrained language models, we assessed the quality of the retrieved documents according to their usefulness, supportiveness, and credibility dimensions for a given search query on 6030 human-annotated, query-document pairs. We evaluated this approach using transfer learning and more specific domain adaptation techniques. RESULTS In the transfer learning setting, the usefulness model provided the largest distinction between help- and harm-compatible documents, with a difference of +5.6%, leading to a majority of helpful documents in the top 10 retrieved. The supportiveness model achieved the best harm compatibility (+2.4%), while the combination of usefulness, supportiveness, and credibility models achieved the largest distinction between help- and harm-compatibility on helpful topics (+16.9%). In the domain adaptation setting, the linear combination of different models showed robust performance, with help-harm compatibility above +4.4% for all dimensions and going as high as +6.8%. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that integrating automatic ranking models created for specific information quality dimensions can increase the effectiveness of health-related information retrieval. Thus, our approach could be used to enhance searches made by individuals seeking online health information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boya Zhang
- Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nona Naderi
- Department of Computer Science, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Sciences du Numérique, Orsay, France
| | - Rahul Mishra
- Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Douglas Teodoro
- Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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24
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Luu B, Chinnadurai A, Choudhary O, Breede N, Fidler LM, Ryan CM, Khan MH, Lau AK, Blazer AJ, Wentlandt K, Rozenberg D. A comprehensive evaluation of online inhaler use techniques for obstructive airway disease. Respir Med 2024; 226:107607. [PMID: 38548142 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107607] [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] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary inhaler therapy is a core treatment modality for >600 million individuals affected by obstructive airways disease globally. Poor inhaler technique is associated with reduced disease control and increased health care utilization; however, many patients rely on the internet as a technical resource. This study assesses the content and quality of online resources describing inhaler techniques. METHODS A Google search was conducted in April 2023 capturing the top 5 search results for 12 common inhaler devices. Websites were compared to product monographs for preparation/first use, inhalational technique, and post-usage/device care. They were also assessed using accepted quality metrics (GQS, DISCERN, JAMA Benchmark scores) and clinically relevant aspects based on the literature and consensus statements. RESULTS Websites regularly excluded critical steps important for proper inhaler technique. They performed best on information related directly to inhalation technique (average median score 78%), whereas steps related to preparation/first use (58%) or post-usage/device care (50%) were less frequently addressed. Median GQS, DISCERN, and JAMA Benchmark scores were 3 [IQR 3-4], 3 [IQR 2-4], and 1 [IQR 1-3], respectively. Clinically relevant factors were only addressed in about one-fifth of websites with no websites addressing smoking cessation, environmental considerations, or risk factors for poor technique. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights gaps in online resources describing inhaler technique, particularly related to preparation/first use and post-usage/device care steps. Clinically relevant factors were rarely addressed across websites. Improvements in these areas could lead to enhanced inhaler technique and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Luu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anu Chinnadurai
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Omer Choudhary
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nikki Breede
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lee M Fidler
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Respirology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clodagh M Ryan
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Respirology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammad Hashim Khan
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Respirology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ambrose K Lau
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Respirology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alina J Blazer
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Respirology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kirsten Wentlandt
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dmitry Rozenberg
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Respirology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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25
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Temel MH, Erden Y, Bağcıer F. Assessing Patients Perception: Analyzing the Quality, Reliability, Comprehensibility, and the Mentioned Medical Concepts of Traumatic Brain Injury Videos on YouTube. World Neurosurg 2024; 185:e907-e914. [PMID: 38458253 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.02.150] [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] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to analyze the quality, reliability, comprehensibility, and the mentioned medical concepts of traumatic brain injury (TBI) related videos on YouTube. METHODS "Traumatic brain injury (TBI)" and Google Trends related queries were used, and 328 videos were included. Categorization, quality assessment via a 5-point Global Quality Scale, reliability evaluation using a modified DISCERN scale, comprehensibility assessment using Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, and consensus-based classification for usefulness were performed. Target audience categorization was content-based. Text mining techniques were used to identify biomedical terms in video transcripts. RESULTS Most of the videos were intended for nonhealthcare professionals and deemed useful. The videos had intermediate quality and a moderate level of reliability. The comprehensibility of the videos exceeded the recommended levels. Videos predominantly covered TBI symptoms, the severity of the condition, its impact on individuals, and possibly strategies related to diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest the requirement for higher quality and reliability in YouTube content about TBI. Emphasis should be placed on clear and accurate language to promote comprehensibility. Continued research, guidelines, education, and platform oversight can enhance the spread of reliable health information on social media, benefiting creators, and consumers in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Hüseyin Temel
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, Üsküdar State Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye.
| | - Yakup Erden
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, İzzet Baysal Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Bolu, Türkiye
| | - Fatih Bağcıer
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, Basaksehir Cam Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
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26
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Hong CS. Fake news virality: Relational niches and the diffusion of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation. SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH 2024; 120:103004. [PMID: 38763539 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2024.103004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
This study explores why some fake news publishers are able to propagate misinformation while others receive little attention on social media. Using COVID-19 vaccine tweets as a case study, this study combined the relational niche framework with pooled and multilevel models that address the unobserved heterogeneity. The results showed that, as expected, ties to accounts with more followers were associated with more fake news tweets, retweets, and likes. However, more surprisingly, embedding with fake news publishers had an inverted U-shaped association with diffusion, whereas social proximity to mainstream media was positively associated. Although the effect of influential users is in line with opinion leader theory, the newly-identified effects of social proximity to reliable sources and embeddedness suggest that the key to fake news virality is to earn greater organizational status and modest, not overly, echo chambers. This study highlights the potential of dynamic media networks to shape the misinformation market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Shuo Hong
- Department of Sociology University of Massachusetts, 200 Hicks Way, 738 Thompson Hall, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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27
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Jucá AM, Santana Jorge O, Moreira YR, Lotto M, Sá Menezes T, Cruvinel T. Uncovering a pseudoscience: an analysis of 'biological dentistry' Instagram posts. Acta Odontol Scand 2024; 83:180-189. [PMID: 38656559 DOI: 10.2340/aos.v83.40486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This infodemiology study aimed to analyze characteristics of English-language Instagram posts on 'Biological Dentistry'. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using CrowdTangle, we analyzed 500 'Biological Dentistry' posts published on Instagram from May 2017 to May 2022. Two researchers assessed each post for facticity, motivation, author's profile, sentiment, and interaction metrics. Statistical analysis was employed to compare interaction metrics between dichotomized categories of posts' characteristics and determine predictors of misinformation and user engagement. RESULTS Over half of the posts (58.4%) were from health-related authors, and a considerable number contained misinformation (68.2%) or were financially motivated (52%). Sentiment was mostly negative or neutral (59.8%). Misinformation was associated with financial motivation (OR = 2.12) and health-related authors (OR = 5.56), while non-health-related authors' posts associated with higher engagement (OR = 1.98). Reliable content, non-health-related authorship, and positive sentiment were associated with increased user interaction. CONCLUSION Misinformation about 'Biological Dentistry' on Instagram is mainly spread by financially incentivized health-related authors. Yet, non-health-related authors' posts resonate more with audiences, highlighting a nuanced relationship between content facticity, authorship, and engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Jucá
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, and Public Health, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
| | - Olivia Santana Jorge
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, and Public Health, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
| | - Yasmin Rosalin Moreira
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, and Public Health, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
| | - Matheus Lotto
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, and Public Health, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
| | - Tamires Sá Menezes
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, and Public Health, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
| | - Thiago Cruvinel
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, and Public Health, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil.
