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Li J, Chen Y, Zhao X, Yang X, Wang F. COVID-19 vaccine-related misinformation identification among Chinese residents during a regional outbreak. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1258466. [PMID: 37869207 PMCID: PMC10587398 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1258466] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Misinformation about the COVID vaccines poses a significant challenge to vaccination efforts in many countries. This study examined Chinese citizens' ability to correctly identify COVID-19 vaccine misinformation in geographic areas with and without a regional outbreak. We also investigated the associations between misinformation identification and information source usage, source trust, perceived information quality, and demographic characteristics. Setting The online survey was conducted in four cities from June 8th to 15th, 2021 in Guangdong Province, two of which were experiencing a regional surge of COVID-19 delta variant infections, and four cities in Hunan Province, a neighboring province largely unaffected. Participants A total of 4,479 individuals aged 18 and above completed the online questionnaire. Given survey length, those who finished the study under 5 min were excluded, resulting in a final sample of 3,800. Outcome measurements Misinformation identification, source exposure, source trust, and perceived information quality. Results Results showed slightly higher levels of correct misinformation identification in surge vs. non-surge areas. Trust in official information sources was positively associated with correct misinformation identification in full sample analysis, while trust in informal sources was negatively associated with the same outcome. Perceived information quality was positively associated with correct misinformation identification in the full sample. Conclusion Information providers in China should enhance the quality of the vaccine information they provide, and the Chinese public should balance their usage of different sources of information to acquire vaccine knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- School of Journalism and Communication/National Media and Experimental Teaching Center, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yueying Chen
- College of Media and International Culture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoquan Zhao
- Department of Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Xiaobing Yang
- School of Journalism and Communication, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Fudan Development Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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2
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Shi A, El Haddad J, Cai P, Song S, Wang YJ, Liu Q, Li P. Mpox (monkeypox) information on TikTok: analysis of quality and audience engagement. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:bmjgh-2022-011138. [PMID: 36918216 PMCID: PMC10016284 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-011138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online information on mpox (monkeypox) is not well studied. We have analysed the video content, information quality, and audience engagement of mpox-related videos on TikTok. METHODS Using a hashtag-based searching strategy, we identified 2462 mpox-related videos on TikTok from 1 January to 11 August 2022; 85 were included after exclusion criteria screening. Videos were evaluated for content on features and treatment of mpox. Video and information quality was assessed using the DISCERN instrument and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) criteria. We recorded video source, evaluation scores, and viewer engagement metrics. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for statistical analysis and multiple linear regression for factor-association studies. RESULTS Of the 85 videos, two assessed all content topics and highlighted 33% of all content items in clinical guidelines. The overall average score for the videos was 39.56 of 80 on the DISCERN instrument and 1.93 of 4 on the JAMA criteria. No video met all JAMA criteria. Subgroup analysis based on author identity suggested the variance in video scores by source (p<0.05 for all). Overall scores were higher for videos produced by doctors and science communicators than for those made by institutional users, nurses, and the general public. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that having people in the video (69.20, p=0.0001) and including information on treatment choices (1.15, p=0.045) were significant, independent determinants of audience engagement. CONCLUSION Public-directed TikTok videos on mpox frequently provide incomplete, inaccurate information, highlighting the potential risks of using TikTok as a health information source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Shi
- Faculty of Medicine, St George's University of London, London, UK.,School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Joe El Haddad
- Faculty of Medicine, St George's University of London, London, UK.,School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Peng Cai
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shijie Song
- Business School, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Jia Wang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Qi Liu
- Wafic Said Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Pengyang Li
- Division of Cardiology, Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Asadi F, Rahimi F, Ghaderkhany S, Almasi S. Self-care for coronavirus disease through electronic health technologies: A scoping review. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1122. [PMID: 36824616 PMCID: PMC9941480 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1122] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Considering the rapid spread and transmission of COVID-19 and its high mortality rate, self-care practices are of special importance during this pandemic to prevent and control the spread of the virus. In this regard, electronic health systems can play a major role in improving self-care practices related to coronavirus disease. This study aimed to review the electronic health technologies used in each of the constituent elements of the self-care (self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, and self-care management) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O'Malley's framework. In this study, the specific keywords related to "electronic health," "self-care," and "COVID-19" were searched on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google. Results Of the 47 articles reviewed, most articles (27 articles) were about self-care monitoring and aimed to monitor the vital signs of patients. The results showed that the use of electronic health tools mainly focuses on training in the control and prevention of coronavirus disease during this pandemic, in the field of self-care maintenance, and medication management, communication, and consultation with healthcare providers, in the field of self-care management. Moreover, the most commonly used electronic health technologies were mobile web applications, smart vital signs monitoring devices, and social networks, respectively. Conclusion The study findings suggested that the use of electronic health technologies, such as mobile web applications and social networks, can effectively improve self-care practices for coronavirus disease. In addition, such technologies can be applied by health policymakers and disease control and prevention centers to better manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farkhondeh Asadi
