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Jorge OS, Remiro MODS, Lotto M, Cruvinel T. Exploring the factors driving higher interactions in false amber necklace posts on Facebook. Braz Oral Res 2024; 38:e067. [PMID: 39109764 PMCID: PMC11376611 DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2024.vol38.0067] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The consumption and sharing of information on social media contribute to the circulation of false health content. In this sense, popular belief-driven posts recommending the use of amber necklaces to prevent symptoms of teething can be easily found on social media, even when they offer health risks for children. Accordingly, this study aimed to characterize posts in Portuguese by identifying message-based factors associated with higher user interactions of Facebook. A total of 500 Facebook posts published in Portuguese between August 2016 and August 2021 were retrieved by CrowdTangle, and analyzed quantitatively according to time of publication, total user interaction, and post overperforming score, and then qualitatively by two independent investigators, according to motivation, authors' profiles, and sentiment. The data were evaluated by descriptive analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression models regarding interaction metrics. The posts were published predominantly by commercial profiles, with social, psychological, and financial motivations, and expressed positive sentiment. Furthermore, time of publication (OR=2.65), regular user profiles (OR=3.30), and neutral/negative sentiment (OR=2.76) were associated positively with total interactions, whereas only time of publication was associated with post overperforming scores (OR=1.65). In conclusion, Facebook posts promoting efficacy of amber necklaces in managing teething symptoms are primarily created by commercial profiles with vested interests in marketing the product. The key factors that contribute to the success of posts containing false information about amber necklaces on Facebook can be identified by considering the author's profile, sentiment, and time of publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olívia Santana Jorge
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Bauru School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Public Health, University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Olímpio Dos Santos Remiro
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Bauru School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Public Health, University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Matheus Lotto
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Bauru School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Public Health, University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago Cruvinel
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Bauru School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Public Health, University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil
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Jorge OS, Remiro MDS, Lotto M, Zakir Hussain I, Moreira MAA, Morita PP, Cruvinel T. Unveiling deception: Characterizing false amber necklace messages on Facebook. Int J Paediatr Dent 2024; 34:302-312. [PMID: 37705197 DOI: 10.1111/ipd.13121] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Messages promoting the benefits of amber necklaces for children are common on social media, despite their health risks. AIM This study characterized Facebook posts with false content about the efficacy of amber necklaces in teething. DESIGN A sample of 500 English-language Facebook posts was analyzed by two investigators to determine the motivations, author's profile, and sentiments of posts. Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic modeling was used to identify salient terms and topics. An intertopic distance map was created to calculate the topic similarity. These data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test, Cramer's V test, and multiple logistic regression models, regarding the time since initial posting and interaction metrics. RESULTS Most posts were made by business profiles and expressed positive sentiments, with social, psychological, and financial motivations. The posts were categorized into the topics "giveaway," "healing features," and "sales." Overperforming scores and total interaction increased with time since the initial posting. Posts with links had higher overperforming scores. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that Facebook posts about the efficacy of amber necklaces in teething are motivated by financial interests, using psychological and social mechanisms to achieve greater interaction with their target audience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olívia Santana Jorge
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, and Public Health, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
| | - Mariana Dos Santos Remiro
- 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
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Maria Aparecida Andrade Moreira
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, and Public Health, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
| | - Plinio Pelegrini Morita
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Research Institute for Aging, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Digital Therapeutics, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thiago Cruvinel
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, and Public Health, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
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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 PMCID: PMC11302399 DOI: 10.2340/aos.v83.40486] [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: 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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Haff PL, Jacobson A, Taylor MM, Schandua HP, Farris DP, Doan HQ, Nelson KC. The New Media Landscape and Its Effects on Skin Cancer Diagnostics, Prognostics, and Prevention: Scoping Review. JMIR DERMATOLOGY 2024; 7:e53373. [PMID: 38587890 PMCID: PMC11036192 DOI: 10.2196/53373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The wide availability of web-based sources, including social media (SM), has supported rapid, widespread dissemination of health information. This dissemination can be an asset during public health emergencies; however, it can also present challenges when the information is inaccurate or ill-informed. Of interest, many SM sources discuss cancer, specifically cutaneous melanoma and keratinocyte cancers (basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma). OBJECTIVE Through a comprehensive and scoping review of the literature, this study aims to gain an actionable perspective of the state of SM information regarding skin cancer diagnostics, prognostics, and prevention. METHODS We performed a scoping literature review to establish the relationship between SM and skin cancer. A literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus from January 2000 to June 2023. The included studies discussed SM and its relationship to and effect on skin cancer. RESULTS Through the search, 1009 abstracts were initially identified, 188 received full-text review, and 112 met inclusion criteria. The included studies were divided into 7 groupings based on a publication's primary objective: misinformation (n=40, 36%), prevention campaign (n=19, 17%), engagement (n=16, 14%), research (n=12, 11%), education (n=11, 10%), demographics (n=10, 9%), and patient support (n=4, 3%), which were the most common identified themes. CONCLUSIONS Through this review, we gained a better understanding of the SM environment addressing skin cancer information, and we gained insight into the best practices by which SM could be used to positively influence the health care information ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla L Haff