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Reblin M, Ward C, Hammond A, Peloquin J, Rabinowitz M, Fung M, Threlkeld K, Nowak S. Understanding barriers and facilitators of appropriate antibiotic use: a qualitative analysis of an online parenting forum. Fam Pract 2024; 41:155-160. [PMID: 37950458 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmad103] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Antibiotic use and misuse are common in pregnant women and young children. Few studies have assessed real-world discussions of antibiotics in these populations. Using social media posts of pregnant women and parents, our goal was to identify key themes about facilitators and barriers to appropriate antibiotic usage. METHODS A purposive sample of public posts and comments relevant to antibiotic use was collected from the BabyCenter United States social media site. Using a directed content analysis, themes related to facilitators and barriers to appropriate antibiotic use were identified. RESULTS Seven hundred and twenty-six posts and 5227 comments were analysed. Themes centred around individual factors, interpersonal factors, and structural factors. Individual factors included knowledge and beliefs. Though misinformation was present, most parents were aware of appropriate antibiotic usage and perceived antibiotics as safe and effective. Some hesitance around using antibiotics led to recommendations for home remedies or over-the-counter treatments. Interpersonal factors focused on a lack of available offline peer support, the expertise of providers, as well as a potential lack of attention from those providers. Structural factors, including access to care, also impacted parents' antibiotic use and misuse. CONCLUSION Though most parents demonstrated appropriate knowledge about antibiotics and a willingness to follow guidelines, negative experiences with their providers, a lack of support from peers, and structural factors presented as potential barriers to appropriate antibiotic use. Implementing avenues for peer support for parents, allowing more time for providers to address parents' concerns, and improving access to providers could improve appropriate antibiotic use in parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Reblin
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Carter Ward
- Complex Systems & Data Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Alice Hammond
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Jack Peloquin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Morgan Rabinowitz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Mark Fung
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Kirsten Threlkeld
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Sarah Nowak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
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29
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McLaren JE, Hoang-Gia D, Dorisca E, Hartz S, Dang S, Moo L. Development and Evaluation of a Clinician-Vetted Dementia Caregiver Resources Website: Mixed Methods Approach. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e54168. [PMID: 38573761 PMCID: PMC11027049 DOI: 10.2196/54168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 11 million Americans are caregivers for the 6.7 million Americans currently living with dementia. They provide over 18 billion hours of unpaid care per year, yet most have no formal dementia education or support. It is extremely difficult for clinicians to keep up with the demand for caregiver education, especially as dementia is neurodegenerative in nature, requiring different information at different stages of the disease process. In this digital age, caregivers often seek dementia information on the internet, but clinicians lack a single, reliable compendium of expert-approved digital resources to provide to dementia caregivers. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to create a dementia caregiver resources website to serve as a hub for user-friendly, high-quality, and expert-reviewed dementia educational resources that clinicians can easily supply to family caregivers of people with dementia. METHODS An interdisciplinary website development team (representing dementia experts from occupational therapy, nursing, social work, geriatrics, and neurology) went through 6 iterative steps of website development to ensure resource selection quality and eligibility rigor. Steps included (1) resource collection, (2) creation of eligibility criteria, (3) resource organization by topic, (4) additional content identification, (5) finalize resource selection, and (6) website testing and launch. Website visits were tracked, and a 20-item survey about website usability and utility was sent to Veterans Affairs tele-geriatrics interdisciplinary specialty care groups. RESULTS Following website development, the dementia caregiver resource website was launched in February 2022. Over the first 9 months, the site averaged 1100 visits per month. The 3 subcategories with the highest number of visits were "general dementia information," "activities of daily living," and "self-care and support." Most (44/45, 98%) respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the website was easy to navigate, and all respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the resources were useful. CONCLUSIONS The iterative process of creating the dementia caregiver resources website included continuous identification, categorization, and prioritization of resources, followed by clinician feedback on website usability, accessibility, and suggestions for improvement. The website received thousands of visits and positive clinician reviews in its first 9 months. Results demonstrate that an expert-vetted, nationally, and remotely available resource website allows for easy access to dementia education for clinicians to provide for their patients and caregivers. This process of website development can serve as a model for other clinical subspecialty groups seeking to create a comprehensive educational resource for populations who lack easy access to specialty care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaye E McLaren
- New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Bedford Health Care System, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Dat Hoang-Gia
- Palo Alto Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Eugenia Dorisca
- Bronx Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Bronx Health Care System, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Stephanie Hartz
- Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Eastern Colorado Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Stuti Dang
- Miami Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Miami Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Miami, FL, United States
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Elizabeth Dole Center of Excellence for Veteran and Caregiver Research, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Lauren Moo
- New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Bedford Health Care System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Cognitive Behavioral Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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30
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Xia C, Johnson NF. Nonlinear spreading behavior across multi-platform social media universe. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2024; 34:043149. [PMID: 38648381 DOI: 10.1063/5.0199655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Understanding how harmful content (mis/disinformation, hate, etc.) manages to spread among online communities within and across social media platforms represents an urgent societal challenge. We develop a non-linear dynamical model for such viral spreading, which accounts for the fact that online communities dynamically interconnect across multiple social media platforms. Our mean-field theory (Effective Medium Theory) compares well to detailed numerical simulations and provides a specific analytic condition for the onset of outbreaks (i.e., system-wide spreading). Even if the infection rate is significantly lower than the recovery rate, it predicts system-wide spreading if online communities create links between them at high rates and the loss of such links (e.g., due to moderator pressure) is low. Policymakers should, therefore, account for these multi-community dynamics when shaping policies against system-wide spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenkai Xia
- Physics Department, George Washington University, Washington DC 20052, USA
| | - Neil F Johnson
- Physics Department, George Washington University, Washington DC 20052, USA
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Laubach S, Kim EH, Greenhawt M, Bailey S, Anagnostou A. A Review of Shared Decision-Making, Published Protocols, and Post-desensitization Strategies in Oral Immunotherapy (OIT). Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2024; 24:173-197. [PMID: 38441821 PMCID: PMC11008063 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-024-01132-2] [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] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to highlight key published oral immunotherapy (OIT) protocols and post-desensitization strategies for the major food allergens and to cover important concepts to consider when evaluating OIT for food-allergic patients. Shared decision-making should help identify patient and family values which will help influence the type of evidence-based protocol and maintenance strategy to use. RECENT FINDINGS With food OIT emerging as a treatment option, there is a pressing need for patients, physicians, and other providers to have a nuanced understanding of the management choices available to them. There are now randomized controlled trials (RCT) of OIT for peanut, egg, milk, and wheat, and reports of cohorts of patients who have undergone OIT for tree nuts and sesame clinically. The current published protocols contain significant diversity in terms of starting dose, build-up schedule, maintenance dose, and even the product used for desensitization. Emerging data can help direct the long-term maintenance strategy for patients on OIT. Based on patient and family values elicited through the shared decision-making process, an OIT protocol may be selected that balances the level of desensitization, potential side effects, frequency of clinic visits, and potential to induce sustained unresponsiveness, among other factors. Once maintenance dosing is reached, most patients will need to maintain regular exposure to the food allergen to remain desensitized. The option to transition to commercial food products with equivalent amounts of food protein as the OIT maintenance dose would simplify the dosing process and perhaps improve palatability as well. Less frequent or decreased OIT dosing can provide practical benefits but may affect the level of desensitization and safety for some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Laubach
