#Scoliosis: an analysis of patient perception of scoliosis on TikTok.
Proc AMIA Symp 2023;
36:671-674. [PMID:
37829238 PMCID:
PMC10566427 DOI:
10.1080/08998280.2023.2249371]
[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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Social media presents an opportunity to analyze popular opinion about patient experiences. Idiopathic scoliosis is a spinal pathology commonly identified in younger patients who are the largest users of social media.
Objective
To analyze posts on the social media platform, TikTok, to better understand the scoliotic patient condition.
Methods
TikTok posts were searched manually by screening for "#Scoliosis." Variables assessed included number of likes, conveyed tone, gender, activities of daily living, incisional scar, imaging, involved spine level, spinal curvature, pain, formal physical therapy, multiple operations/reoperation, brace use, self-image, mobility, and educational/awareness posts. Number of responses per category were evaluated for the total they represented and the percentage of available posts containing those elements. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each collected variable.
Results
More posts were positive than negative (P < 0.001) and from female users than male users (P < 0.001). Self-image was the most prevalent subject, with many posts not mentioning activities of daily living, incisional scars, imaging, pain, physical therapy, timing, awareness/education, or involved spine levels.
Conclusions
More females post about scoliosis than males, with most posts containing positive self-image-related themes. This may represent a positive public attitude about scoliosis; however, further research is needed.
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