Picturing Mental Health on Instagram: Insights from a Quantitative Study Using Different Content Formats

Social media influencers and adolescents' health: A scoping review of the research field

Social media influencers (SMIs) have become an important source of health information for adolescents. However, the lack of expertise and commercial interests of SMIs pose challenges for adolescent health. To gain a better understanding of these challenges, this scoping review aimed to synthesize existing research on the role of SMIs in adolescent health. Using the PRISMA-ScR approach, we conducted a comprehensive search of eight databases and screened articles based on predefined criteria. The final sample included 51 articles published between 2012 and 2022. Results revealed inconsistent definitions and classifications of SMIs. The most common topics included appearance, nutrition, and substance use, while mental and sexual health topics were underrepresented. The ability of SMIs to establish trustworthy relationships with their followers was highlighted in the reviewed studies, shedding light on potential benefits and challenges for adolescent health. However, most studies focused on the negative roles of SMIs, such as the promotion of unrealistic body images, unhealthy diets, substance use, and inaccurate diagnosis and treatment advice. In addition, inappropriate advertising of unhealthy products (e.g., junk food, tobacco products and alcohol) was identified as a major challenge. The reviewed studies identified stricter regulation and improved social media and health literacy as important avenues for policy action. Less attention was given to the potential positive impact of SMIs and how to effectively include them in health promotion campaigns. In addition, the majority of studies were conducted in the Global North and relied on quantitative approaches, resulting in a lack of representation of minority populations and male adolescents.

Bipolar Disorder in Social Media: An Examination of Instagram's Role in Disseminating Accurate Information

Introduction Bipolar disorder is a chronic and recurring condition marked by fluctuations in both energy and mood that can be debilitating to individuals without treatment. While physicians clinically diagnose the condition, patients frequently seek information from alternate channels. Social media platforms, such as Instagram, have facilitated more convenient access to supplementary information about bipolar disorder. Nevertheless, there is apprehension regarding the accuracy of publicly disseminated information through these platforms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and dependability of information about Bipolar disorder found on the social media platform, Instagram. Methodology A cross-sectional observational study was conducted by gathering data from Instagram posts linked with popular bipolar disorder hashtags. To evaluate the credibility of the chosen entries, numerical ratings were assigned to each post using the established measurement scales of the Global Quality Score and Reliability Score. Results After analyzing 196 Instagram entries about Bipolar Disorder that fulfilled inclusion criteria, the study revealed that 70.4% (n=138) of these posts were shared by individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Among the content posted by these individuals, a statistically significant global quality score of 2 and a reliability score of 1 were observed. Conclusions Verified medical information of superior global quality should be shared on social media platforms by accountable parties. Individuals with further inquiries about medical knowledge should be advised to reach out to local physicians.

The Importance of Behavioral and Native Factors on COVID-19 Infection and Severity: Insights from a Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on a global scale. Understanding the innate and lifestyle-related factors influencing the rate and severity of COVID-19 is important for making evidence-based recommendations. This cross-sectional study aims at establishing a potential relationship between human characteristics and vulnerability/resistance to SARS-CoV-2. We hypothesize that the impact of the virus is not the same due to cultural and ethnic differences. A cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire. The methodology included the development of a multi-language survey, expert evaluation, and data analysis. Data were collected using a 13-item pre-tested questionnaire based on a literature review between 9 December 2020 and 21 July 2021. Data were statistically analyzed using logistic regression. For a total of 1125 respondents, 332 (29.5%) were COVID-19 positive; among them, 130 (11.5%) required home-based treatment, and 14 (1.2%) intensive care. The significant and most influential factors on infection included age, physical activity, and health status (p < 0.05), i.e., better physical activity and better health status significantly reduced the possibility of infection, while older age significantly increased it. The severity of infection was negatively associated with the acceptance (adherence and respect) of preventive measures and positively associated with tobacco (p < 0.05), i.e., smoking regularly significantly increases the severity of COVID-19 infection. This suggests the importance of behavioral factors compared to innate ones. Apparently, individual behavior is mainly responsible for the spread of the virus. Therefore, adopting a healthy lifestyle and scrupulously observing preventive measures, including vaccination, would greatly limit the probability of infection and prevent the development of severe COVID-19.