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Edwin H Kim
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Matthew Greenhawt
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Food Challenge and Research Unit, Children's Hospital Colorado, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sally Bailey
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Allergy Associates of Northern Virginia, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Aikaterini Anagnostou
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Immunology, Allergy and Retrovirology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Section of Allergy, Immunology & Retrovirology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Wu S, Zhang J, Du L. "I Do Not Trust Health Information Shared by My Parents": Credibility Judgement of Health (Mis)information on Social Media in China. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:96-106. [PMID: 36548158 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2159143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The surge of health misinformation on social media poses a threat to public health. This qualitative study reports how users process health misinformation from the dominant strong-tie social media, WeChat, in China. We conducted ten on-site focus groups involving 76 adult participants. Drawing on the apomediation theory and the dual processing model of credibility assessment, we found the heuristic approach to processing health information was the dominant route of engagement. We identified four categories of credibility assessment cues, including (1) expertise, authority, and commercial intent of original sources, (2) expertise of apomediaries (i.e. social media information sharers) and generational bias, (3) clickbait and sensational content versus objective scientific style, and (4) disconfirmation versus confirmation bias. We highlight that apomediaries are playing an increasingly important role in informing credibility judgment. Specifically, younger adults have formed a generational bias of deeming older apomediaries as cues of lower credibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Wu
- Center for Studies of Media Development, School of Journalism and Communication, Wuhan University
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Communication, University of California, Davis
| | - Lihua Du
- School of Journalism and Communication, Renmin University of China
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Chlabicz M, Nabożny A, Koszelew J, Łaguna W, Szpakowicz A, Sowa P, Budny W, Guziejko K, Róg-Makal M, Pancewicz S, Kondrusik M, Czupryna P, Cudowska B, Lebensztejn D, Moniuszko-Malinowska A, Wierzbicki A, Kamiński KA. Medical Misinformation in Polish on the World Wide Web During the COVID-19 Pandemic Period: Infodemiology Study. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e48130. [PMID: 38551638 PMCID: PMC10984342 DOI: 10.2196/48130] [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] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although researchers extensively study the rapid generation and spread of misinformation about the novel coronavirus during the pandemic, numerous other health-related topics are contaminating the internet with misinformation that have not received as much attention. OBJECTIVE This study aims to gauge the reach of the most popular medical content on the World Wide Web, extending beyond the confines of the pandemic. We conducted evaluations of subject matter and credibility for the years 2021 and 2022, following the principles of evidence-based medicine with assessments performed by experienced clinicians. METHODS We used 274 keywords to conduct web page searches through the BuzzSumo Enterprise Application. These keywords were chosen based on medical topics derived from surveys administered to medical practitioners. The search parameters were confined to 2 distinct date ranges: (1) January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021; (2) January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. Our searches were specifically limited to web pages in the Polish language and filtered by the specified date ranges. The analysis encompassed 161 web pages retrieved in 2021 and 105 retrieved in 2022. Each web page underwent scrutiny by a seasoned doctor to assess its credibility, aligning with evidence-based medicine standards. Furthermore, we gathered data on social media engagements associated with the web pages, considering platforms such as Facebook, Pinterest, Reddit, and Twitter. RESULTS In 2022, the prevalence of unreliable information related to COVID-19 saw a noteworthy decline compared to 2021. Specifically, the percentage of noncredible web pages discussing COVID-19 and general vaccinations decreased from 57% (43/76) to 24% (6/25) and 42% (10/25) to 30% (3/10), respectively. However, during the same period, there was a considerable uptick in the dissemination of untrustworthy content on social media pertaining to other medical topics. The percentage of noncredible web pages covering cholesterol, statins, and cardiology rose from 11% (3/28) to 26% (9/35) and from 18% (5/28) to 26% (6/23), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Efforts undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic to curb the dissemination of misinformation seem to have yielded positive results. Nevertheless, our analysis suggests that these interventions need to be consistently implemented across both established and emerging medical subjects. It appears that as interest in the pandemic waned, other topics gained prominence, essentially "filling the vacuum" and necessitating ongoing measures to address misinformation across a broader spectrum of health-related subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Chlabicz
- Department of Population Medicine and Lifestyle Diseases Prevention, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
- Department of Invasive Cardiology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Nabożny
- Department of Software Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jolanta Koszelew
- R&D Department, Science4People Limited Liability Company, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Łaguna
- Faculty of Computer Science, Bialystok University of Technology, Białystok, Poland
| | - Anna Szpakowicz
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Paweł Sowa
- Department of Population Medicine and Lifestyle Diseases Prevention, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Wojciech Budny
- Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Guziejko
- 2nd Department of Lung Diseases and Tuberculosis, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Magdalena Róg-Makal
- Department of Invasive Cardiology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Sławomir Pancewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfection, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Maciej Kondrusik
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfection, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Czupryna
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfection, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Beata Cudowska
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition, Allergology and Pulmonology, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Dariusz Lebensztejn
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition, Allergology and Pulmonology, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfection, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Adam Wierzbicki
- Department of Computer Science, Polish-Japaneese Academy of Information Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karol A Kamiński
- Department of Population Medicine and Lifestyle Diseases Prevention, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
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Vivion M, Reid V, Dubé E, Coutant A, Benoit A, Tourigny A. How older adults manage misinformation and information overload - A qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:871. [PMID: 38515081 PMCID: PMC10956171 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18335-x] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by an abundance of information, some of it reliable and some of it misinformation. Evidence-based data on the impact of misinformation on attitudes and behaviours remains limited. Studies indicate that older adults are more likely to embrace and disseminate misinformation than other population groups, making them vulnerable to misinformation. The purpose of this article is to explore the effects of misinformation and information overload on older adults, and to present the management strategies put in place to deal with such effects, in the context of COVID-19. METHODS A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted to conduct this research. A total of 36 semi-structured interviews were conducted with older adults living in Quebec, Canada. The interviews were fully transcribed and subjected to a thematic content analysis. RESULTS Participants said they could easily spot misinformation online. Despite this, misinformation and its treatment by the media could generate fear, stress and anxiety. Moreover, the polarization induced by misinformation resulted in tensions and even friendship breakdowns. Participants also denounced the information overload produced largely by the media. To this end, the participants set up information routines targeting the sources of information and the times at which they consulted the information. CONCLUSIONS This article questions the concept of vulnerability to misinformation by highlighting older adults' agency in managing misinformation and information overload. Furthermore, this study invites us to rethink communication strategies by distinguishing between information overload and misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vivion
- Department of Social and Preventive Medecine, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada.
