Social Media For Health Information Research Articles

Social Media and Nutritional Guidelines in Pregnancy.

Nutrition impacts health outcomes of pregnant people and their fetuses. Discussing nutrition with patients may be challenging for health care providers. In this vacuum, patients use social media for health information during pregnancy. Little is known about the type and quality of nutrition information that is available on social media. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the pregnancy nutrition messages contained in social media videos for content and evaluate the information's concordance with evidence-based guidelines. A review of current social media video content for nutrition in pregnancy was conducted across 4 platforms: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Content analysis was used to descriptively and categorically analyze the social media video content. In the 62 social media videos reviewed, most were not consistent with established guidelines, were inaccurate, or presented a homogenous and unrealistic image of the pregnant person. Four categories of nutrition in pregnancy social media information emerged: what to eat, what not to eat, what I ate: aspirational, and what I ate: rebellion. Few videos were produced by health care organizations. Some were produced by anonymous organizations, with the majority made by pregnant or postpartum people. Many were testimonial or confessional in style. Despite regulations requiring identification of paid posts and advertisements, it was difficult to discern if videos were authentic sharing of patient experiences or advertisements. There is incorrect and incomplete information on social media surrounding nutrition in pregnancy. Professional guidelines for nutrition in pregnancy are available but are not as accessible to patients as social media videos. Social media use is associated with disordered eating and increased risk of anxiety and depression. However, targeted interventions by health care providers that use social media platforms have been successful in the distribution of credible health information. Midwives and other health care providers should share evidence-based nutrition recommendation with patients to facilitate meaningful conversations around nutrition in pregnancy during in person and online interactions.

The impact of online health information source preference on intolerance to uncertainty and cyberchondria in a youthful generation.

The increasing utilization of the Internet to access health-related information is believed to heighten anxiety and trigger cyberchondria due to the presence of conflicting and sometimes overly detailed information. To investigate the levels of cyberchondria and intolerance of uncertainty among university students and their relationship with different online health information sources. Between June and July 2022, 420 university students (mean age = 21.5 ± 2 years, 54% female) participated in this cross-sectional study. The socio-demographic form, Uncertainty Intolerance Scale (IUS), and Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS) were used in data collection. Pearson correlation test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with cyberchondria. Forums and private hospital/clinic websites were the most frequently utilized online health information sources, while governmental websites were the least. The mean scores for CSS and IUS were 81.5 and 41.0, respectively. There was no significant gender-based difference in CSS and IUS scores. Students who used newspapers/magazines and social media for health information had significantly higher scores on both scales. Cyberchondria had a negative association with age [odds ratio (OR) = 0.90], a positive significant relationship with newspaper/magazine website use (OR = 7.24), and IUS score (OR = 1.09). There was a positive and moderate correlation between CSS and IUS scores (r = 0.39, P < 0.001). Our results underline the susceptibility to cyberchondria and intolerance of uncertainty among young adults who used less reliable online health information sources and highlight promoting online health literacy to reduce vulnerabilities and the need for further research on socio-demographic determinants in both mental problems.

Parents’ Use of Social Media for Health Information Before and After a Consultation With Health Care Professionals: Australian Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background Social media is a crucial source of health information for many parents due to its integration into modern life, raising critical concerns for public health. Parents use various social media platforms to find health information for their children, with most information created and shared by parents with no medical or health training. The extent to which parents seek health information from social media before and after a consultation and their motivations for doing so remain underresearched. Objective This study aimed to investigate Australian parents’ use of social media for health information for their children, aged between 6 months and 5 years, before and after consulting with health care professionals. Methods A representative cross-sectional survey of 1000 Australian parents with children aged 6 months to 5 years was conducted between November and December 2021. Data were cleaned and analyzed using IBM SPSS software. The primary outcomes were (1) parental motivation and prevalence of social media use for health information and (2) parental motivation for using social media before and after a consultation with their child’s health care professional. Results Of the 1000 parents surveyed, 82.2% (n=822) reported using social media for health information for their child. Parents were more likely to consult social media before and after a health consultation if they were aged 30-39 or ≥50 years and born in Australia. Parents with higher levels of education were less likely to consult social media. Parents were motivated to seek health information before a consultation for a variety of reasons, including exchanging opinions and experiences (639/767, 83.3%), having information that is available 24/7 (622/767, 81.1%), receiving emotional support (599/767, 78.1%), having previous positive experiences (597/767, 77.8%), and having friends and family that use social media for health information (577/767, 75.2%). Parents sought information after a consultation to connect with parents with similar experiences (546/794, 68.8%), seek a second opinion (505/794, 63.6%), fact-check information provided by their health care professional (483/794, 60.8%), and look for other treatment options (353/794, 44.5%). Conclusions Using social media for child health information is part of the modern parenting experience. It can be challenging to discern the quality of health information on social media, leaving parents open to incorrect information and misinformation. Although access to immediate social support is a welcomed feature of social media, receiving incorrect health information can have unwanted consequences for the child, family, health provider, and wider community. The upskilling of parental health literacy to navigate the unique health literacy challenges that social media brings, alongside the creation and delivery of accessible, evidence-based information in varying formats, is urgently required. The provision of this information is the responsibility of every level of the health system, not just the treating health care professional.