- Department of Health Information Technology and Management, School of Allied Medical SciencesShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Fatemeh Rahimi
- Department of Health Information Technology and Management, School of Allied Medical SciencesShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Shady Ghaderkhany
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Kowsar Medical, Educational and Therapeutic CenterKurdistan University of Medical SciencesSanandajIran
| | - Sohrab Almasi
- Department of Health Information Technology and Management, Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical SciencesShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Roble S, Wångdahl J, Warner G. COVID-19 Information in Sweden: Opinions of Immigrants with Limited Proficiency in Swedish. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:1510-1519. [PMID: 35287507 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2050005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of health information for prevention of communicable disease. Knowledge about groups that have high risk is important to prevent disease transmission. In Sweden, immigrants have been identified as one such group. Yet, little is known about where they have sourced information about COVID-19 and their opinions toward it. The aim of this study was to describe the COVID-19 information sources used by immigrants with limited proficiency in Swedish as well as their opinions on how comprehensive the information has been, the importance of the recommendations and their possibility to follow them. A cross-sectional survey was conducted via introductory Swedish language classes in Region Uppsala (n = 855). The results showed the immigrants were using different information sources, with the majority using school, media and social media. The immigrants' opinions about COVID-19 information differed. Most reported they knew where to find information; however, over two-fifths reported the recommendations from the authorities should be more extensive. The majority reported it is important to follow the recommendations, whereas the possibility to follow the recommendations was more mixed. Age differences in opinions toward COVID-19 information were detected. Although the results were largely positive, there still appears to be a need for improvement in how immigrant groups with limited ability in the host country´s language are reached. Effective health communication that engages the whole nation is an important factor authorities should commit to as we face the current pandemic. This research suggests that an approach tailored by age could be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagal Roble
- Child Health and Parenting (CHAP), Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University
| | - Josefin Wångdahl
- Child Health and Parenting (CHAP), Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University
| | - Georgina Warner
- Child Health and Parenting (CHAP), Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University
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Jansson H, Stenfors T, Riggare S, Hasson H, Reinius M. Patient lead users experience of the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative interview study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059003. [PMID: 35977768 PMCID: PMC9388713 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patient lead users can be defined as patients or relatives who use their knowledge and experience to improve their own or a relative's care situation and/or the healthcare system, and who are active beyond what is usually expected. The objective of this study is to explore patient lead users' experiences and engagement during the early COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Qualitative in-depth interviews with a cross-sectional time horizon. SETTING The early COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden, from 1 June through 14 September, 2020. PARTICIPANTS A total of 10 patient lead users were recruited from the Swedish patient lead users (spetspatient) network. All participants were living with different long-term conditions and matched the definition of being patient lead users. RESULTS We found that during the early pandemic, patient lead users experienced that they no longer knew how to best manage their own health and care situations. On an individual level, they described an initial lack of knowledge, new routines, including a change in their health and an experience of people without a disease being in the same situation as them, for a while. On a systemic level, they described a fear of imminent unmet-care backlogs and decreased opportunities for sharing patient perspectives in care organisation, but also described increased networking. CONCLUSIONS Patient lead users can be seen as an emerging community of practice, and as such could be a valuable resource as a complementary communication channel for an improved health system. The health systems were not able to fully acknowledge and engage with the resource of patient lead users during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Jansson
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Medical Management Centre, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Terese Stenfors
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Division of Learning, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Riggare
- Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Henna Hasson
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Medical Management Centre, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit for Implementation and Evaluation, Center for Epidemiology and Community Medicine (CES), Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Reinius