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, Canada.
| | - V Reid
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, Canada
- Laboratoire sur la communication et le numérique (LabCMO), Montreal, Canada
| | - E Dubé
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Anthropology, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - A Coutant
- Laboratoire sur la communication et le numérique (LabCMO), Montreal, Canada
- Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, Canada
| | - A Benoit
- GDR AREES (Groupe de recherche: Arctique: Enjeux pour l'environnement et les sociétés) du CRNS, Paris, France
| | - A Tourigny
- Institut sur le vieillissement et la participation sociale des aînés de l'Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
- VITAM Centre de recherche en santé durable, Quebec, Canada
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Dong Y, Zhang L, Lam C, Huang Z. Counteracting sexual and reproductive health misperceptions: Investigating the roles of stigma, misinformation exposure, and information overload. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 120:108098. [PMID: 38101090 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.108098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) misperceptions constitute a critical precursor to undesired health outcomes for women. Drawing on the model of stigma management communication and exposure effects, we aimed to investigate the underlying processes of SRH misperceptions. METHODS A nationwide survey was conducted via quota sampling with Chinese women (N = 1000). Structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation and 5000 bootstrapping resamples were used to test the hypotheses. RESULTS Stigma perceptions positively predicted information avoidance (β = 0.207, p < 0.001), which, in turn, was positively associated with misperceptions (β = 0.195, p < 0.001). Misinformation exposure significantly predicted misperceptions (β = 0.607, p < 0.001), and this relationship was mediated by information avoidance (β = 0.020, 95% CI [0.007, 0.040]). Moreover, information overload strengthened the relationship between misinformation exposure and information avoidance (β = 0.153, p < 0.001) as well as the relationship between misinformation exposure and misperceptions (β = 0.077, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION Stigma and misinformation exposure play prominent roles in the formation of SRH misperceptions. Information overload facilitates the misinformation-misperception transformation. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS To counteract SRH misperceptions, health education should alleviate SRH stigma perceptions and strategically design messages to avoid information avoidance and overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Dong
- School of Media and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianshan Zhang
- School of Media and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chervin Lam
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Bia-Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity & Equality (ACRLE), Singapore
| | - Zhongwei Huang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Bia-Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity & Equality (ACRLE), Singapore
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Morris RD. How denialist amplification spread COVID misinformation and undermined the credibility of public health science. J Public Health Policy 2024; 45:114-125. [PMID: 38388891 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-023-00451-4] [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] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Denialist scientists played an outsized role in shaping public opinion and determining public health policy during the recent COVID pandemic. From early on, amplification of researchers who denied the threat of COVID shaped public opinion and undermined public health policy. The forces that amplify denialists include (1) Motivated amplifiers seeking to protect their own interests by supporting denialist scientists, (2) Conventional media outlets giving disproportionate time to denialist opinions, (3) Promoters of controversy seeking to gain traction in an 'attention economy,' and (4) Social media creating information silos in which denialists can become the dominant voice. Denialist amplification poses an existential threat to science relevant to public policy. It is incumbent on the scientific community to create a forum to accurately capture the collective perspective of the scientific community related to public health policy that is open to dissenting voices but prevents artificial amplification of denialists.
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Schüz B, Jones C. [Mis- and disinformation in social media: mitigating risks in digital health communication]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2024; 67:300-307. [PMID: 38332143 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-024-03836-2] [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] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Misinformation and disinformation in social media have become a challenge for effective public health measures. Here, we examine factors that influence believing and sharing false information, both misinformation and disinformation, at individual, social, and contextual levels and discuss intervention possibilities.At the individual level, knowledge deficits, lack of skills, and emotional motivation have been associated with believing in false information. Lower health literacy, a conspiracy mindset and certain beliefs increase susceptibility to false information. At the social level, the credibility of information sources and social norms influence the sharing of false information. At the contextual level, emotions and the repetition of messages affect belief in and sharing of false information.Interventions at the individual level involve measures to improve knowledge and skills. At the social level, addressing social processes and social norms can reduce the sharing of false information. At the contextual level, regulatory approaches involving social networks is considered an important point of intervention.Social inequalities play an important role in the exposure to and processing of misinformation. It remains unclear to which degree the susceptibility to belief in and share misinformation is an individual characteristic and/or context dependent. Complex interventions are required that should take into account multiple influencing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Schüz
- Institut für Public Health und Pflegeforschung, Universität Bremen, Grazer Straße 4, 28359, Bremen, Deutschland.
- Leibniz-WissenschaftsCampus Digital Public Health, Bremen, Deutschland.
| | - Christopher Jones
- Institut für Public Health und Pflegeforschung, Universität Bremen, Grazer Straße 4, 28359, Bremen, Deutschland
- Leibniz-WissenschaftsCampus Digital Public Health, Bremen, Deutschland
- Zentrum für Präventivmedizin und Digitale Gesundheit (CPD), Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Deutschland
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Campbell JC, Canick JE, Chen PG, Hachem RA, Jang DW. Barosinusitis due to routine weather changes: A cross-sectional analysis of public websites. World J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024; 10:18-23. [PMID: 38560031 PMCID: PMC10979036 DOI: 10.1002/wjo2.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sinusitis is a common diagnosis that can be erroneously associated with routine weather-related barometric pressure changes. In actuality, these pressure changes likely exacerbate migraine headaches, which can cause facial pain and pressure rather than true sinus inflammation. Objective The present study sought to characterize the representation of both sinusitis and migraine in association with barometric pressure changes across websites on the Internet. Methods An Internet search for relevant terms was conducted, and content of the resulting pages was assessed for associations between weather-related pressure changes and either sinusitis or migraine. Variations in reported results across different subtypes of Internet sources were analyzed. The primary outcomes measured were (1) whether a given media source associated barometric weather changes with sinusitis, (2) whether that source associated barometric weather changes with migraine, and (3) treatment options offered by that source. Results Of the 116 included webpages, 36 (31.03%) associated sinusitis and routine barometric pressure changes. Of these, 10 (27.77%) were otolaryngology practice sites. Sixty-seven webpages (57.76%) associated migraine and routine barometric pressure changes. Of these, nonotolaryngology webpages were more likely to report this link. Conclusions Otolaryngology practice sites were observed to be the most frequent professional medical resource reporting the unsubstantiated claim that routine barometric pressure changes are associated with sinusitis. Nonotolaryngology sources were more likely to link weather-related pressure changes to migraine. These results suggest that opportunities exist for otolaryngology practice sites to educate patients about nonrhinogenic headache etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C. Campbell
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Philip G. Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Texas Health Science Center San AntonioSan AntonioTexasUSA
| | - Ralph Abi Hachem
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - David W. Jang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
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Alhomsi A, Aldoss H, Aljoujou AA, Mashlah AM, Hajeer MY, Alyafi A, Almasri IA. Exploring How People Interact With Dental Misinformation on Social Media: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e56625. [PMID: 38516284 PMCID: PMC10956376 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media has been widely utilized to spread health-related information, which has led to the possibility of spreading medical misinformation. The extent of the issue is unknown, even though policymakers, researchers, and medical professionals agree that health misinformation must be controlled and combated. OBJECTIVE A cross-sectional study was conducted by the faculty of dentistry at Damascus University. METHODS This quantitative cross-sectional study used a voluntary questionnaire distributed online in social media groups. Participants were of different ages, genders, and educational levels. RESULTS Of the 301 questionnaires collected, 291 were analyzed. The study sample comprised secondary education certificates, university students, and postgraduate students. 96.6% of the study sample used two or more SM applications. 71.5% of the study sample uses Facebook more than other applications for dental information research, followed by Instagram (14.8%), Telegram (8.2%), and finally WhatsApp (5.5%). There was a significant difference between the age of the respondents and the SM application they used most (p = 0.027). 46.4% of the study sample were neutral in their answer about what they believed in the trust of information on SM sites, followed by 42.3% who did not agree with the trust of information on SM sites and 11.3 who agreed. 89.7% of the study sample visit the dentist when facing a medical problem, while 10.3% follow advice on SM sites. There was a significant difference between the age of respondents and the source they relied on when facing a medical problem (p = 0.019). 50.2% of the study sample sometimes feels that the advice on SM sites is marketing for a company or product or advertising for doctors and not others. CONCLUSION In particular, understanding the methods and prevalence of health misinformation, as well as the current gaps in knowledge in this area, will help us to guide future research and, more specifically, to develop evidence-based digital policy action plans targeted at addressing this public health issue through various social media platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Alhomsi
- Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Damascus, Damascus, SYR
| | - Hala Aldoss
- Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Damascus, Damascus, SYR
| | - Abeer A Aljoujou
- Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Damascus, Damascus, SYR
| | - Ammar Mahmoud Mashlah
- Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Damascus, Damascus, SYR
| | - Mohammad Y Hajeer
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Damascus, Damascus, SYR
| | - Amr Alyafi
- Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Damascus, Damascus, SYR
| | - Imad Addin Almasri
- Department of Applied Statistics, Faculty of Economics, University of Damascus, Damascus, SYR
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Lata H, Saad Duque NJ, Togami E, Miglietta A, Perkins D, Corpuz A, Kato M, Babu A, Dorji T, Matsui T, Almiron M, Cheng KY, MacDonald LE, Pukkila JT, Williams GS, Andraghetti R, Dolea C, Mahamud A, Morgan O, Olowokure B, Fall IS, Awofisayo-Okuyelu A, Hamblion E. Disseminating information on acute public health events globally: experiences from the WHO's Disease Outbreak News. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e012876. [PMID: 38413101 PMCID: PMC10900317 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012876] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
WHO works, on a daily basis, with countries globally to detect, prepare for and respond to acute public health events. A vital component of a health response is the dissemination of accurate, reliable and authoritative information. The Disease Outbreak News (DON) reports are a key mechanism through which WHO communicates on acute public health events to the public. The decision to produce a DON report is taken on a case-by-case basis after evaluating key criteria, and the subsequent process of producing a DON report is highly standardised to ensure the robustness of information. DON reports have been published since 1996, and up to 2022 over 3000 reports have been published. Between 2018 and 2022, the most frequently published DON reports relate to Ebola virus disease, Middle East respiratory syndrome, yellow fever, polio and cholera. The DON web page is highly visited with a readership of over 2.6 million visits per year, on average. The DON report structure has evolved over time, from a single paragraph in 1996 to a detailed report with seven sections currently. WHO regularly reviews the DON report process and structure for improvements. In the last 25 years, DON reports have played a unique role in rapidly disseminating information on acute public health events to health actors and the public globally. They have become a key information source for the global public health response to the benefit of individuals and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Lata
- Health Emergencies, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Eri Togami
- Health Emergencies, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Devin Perkins
- Health Emergencies, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aura Corpuz
- Health Emergencies, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Masaya Kato
- World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Amarnath Babu
- World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Tshewang Dorji
- Health Emergencies, World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Tamano Matsui
- World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, The Philippines
| | - Maria Almiron
- Health Emergencies, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Ka Yeung Cheng
- Health Emergencies, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lauren E MacDonald
- Health Emergencies, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jukka Tapani Pukkila
- Health Emergencies, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - George Sie Williams
- Health Emergencies, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | | | - Carmen Dolea
- Health Emergencies, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Oliver Morgan
- Health Emergencies, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Babatunde Olowokure
- Health Emergencies, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, The Philippines
| | | | | | - Esther Hamblion
