Understanding Social Media Use and Engagement Among Dermatology Patients to Inform Dermatological Prevention and Care in Vietnam: Cross-sectional Study

Sau Huu Nguyen,Roger C M Ho,Giang Thu Vu,Tung Hoang Tran,Bach Xuan Tran,Carl A Latkin,Cyrus S H Ho,Cuong Tat Nguyen,Long Hoang Nguyen,Thu Hoai Thi Le,Wilson W S Tam

doi:10.2196/13424

Abstract

BackgroundSocial media has emerged as a common source of dermatological information. Monitoring the patterns of social media use and engagement is important to counteract the limitations of social media. However, evidence in Vietnamese dermatology patients is lacking.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore social media use and engagement by dermatology patients and to identify factors associated with social media use and engagement.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 519 participants at the Vietnam National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology during September to November 2018. Data about sociodemographic characteristics, social media use, and social media engagement were collected. Multivariate logistic and tobit regression models were used to identify factors associated with social media use and engagement.ResultsInterest in information about “cosmetic, beauty, and skincare techniques” was the greatest (184/519, 46.2%). The mean engagement score was 8.4 points (SD 2.4 points). Female patients were more likely to use social media (odds ratio [OR] 2.23, 95% CI 1.23-4.06) and be interested dermatological information on social media (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.35-7.09). Women also had higher social media engagement scores (coefficient=0.68, 95% CI 0.17-1.18). Higher social media engagement scores were related with Instagram use (coefficient=0.58, 95% CI 0.00-1.15) and higher credibility scores for “family members” (coefficient=0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.26) and “dermatology companies” (coefficient=0.22, 95% CI 0.04-0.39).ConclusionsThis study discovered high social media usage among dermatology patients. However, only moderate utilization and credibility levels were reported regarding the use of social media as a source of dermatological information. More efforts should focus on involving dermatologists in the development of individualized information on social media targeting specific groups of dermatology patients.

Highlights

Dermatological diseases are popular health issues and the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide
Female patients were more likely to use social media and be interested dermatological information on social media
Higher social media engagement scores were related with Instagram use and higher credibility scores for “family members” and “dermatology companies”

Summary

Introduction

Dermatological diseases are popular health issues and the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Dermatological diseases are the most common reasons for health care service utilization [2,3], accounting for 8.4% of primary care visits [4]. People with dermatological diseases often have low quality of life [5] and self-esteem as well as feelings of stigmatization [6]. Lack of access to dermatology services, in low and middle-income countries [1], still challenges the provision of appropriate care for dermatology patients. Patients seek other ways for self-treatment, including finding information on the internet and social media platforms. Social media has emerged as a common source of dermatological information. Evidence in Vietnamese dermatology patients is lacking

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion