What's in a hashtag: A content evaluation of Instagram posts related to orthodontic retention and retainers

Abstract

To evaluate and compare the content of posts placed on Instagram by orthodontic treatment providers (OTP) and patients regarding orthodontic retention and retainers. Six "hashtag" terms related to orthodontic retention were searched on the social media Web site, Instagram. Relevant uploaded posts were evaluated for the presence of nine retainer and retention-related domains. Patient posts were also qualitatively evaluated for themes via discourse analysis. Descriptive and univariate statistical analyses were carried out. Cohen's kappa intrarater reliability testing was performed. Most of the 144 posts that satisfied inclusion criteria were uploaded by OTPs (81.9%). Text and image(s) comprised 86.8% of posts. The most frequently included domain posted by OTPs related to "what is a retainer" and "the importance of wearing a retainer" (49.2%). Posts by OTPs referred to a greater number of domains (P= 0.028), whereas posts by patients recorded comparatively more "quality-of-life"-related content (P= 0.027). Most patient posts were positive (53.8%). The main negative theme within patient posts related to retainer discomfort and the unhappiness associated with the requirement for indefinite retainer wear. The intrarater score was 0.89 for the presence of domains. OTPs appear to use Instagram for posting orthodontic retention-related information more often than patients. The content of Instagram posts differed between OTPs and patients. OTPs must ensure that the content of their Instagram posts is relevant to the concerns articulated in posts uploaded by patients.