- Health Emergencies, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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König L, Kuhlmey A, Suhr R. Digital Health Literacy of the Population in Germany and Its Association With Physical Health, Mental Health, Life Satisfaction, and Health Behaviors: Nationally Representative Survey Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e48685. [PMID: 38381497 PMCID: PMC10918546 DOI: 10.2196/48685] [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] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital health literacy, also known as eHealth literacy, describes the ability to seek, find, understand, and apply health information from the internet to address health problems. The World Health Organization calls for actions to improve digital health literacy. To develop target group-specific digital health literacy interventions, it is necessary to know the digital health literacy of the general population and relevant subgroups. OBJECTIVE This study aims to representatively assess the digital health literacy of the population in Germany and relevant subgroups. The results are meant to facilitate the development of target group-specific digital health literacy interventions. Additionally, this study further explores the associations between digital health literacy and physical health, mental health, life satisfaction, and diverse health behaviors. METHODS Study participants were drawn from a representative panel of the German-speaking population with internet access. To further increase the representativeness of the sample, survey weights were calculated using an iterative proportional fitting procedure. Participants answered a series of questionnaires regarding their digital health literacy, physical health, mental health, life satisfaction, and diverse health behaviors. Two-sided independent sample t tests were conducted to determine the significant differences between societal subgroups. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to explore the correlates of digital health literacy. RESULTS Digital health literacy is unevenly distributed within German society. The results of this study suggest that people with a low level of formal education and people with a low social status would benefit from digital health literacy interventions that address their competencies in the domains of information seeking and information appraisal. Furthermore, the results suggest that older people would likely benefit from digital health literacy interventions that address their competencies in the domains of information seeking and also information appraisal. Regarding sex, this study suggests that men might benefit from digital health literacy interventions that specifically address their competencies in the domain of information seeking. Furthermore, digital health literacy is weakly positively correlated with physical health, mental health, life satisfaction, exercise routines, fruit consumption, and vegetable consumption. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that digital health literacy is associated with diverse health outcomes and behaviors. Furthermore, the results provide a starting point for the development of target group-specific digital health literacy interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars König
- Institut für Medizinische Soziologie und Rehabilitationswissenschaft, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Stiftung Gesundheitswissen, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adelheid Kuhlmey
- Institut für Medizinische Soziologie und Rehabilitationswissenschaft, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Suhr
- Institut für Medizinische Soziologie und Rehabilitationswissenschaft, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Stiftung Gesundheitswissen, Berlin, Germany
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Nian PP, Saleet J, Magruder M, Wellington IJ, Choueka J, Houten JK, Saleh A, Razi AE, Ng MK. ChatGPT as a Source of Patient Information for Lumbar Spinal Fusion and Laminectomy: A Comparative Analysis Against Google Web Search. Clin Spine Surg 2024:01933606-990000000-00265. [PMID: 38409676 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000001582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective Observational Study. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the utility of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot, in providing patient information for lumbar spinal fusion and lumbar laminectomy in comparison with the Google search engine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot with seemingly unlimited functionality, may present an alternative to a Google web search for patients seeking information about medical questions. With widespread misinformation and suboptimal quality of online health information, it is imperative to assess ChatGPT as a resource for this purpose. METHODS The first 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the search terms "lumbar spinal fusion" and "lumbar laminectomy" were extracted from Google and ChatGPT. Responses to shared questions were compared regarding length and readability, using the Flesch Reading Ease score and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. Numerical FAQs from Google were replicated in ChatGPT. RESULTS Two of 10 (20%) questions for both lumbar spinal fusion and lumbar laminectomy were asked similarly between ChatGPT and Google. Compared with Google, ChatGPT's responses were lengthier (340.0 vs. 159.3 words) and of lower readability (Flesch Reading Ease score: 34.0 vs. 58.2; Flesch-Kincaid grade level: 11.6 vs. 8.8). Subjectively, we evaluated these responses to be accurate and adequately nonspecific. Each response concluded with a recommendation to discuss further with a health care provider. Over half of the numerical questions from Google produced a varying or nonnumerical response in ChatGPT. CONCLUSIONS FAQs and responses regarding lumbar spinal fusion and lumbar laminectomy were highly variable between Google and ChatGPT. While ChatGPT may be able to produce relatively accurate responses in select questions, its role remains as a supplement or starting point to a consultation with a physician, not as a replacement, and should be taken with caution until its functionality can be validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick P Nian
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY
| | | | | | | | | | - John K Houten
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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Geiken A, Banz L, Kock M, Schwendicke F, Graetz C. Does information about MIH on dental homepages in Germany offer high quality? A systematic search and analysis. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2024; 25:127-135. [PMID: 38300412 PMCID: PMC10942881 DOI: 10.1007/s40368-023-00857-4] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The internet is increasingly used to seek health information. A dental condition of increasing concern and public interest is molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH), why we evaluated the information quality of German dentists 'websites on the topic of MIH. METHODS A systematic search was performed by two independent investigators using three search engines. The information content of websites on MIH and technical, functional aspects, overall quality, and risk of bias were assessed using validated instruments (LIDA, DISCERN). Practice-related characteristics (practice type, specialization, setting, number and mean age of dentists) were recorded, and associations of these characteristics with websites' overall quality were explored using multivariable linear regression modelling. RESULTS 70 sites were included. 52% were multipractices in urban areas (49%). The most common age group was middle-aged individuals (41-50 years). The average number of dentists/practice was 2.5. The majority met more than 50% of the DISCERN and LIDA criteria (90%, 91%). The MIH definition was frequently used (67%), MIH symptoms were described (64%), and 58% mentioned therapies. The prevalence of MIH was mentioned less frequently (48%). MIH example photographs were rarely shown (14%). In multivariable analysis, most practice-related factors were not significant for overall site quality. Only chain practices had slightly higher quality in this regard (2.2; 95% CI of 0.3-4.1). CONCLUSIONS MIH is mentioned on a large proportion of dentists' websites. Overall technical, functional, and generic quality was high. Risk of bias is limited. While most websites provided a basic definition of MIH and its symptoms, important information for patients was missing.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Geiken
- Clinic of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus B, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
| | - L Banz
- Clinic of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus B, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - M Kock
- Clinic of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus B, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - F Schwendicke
- Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital of Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Goethestr. 70, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - C Graetz
- Clinic of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus B, 24105, Kiel, Germany
