Quais informações sobre dor crônica os brasileiros encontram na rede social instagram? / Wich information about chronic pain are found on instagram by brazilians?

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES : Social networks have provided users with the possibility of conducting health-related research. Considering the relevance of chronic pain, this article aims to assess what Instagram app reveals when the term “chronic pain” is searched. METHODS: To build a conceptual framework, an initial search was carried out on PubMed andScielo databases, using the MeSH terms: health, information, search, social media and chronic pain, resulting in 1.554 documents, that were submitted to the IN/OUT criteria, reducing the relevant documents to 18. The publications resulting from the “chronic pain” research on Instagram, when hashtags were selected, were evaluated according to: the authors of the information conveyed, publication’s information, awareness of chronic pain, guidance in the search for a suitable professional, disclosure of medications and alternative therapies, and publication on related primary diseases. RESULTS: Data obtained show that 43% of publications on Instagram were made by health professionals (not doctors specifically). The most frequent publications, about 30% of them, are related to professional marketing and 67% of the publications do not show awareness of chronic pain. CONCLUSION: Chronic pain is a subject of research on Instagram platform, as it offers quick and easy access to information. However, it can provide content without scientific basis and mention of universal therapies, which can be harmful to patients. Therefore, more careful sharing policies on this topic are necessary.