Emirati Adolescents' and Young Adults' Usage of Social Media for Health Information.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and in the years after, adolescents' and young adults' (AYAs) usage of social media increased. Social media has been shown to influence both the physical and mental behaviour of AYAs. The Emirates' AYAs are among the world's heaviest consumers of social media. This study aims to explore the usage of social media networks by AYAs for sharing and looking up health information, as well as interacting with local health systems, with a special focus on doctors and social media. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was used to collect comprehensive data from Arabic- and English-speaking Emirati students in grades 7 through 12 and university students between the months of December 2022 and April 2023. A total of 876 out of 930 responses were included. Of the responses, 27.71% were university students, with another 46.46% in grades 11 and 12. Three-fourths had a hospital or clinic visit in the last 6 months and 79.11% had good health perception. Smartphones were the most commonly used devices, at 92.12%. A total of 74.7% reported being able to obtain useful health information, with 40% having had a health decision influenced by it. Posting information on social media was not common, with only 32% posting such content (most commonly mood-related). Health information on social media by health authorities was considered the most trustworthy, with celebrities being the least trustworthy. More than half of AYAs searched for a physician before a visit, and the majority would not mind having a rash picture being posted on a public website if consent (verbal or written) was taken. Social media can influence the various health decisions an AYA might take and which doctors they might choose to see. Physicians should consider their presence and the content they present on social media carefully.

#HealthyLifestyle: A Q methodology analysis of why young adults like to use social media to access health information.

Social media has become an integral part of modern society. Many people now turn to social media platforms to share or gain knowledge about best practices for personal health. This new form of health information dissemination has greatly increased in popularity especially among young adults. Currently, more research is needed to identify why so many individuals choose to turn to social media for health information. Using Q methodology, this study aimed to uncover the attitudes, opinions, and beliefs of young adults who engage with social media as a means of obtaining health and fitness information. Results revealed four primary factors: the Health Connoisseurs, the Health Enthusiasts, the Loyalists, and the Virtual Befrienders. Each group possessed different motivations for accessing health-related content on social media. The insights gained from this study can benefit public health institutions, advertisers, and social media content creators as they disseminate health information on social media platforms.

Internet and social media preferences of orthopaedic patients vary according to factors such as age and education levels.

Patients can often access the internet and social media for health information but it is not clear how much they trust and use the information retrieved. To investigate the social media and internet use rates and preferences of orthopaedic patients, to reveal to what extent they self-treat, and to probe the affecting factors. Two thousand fifty-eight patients admitted to an orthopaedic polyclinic were asked to fill out a survey (voluntarily) consisting of 15 items, to collect demographic data, preference for platforms and sources used, trusted sources, and the extent to which information obtained was used for self-care. The most preferred and most trusted sources of information were Google and other search engines, and physicians' personal websites (p < 0.001). Variables such as age, gender, educational level and occupation affect the research preferences. Reliance on social media decreases with increasing educational levels (p < 0.001). Health information and knowledge services should work with health professionals to improve aspects of health literacy among orthopaedic patients.