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Lu J, Zhang H, Xiao Y, Wang Y. An Environmental Uncertainty Perception Framework for Misinformation Detection and Spread Prediction in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Artificial Intelligence Approach. JMIR AI 2024; 3:e47240. [PMID: 38875583 PMCID: PMC11041461 DOI: 10.2196/47240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation on social media has posed significant threats to public health. Detecting and predicting the spread of misinformation are crucial for mitigating its adverse effects. However, prevailing frameworks for these tasks have predominantly focused on post-level signals of misinformation, neglecting features of the broader information environment where misinformation originates and proliferates. OBJECTIVE This study aims to create a novel framework that integrates the uncertainty of the information environment into misinformation features, with the goal of enhancing the model's accuracy in tasks such as misinformation detection and predicting the scale of dissemination. The objective is to provide better support for online governance efforts during health crises. METHODS In this study, we embraced uncertainty features within the information environment and introduced a novel Environmental Uncertainty Perception (EUP) framework for the detection of misinformation and the prediction of its spread on social media. The framework encompasses uncertainty at 4 scales of the information environment: physical environment, macro-media environment, micro-communicative environment, and message framing. We assessed the effectiveness of the EUP using real-world COVID-19 misinformation data sets. RESULTS The experimental results demonstrated that the EUP alone achieved notably good performance, with detection accuracy at 0.753 and prediction accuracy at 0.71. These results were comparable to state-of-the-art baseline models such as bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM; detection accuracy 0.733 and prediction accuracy 0.707) and bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT; detection accuracy 0.755 and prediction accuracy 0.728). Additionally, when the baseline models collaborated with the EUP, they exhibited improved accuracy by an average of 1.98% for the misinformation detection and 2.4% for spread-prediction tasks. On unbalanced data sets, the EUP yielded relative improvements of 21.5% and 5.7% in macro-F1-score and area under the curve, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study makes a significant contribution to the literature by recognizing uncertainty features within information environments as a crucial factor for improving misinformation detection and spread-prediction algorithms during the pandemic. The research elaborates on the complexities of uncertain information environments for misinformation across 4 distinct scales, including the physical environment, macro-media environment, micro-communicative environment, and message framing. The findings underscore the effectiveness of incorporating uncertainty into misinformation detection and spread prediction, providing an interdisciplinary and easily implementable framework for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Communication Content Cognition, People's Daily Online, Beijing, China
- School of New Media and Communication, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huibin Zhang
- School of New Media and Communication, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- School of New Media and Communication, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingyu Wang
- School of New Media and Communication, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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Kong Q, Li Y. Artificial Intelligence in Medical Consultations: Optimization in Assessment and Application. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:S1542-3565(24)00091-0. [PMID: 38278196 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Qingzhou Kong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yueyue Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Nie L, Zhao J, Pan L, Pang M, Wang J, Zhou Y, Chen R, Liu H, Xu X, Su B, Kong F. Validation of the digital health literacy assessment among the university students in China. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1294183. [PMID: 38303959 PMCID: PMC10832034 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1294183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose With the development of the internet, digital health literacy (DHL) has become increasingly important for managing health. Consequently, various digital health literacy scales have been created for different groups. The purpose of this study was to verify the reliability and validity of the simplified Chinese version of the Digital Health Literacy Assessment (DHLA) scale among university students in China. Method Snowball sampling was used to recruit the participants via an online platform (Wenjuan.com), and finally 304 university students were included in the survey. Demographic information and the status of DHL were collected through the online questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha and split-half reliability were used to test the internal consistency of the scale, while the structural validity was verified by exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Additionally, the convergence of the scale was tested by composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE). Result Two dimensions were generated from 10 entries in the scale, named Self-rated Digital Health Literacy and Trust Degree of Online Health Information, respectively. The Cronbach's alpha and split-half reliability of the total scale were 0.912 and 0.828, while the Cronbach's alpha of the two dimensions were 0.913 and 0.830, respectively. The structural validity-related indexes of the scale met the standards (RMSEA = 0.079, GFI = 0.943, AGFI = 0.902, CFI = 0.971). In each dimension, the CR and AVE also reached critical values (CR > 0.7 and AVE > 0.5). Conclusion The scale had high reliability and validity, indicating the simplified Chinese DHLA scale could be used to evaluate the DHL of university students in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Nie
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiajia Zhao
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lutong Pan
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mingli Pang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jieru Wang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Mathematics, College of Art and Science, New York University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Rui Chen
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xixing Xu
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Baochen Su
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fanlei Kong
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Alsaad E, AlDossary S. Educational Video Intervention to Improve Health Misinformation Identification on WhatsApp Among Saudi Arabian Population: Pre-Post Intervention Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e50211. [PMID: 38231563 PMCID: PMC10831668 DOI: 10.2196/50211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health misinformation can adversely affect individuals' quality of life and increase the risk of mortality. People often fail to assess the content of messages before sharing them on the internet, increasing the spread of misinformation. The problem is exacerbated by the growing variety of digital information environments, especially social media, which presents as an effective platform for spreading misinformation due to its rapid information-sharing capabilities. Educational interventions have been developed to help consumers verify the validity of digital health information. However, tools designed to detect health misinformation on social media content have not been validated. Given the increased use of social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, it is crucial to develop tools to help consumers assess the credibility of messages and detect misinformation. OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study is to develop and assess an educational tool aimed at educating consumers about detecting health misinformation on WhatsApp. The secondary objective is to assess the association between demographic factors and knowledge levels. METHODS The study used a single-arm, pre-post intervention design to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational video in improving participants' ability to detect health-related misinformation in WhatsApp messages. In the first phase, an educational video intervention was developed and validated. In the second phase, participants were invited to complete a web-based survey that consisted of pre-evaluation questions, followed by the educational video intervention. Subsequently, they were asked to answer the same questions as the postevaluation questions. RESULTS The web-based survey received 485 responses. The completion rate was 99.6% (n=483). Statistically significant associations existed between knowledge level and age, gender, employment, and region of residence (P<.05). The video intervention did elicit a statistically significant change in the participants' abilities to identify misinformation in WhatsApp messages (z=-6.887; P<.001). Viewing the video was associated with increased knowledge about the following concepts: checking the "forwarded" label (P<.001), looking for spelling and grammatical errors (P<.001), analyzing the facts (P=.03), checking links (P=.002, P=.001), and assessing the photos and videos (P<.001). There was a statistically significant difference in knowledge level before and after the intervention (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS This study developed and evaluated the effectiveness of an educational video intervention to improve health misinformation identification on WhatsApp among the Saudi Arabian population. The results indicate that educational videos can be valuable tools for improving participants' abilities to identify misinformation. The outcomes of this research can contribute to our understanding of what constitutes an effective tool for enhancing health misinformation awareness. Such interventions may be particularly useful in combating misinformation among Arabic-speaking populations on WhatsApp, which may ultimately improve eHealth literacy. Limiting the prevalence and impact of misinformation allows people to make better-informed health decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebtihal Alsaad
