The increasing role of electronic media in headache

Understanding public perceptions and discussions on diseases involving chronic pain through social media: cross-sectional infodemiology study

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain is a highly prevalent medical condition that negatively impacts quality of life and is associated with considerable functional disability. Certain diseases, such as fibromyalgia, headache, paraplegia, neuropathy, and multiple sclerosis, manifest with chronic pain.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine the number and type of tweets (original or retweet) related to chronic pain, as well as to analyze the emotions and compare the societal impact of the diseases under study.

METHODS

We investigated tweets posted between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022, by Twitter users in English and Spanish, as well as the generated retweets. Additionally, emotions were extracted from these tweets and their diffusion was analyzed. Furthermore, the topics most frequently discussed by users were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 72,874 tweets were analyzed, including 44,467 in English and 28,407 in Spanish. Paraplegia represented 23.3% with 16,461 of the classified tweets, followed by headache and fibromyalgia with 15,337 (21.7%) and 15,179 (21.5%) tweets, respectively. Multiple sclerosis generated 14,781 tweets (21%), and the fewest tweets were related to neuropathy with 8,830 tweets (12.5%). The results showed that the primary emotions extracted were "fear" and "sadness." Additionally, the reach and impact of these tweets were investigated through the generated retweets, with those related to headaches showing the highest interest and interaction among users.

CONCLUSION

Our results underscore the potential of leveraging social media for a better understanding of patients suffering from chronic pain and its impact on society. Among the most frequently encountered topics are those related to treatment, symptoms, or causes of the disease. Therefore, it is relevant to inform the patient to prevent misconceptions regarding their illness.

Migraine Information on the Web for Patients: A YouTube Content Analysis Based on a Scoring System

Introduction Migraine, as a major cause of headaches, showcases the need for the public to be well aware of it. The legitimacy and quality of YouTube as a platform to find information regarding migraine have not been validated. The aim of this study was to assess the content, quality, and reliability of information about migraine on YouTube. Methodology Videos were reviewed on YouTube after searching for relevant keywords. They were screened for a predetermined inclusion criterion and they entered into a performed questionnaire by authors. Using the Global Quality Scale and DISCERN scale, the effectiveness of the videos was evaluated. These videos were further analyzed for viewership and their relation to the effectiveness of the videos by the Video Power Index (VPI). Results The videos published by "others" had the highest VPI, at 517.13, followed by videos uploaded by doctors, at 117.91. The difference in the VPI was determined to be statistically significant across various groups (p=0.033). The doctors' videos received the highest reliability ratings, but the difference between them and "others" was not statistically significant (p=0.317). Conclusions Videos regarding migraine on YouTube could be more effective. The latest preventive strategies must be provided, together with supporting evidence from the authors.