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Medical Management Centre, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Georgsson S, Carlsson T. Readability, understandability and language accessibility of Swedish websites about the coronavirus disease 2019: a cross-sectional study. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2022; 22:131. [PMID: 35562701 PMCID: PMC9103604 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-022-01873-y] [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: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant morbidity and mortality. To mitigate its spread, members in the general population were prompted to apply significant behavioral changes. This required an effective dissemination of understandable information accessible for people with a wide range of literacy backgrounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the readability, understandability and language accessibility of Swedish consumer-oriented websites containing information about COVID-19. METHODS Websites were identified through systematic searches in Google.se (n = 76), and were collected in May 2020 when the pandemic spread started in Sweden. Readability and understandability were assessed with the Readability Index, the Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) tool, and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool Understandability subscale (PEMAT-PU). RESULTS The median total sample score for Readability Index was 42.0, with the majority of scores being classified as moderate (n = 30, 39%) or difficult (n = 43, 57%). Median total sample scores were for EQIP 54.0% (IQR = 17.0, Range = 8-75) and for PEMAT-PU 60.0% (IQR = 14.75, Range = 12-87). The majority of the websites did not have any texts or links containing information in an alternative language (n = 58, 76%). CONCLUSIONS Swedish websites contained information of difficult readability and understandability at the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, with few providing information available in alternative languages. It is possible that these deficits contributed to the spread and impact of the virus. There is a need for studies investigating methods aiming to enhance the readability, understandability and language accessibility of web-based information at the beginning of an epidemic or pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Georgsson
- The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tommy Carlsson
- The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden. .,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, MTC-huset, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 14B, 1 tr, 75237, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Liang J, Wang L, Song S, Dong M, Xu Y, Zuo X, Zhang J, Adrian Sherif A, Ehsan J, Ma J, Li P. Takotsubo syndrome on TikTok: An analysis of information quality and audience engagement (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e39360. [PMID: 36155486 PMCID: PMC9555329 DOI: 10.2196/39360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), also known as the broken heart syndrome or stress cardiomyopathy, is increasing worldwide. The understanding of its prognosis has been progressively evolving and currently appears to be poorer than previously thought, which has attracted the attention of researchers. An attempt to recognize the awareness of this condition among the general population drove us to analyze the dissemination of this topic on TikTok, a popular short-video–based social media platform. We found a considerable number of videos on TTS on TikTok; however, the quality of the presented information remains unknown. Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the quality and audience engagement of TTS-related videos on TikTok. Methods Videos on the TikTok platform were explored on August 2, 2021 to identify those related to TTS by using 6 Chinese keywords. A total of 2549 videos were found, of which 80 met our inclusion criteria and were evaluated for their characteristics, content, quality, and reliability. The quality and reliability were rated using the DISCERN instrument and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) criteria by 2 reviewers independently, and a score was assigned. Descriptive statistics were generated, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for statistical analysis. Multiple linear regression was performed to evaluate the association between audience engagement and other factors such as video content, video quality, and author types. Results The scores assigned to the selected video content were low with regard to the diagnosis (0.66/2) and management (0.34/2) of TTS. The evaluated videos were found to have an average score of 36.93 out of 80 on the DISCERN instrument and 1.51 out of 4 per the JAMA criteria. None of the evaluated videos met all the JAMA criteria. The quality of the relayed information varied by source (All P<.05). TTS-related videos made by health care professionals accounted for 28% (22/80) of all the evaluated videos and had the highest DISCERN scores with an average of 40.59 out of 80. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that author types that identified as health professionals (exponentiated regression coefficient 17.48, 95% CI 2.29-133.52; P=.006) and individual science communicators (exponentiated regression coefficient 13.38, 95% CI 1.83-97.88; P=.01) were significant and independent determinants of audience engagement (in terms of the number of likes). Other author types of videos, video content, and DISCERN document scores were not associated with higher likes. Conclusions We found that the quality of videos regarding TTS for patient education on TikTok is poor. Patients should be cautious about health-related information on TikTok. The formulation of a measure for video quality review is necessary, especially when the purpose of the published content is to educate and increase awareness on a health-related topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liang
- Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China
| | | | - Shijie Song
- Business School, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Man Dong
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China
| | - Yidan Xu
- Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China
| | - Xinyu Zuo
- Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China
| | | | - Akil Adrian Sherif
- Divison of Cardiology, Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Jafree Ehsan
- Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Jianjun Ma
- Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China
| | - Pengyang Li
- Division of Cardiology, Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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