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Cancer Prevention Research Training Program, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Madison M Taylor
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hayden P Schandua
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Cancer Prevention Research Training Program, Houston, TX, United States
| | - David P Farris
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hung Q Doan
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kelly C Nelson
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Al Karadsheh O, Atef A, Alqaisi D, Zabadi S, Hassona Y. Content analysis of oral (mouth) cancer-related posts on Instagram. Oral Dis 2024. [PMID: 38308094 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14886] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the content of Instagram posts about oral cancer and assess its usefulness in promoting oral cancer awareness and early detection practices. METHODS A systematic search of Instagram for posts about oral (mouth) cancer was conducted using the hashtags #oral cancer and #mouth cancer. Posts usefulness in promoting awareness and early detection was assessed using the early detection usefulness score, and caption readability was assessed using the Flesch Kincaid readability score. RESULTS A total of 81,000 posts were identified, and 200 posts were thoroughly evaluated. Included posts gathered a total of 48,118 (mean = 420.59 likes) and 27,898 views. Most posts (81.5%) were educational to the lay person, and India and the UK were the major contributors. The most discussed topics were prevention and early detection (55%). Representative clinical images were present in 35.5% of posts. Only 9.5% of posts mentioned the source of information, and the mean usefulness score was only 2.1 out of 10. The mean reading ease score was 56.7 ± 43.8 (range from 1 to 98 out of 100). CONCLUSION Instagram shows potential for promoting oral cancer awareness, particularly in prevention and early detection. However, concerns regarding content quality, scientific validity, and clarity persist.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alaa Atef
- School of Dentistry, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Dua'a Alqaisi
- School of Dentistry, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Siraj Zabadi
- School of Dentistry, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Yazan Hassona
- School of Dentistry, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Faculty of Dentistry, Centre for Oral Diseases Studies (CODS), Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
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Gomaa BT, Walsh-Buhi ER, Funk RJ. Understanding Melanoma Talk on Twitter: The Lessons Learned and Missed Opportunities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11284. [PMID: 36141558 PMCID: PMC9517519 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is the third most common cause of cancer and the deadliest form of skin cancer among 17-39 year-olds in the United States. Melanoma is a critical public health issue with a substantial economic burden. Cases and associated burdens, however, could be prevented with a greater awareness of, and interventions related to, skin cancer and melanoma-related preventive behaviors. In fact, as social media use is close to ubiquitous, it represents a potential communication modality. However, more research is needed to understand the current state of melanoma-related information exchanged between Twitter users. This study aimed to understand the different types of users controlling the melanoma-related information diffusion and conversation themes on Twitter. METHODS Tweets (n = 692) were imported from Twitter between 1 and 31 May 2021 using the Twitter public API; and uploaded to NodeXL to conduct a social network analysis. RESULTS Health professionals and organizations with medical backgrounds were the main content producers, disseminators, and top influencers. However, information diffusion is slow and uneven among users. Additionally, conversations lacked a focus on preventive behaviors. CONCLUSION Twitter is a potential platform for the targeted outreach of individuals in melanoma awareness campaigns. This study provides insights maximizing the effectiveness of Twitter as a communication modality. Our findings can help guide the development of customized content and interventions during melanoma awareness campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma T. Gomaa
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, 1025 E 7th St., Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Eric R. Walsh-Buhi
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, 1025 E 7th St., Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Russell J. Funk
- Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, 321 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Marcec R, Stjepanovic J, Likic R. Seasonality of Hashimoto Thyroiditis: Infodemiology Study of Google Trends Data. JMIR BIOINFORMATICS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 3:e38976. [PMID: 38935939 PMCID: PMC11135219 DOI: 10.2196/38976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune thyroid disease and the leading cause of hypothyroidism in areas with sufficient iodine intake. The quality-of-life impact and financial burden of hypothyroidism and HT highlight the need for additional research investigating the disease etiology with the aim of revealing potential modifiable risk factors. OBJECTIVE Implementation of measures against such risk factors, once identified, has the potential to lessen the financial burden while also improving the quality of life of many individuals. Therefore, we aimed to examine the potential seasonality of HT in Europe using the Google Trends data to explore whether there is a seasonal characteristic of Google searches regarding HT, examine the potential impact of the countries' geographic location on the potential seasonality, and identify potential modifiable risk factors for HT, thereby inspiring future research on the topic. METHODS Monthly Google Trends data on the search topic "Hashimoto thyroiditis" were retrieved in a 17-year time frame from January 2004 to December 2020 for 36 European countries. A cosinor model analysis was conducted to evaluate potential seasonality. Simple linear regression was used to estimate the potential effect of latitude and longitude on seasonal amplitude and phase of the model outputs. RESULTS Of 36 included European countries, significant seasonality was observed in 30 (83%) countries. Most phase peaks occurred in spring (14/30, 46.7%) and winter (8/30, 26.7%). A statistically significant effect was observed regarding the effect of geographical latitude on cosinor model amplitude (y = -3.23 + 0.13 x; R2=0.29; P=.002). Seasonal increases in HT search volume may therefore be a consequence of an increased incidence or higher disease activity. It is particularly interesting that in most countries, a seasonal peak occurred in spring and winter months; when viewed in the context of the statistically significant impact of geographical latitude on seasonality amplitude, this may indicate the potential role of vitamin D levels in the seasonality of HT. CONCLUSIONS Significant seasonality of HT Google Trends search volume was observed in our study, with seasonal peaks in most countries occurring in spring and winter and with a significant impact of latitude on seasonality amplitude. Further studies on the topic of seasonality in HT and factors impacting it are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Marcec
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine and Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josip Stjepanovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine and Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Likic
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine and Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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