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sharifah AlDossary
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Eisenberg E, Josselin D. A Better Me? An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experiences of Female Cancer Survivors' Heightened Preoccupation With 'Healthy Eating'. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:10497323231224777. [PMID: 38229483 DOI: 10.1177/10497323231224777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The end of treatment is known to be a particularly challenging time for many cancer survivors as they transition to coping with their condition independently. They may engage in health behaviours, such as implementing drastic dietary changes to manage the side effects of treatment they have undergone or as a way to assuage their anxiety. Understanding cancer survivors' heightened preoccupation with healthy eating is therefore fundamental to our understanding of the psychological phenomenology of cancer. This study explored how people who have developed a heightened preoccupation with healthy eating after a cancer diagnosis make sense of this change. Eight participants were recruited through social media. They each engaged in a semi-structured interview over Zoom concerning their changed relationship with food following cancer. Their accounts were then analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The article focuses on four group experiential themes arising from the analysis: Open and Enlightened About Food, Becoming a Better Me?, Developing a New Passion for Nutrition, and Becoming Consumed by Food. The themes that arose from the analysis speak to the experience of becoming a 'better' person from having lived through cancer and developed a new relationship with food. Instead of seeing illness as a loss, several of the participants reported a positive shift linked to having developed an interest in healthy eating, something which became central to their identity. However, others experienced their new engagement with healthy eating as a preoccupation that engulfed them. These findings are discussed in light of existing theory and research, and their clinical implications are outlined. Areas for future research are also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Eisenberg
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Social Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Daphne Josselin
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Social Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
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Elshami M, Abukmail H, Thalji M, Al-Slaibi I, Alser M, Radaydeh A, Alfuqaha A, Khader S, Khatib L, Fannoun N, Ahmad B, Kassab L, Khrishi H, Elhussaini D, Abed N, Nammari A, Abdallah T, Alqudwa Z, Idais S, Tanbouz G, Hajajreh M, Selmiyh HA, Abo-Hajouj Z, Hebi H, Zamel M, Skaik RN, Hammoud L, Rjoub S, Ayesh H, Rjoub T, Zakout R, Alser A, Albarqi SI, Abu-El-Noor N, Bottcher B. Myths and common misbeliefs about cervical cancer causation among Palestinian women: a national cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:189. [PMID: 38229049 PMCID: PMC10790379 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17733-5] [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] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer (CC) myths and beliefs can negatively impact women's preventive behaviors, including vaccination against human papillomavirus and having regular screening tests. This study aimed to examine awareness of Palestinian women about myths related to CC causation and investigated factors associated with good awareness. METHODS A national cross-sectional study was conducted to recruit adult Palestinian women from hospitals, primary healthcare facilities, and public areas in 11 Palestinian governorates. A translated-into-Arabic version of the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale was used to collect data. Awareness level was determined based on the number of CC myths around CC causation recognized to be incorrect: poor (0-4), fair (5-9), and good (10-13). RESULTS A total of 7058 questionnaires were included. Myths unrelated to food were more commonly recognized as incorrect compared to those related to food. The most recognized food-unrelated myth was 'having a physical trauma' (n = 3714, 52.6%), whereas the least recognized was 'using mobile phones' (n = 2238, 31.7%). The most recognized food-related myth was 'drinking from plastic bottles' (n = 2708, 38.4%), whereas the least recognized was 'eating food containing additives' (n = 1118, 15.8%). Only 575 participants (8.1%) displayed good awareness and promptly recognized at least 10 out of 13 myths around CC causation as incorrect. Factors associated with lower likelihood of displaying good awareness of myths around CC causation included living in the West Bank and Jerusalem, being married, widowed or divorced, knowing someone with cancer, and visiting hospitals or primary healthcare centers. CONCLUSIONS A very small proportion of Palestinian women recognized 10 or more myths around CC causes as incorrect. Initiatives addressing CC myths are needed in the Palestinian community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Lakeside 7100, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine.
| | - Hanan Abukmail
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- International Medical Corps, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Mariam Thalji
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Mohammed Alser
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Gaza, Palestine
| | - Afnan Radaydeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Alaa Alfuqaha
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Salma Khader
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Lana Khatib
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Nour Fannoun
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Alazhar University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Bisan Ahmad
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Hiba Khrishi
- Faculty of Dentistry and Dental Surgery, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Deniz Elhussaini
- Faculty of Medicine, Alazhar University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Nour Abed
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Aya Nammari
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Zaina Alqudwa
- Faculty of Medicine, Alazhar University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Shahd Idais
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
- Hebron Governmental Hospital, Hebron, Palestine
| | - Ghaid Tanbouz
- Faculty of Dentistry and Dental Surgery, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | - Haya Hebi
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Manar Zamel
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | | | - Lama Hammoud
- Faculty of Dentistry and Dental Surgery, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Saba Rjoub
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Hadeel Ayesh
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Toqa Rjoub
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Rawan Zakout
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | | | | | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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Janopaul-Naylor JR, Koo A, Qian DC, McCall NS, Liu Y, Patel SA. Physician Assessment of ChatGPT and Bing Answers to American Cancer Society's Questions to Ask About Your Cancer. Am J Clin Oncol 2024; 47:17-21. [PMID: 37823708 PMCID: PMC10841271 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000001050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are a new, publicly available tool for patients to access health care-related information with unknown reliability related to cancer-related questions. This study assesses the quality of responses to common questions for patients with cancer. METHODS From February to March 2023, we queried chat generative pretrained transformer (ChatGPT) from OpenAI and Bing AI from Microsoft questions from the American Cancer Society's recommended "Questions to Ask About Your Cancer" customized for all stages of breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer. Questions were, in addition, grouped by type (prognosis, treatment, or miscellaneous). The quality of AI chatbot responses was assessed by an expert panel using the validated DISCERN criteria. RESULTS Of the 117 questions presented to ChatGPT and Bing, the average score for all questions were 3.9 and 3.2, respectively ( P < 0.001) and the overall DISCERN scores were 4.1 and 4.4, respectively. By disease site, the average score for ChatGPT and Bing, respectively, were 3.9 and 3.6 for prostate cancer ( P = 0.02), 3.7 and 3.3 for lung cancer ( P < 0.001), 4.1 and 2.9 for breast cancer ( P < 0.001), and 3.8 and 3.0 for colorectal cancer ( P < 0.001). By type of question, the average score for ChatGPT and Bing, respectively, were 3.6 and 3.4 for prognostic questions ( P = 0.12), 3.9 and 3.1 for treatment questions ( P < 0.001), and 4.2 and 3.3 for miscellaneous questions ( P = 0.001). For 3 responses (3%) by ChatGPT and 18 responses (15%) by Bing, at least one panelist rated them as having serious or extensive shortcomings. CONCLUSIONS AI chatbots provide multiple opportunities for innovating health care. This analysis suggests a critical need, particularly around cancer prognostication, for continual refinement to limit misleading counseling, confusion, and emotional distress to patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Janopaul-Naylor
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
| | - Andee Koo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University
| | - David C Qian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University
| | | | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
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