Effect of age on U.S. gynecologic patients’ use of social media for women’s health information

ObjectiveTo compare use, timing, and perceived benefit of social media for women’s health information between different aged gynecologic patients. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional survey of patients presenting to a U.S. academic gynecology clinic over three months in spring 2021. We compared social media use for women’s health information among patients of different age groups. ResultsMost respondents use social media to learn about women’s health (57.0 %), believe women’s health information should be available on social media (92.4 %), and find it helpful in making health decisions (58.5 %), without significant differences by age group. With each increasing decade of age, patients increasingly reported actively searching for women’s health information rather than passively finding it on a feed (p = 0.024 for overall comparison) and using social media for health information specifically around doctor’s visits (p = 0.023 for overall comparison), and less commonly reported trusting social media influencers (p = 0.030 for overall comparison). ConclusionReproductive and non-reproductive aged patients all highly utilize social media for women’s health information, however there are differences in usage patterns by age. Practice ImplicationsUnderstanding social media use patterns can facilitate direction to and creation of accessible, medically-accurate and patient-friendly content.

Skin, hair, and nail supplements advertised on Instagram

Teens and young adults increasingly utilize social media for health information. Dermatologic supplements, advertised on social media, may be pharmacologically active and risk adverse effects. Instagram was searched, and 100 posts from March 2021 were evaluated for ingredients, health claims, account verification status, and endorsements. Only 4% of posts were made by verified accounts, and 1% of posts contained a visible Supplement Facts label. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements. Ingredients such as vitamin A found in posts can pose teratogenic risk. Other potentially dangerous ingredients included saw palmetto and biotin. To accurately counsel patients who may retrieve health information from Instagram, it is important for practitioners to be familiar with social media claims.

Cognitive Determinants of Health Information Seeking Behavior through Social Media Platforms among Malaysian Adults

Introduction: Health information-seeking behaviour is a process of gathering information for individuals to understand and cope with his/her health problems. Apart from the Internet or Web 1.0, Web 2.0 tools has been increasingly used as alternative to seek health information and one such tool is social media platform. This study aims to identify cognitive determinants of health information-seeking behaviour through social media platforms among Malaysian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study by means of convenience sampling was conducted during a nationwide pandemic lockdown. Cognitive determinants were defined as respondent’s perceived usefulness, perceived ease of user, perceived benefit, perceived costs, perceived behavioural control, and perceived risk towards social media use. Questionnaires were distributed via Google Form link to multiple social media platforms and cross-platform messaging app. Differences between group of sociodemographic factors and other independent variables were tested with nonparametric tests while multiple linear regression was employed to determine the significant predictors of the health information seeking behavior. Results: A total of 705 individuals responded to the survey invitation, the majority of which were females (65%), Malay (93.6%), married (52.1%), and received tertiary education (88.5%). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that perceived benefit (β= 0.612, 95% CI: 0.517-0.708, p&lt;0.001), perceived usefulness (β= 0.653, 95% CI: 0.453-0.853, p&lt;0.001), and perceived risk (β= 0.131, 95% CI: 0.03-0.259, p=0.044) significantly predict health information seeking behavior through social media platform. Conclusion: Our findings provide fundamental grounds for stakeholders to better understand and influence online behavior. Staying abreast of the current online trend is crucial as more people have begun to rely on social media for health information.

Effect of Age on Gynecologic Patients’ Use of Social Media for Women’s Health Information [A84

INTRODUCTION: Over the last decade, social media platforms have become a major source of health information. We aimed to determine prevalence of social media usage for women’s health information, timing of usage, and perceived benefit among general gynecologic patients. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of patients presenting to one US academic gynecology clinic, distributing an anonymous 15-question survey over a 3-week period in spring 2021. The Albany Medical Center Institutional Review Board determined this study to be exempt. We calculated descriptive statistics and used chi-square testing to compare patients of reproductive age (&lt; 50 years) and non-reproductive age (≥50 years). RESULTS: Of 377 who completed the survey (91.3% response rate), 259 (68.7%) were reproductive aged and 333 (88.3%) used social media. Most respondents use social media to learn about women’s health (57.0%), believe women’s health information should be available on social media (92.4%), and find social media helpful in making health decisions (58.5%), without differences by age group. Older patients are more likely than their reproductive-aged counterparts to actively search for women’s health information rather than passively finding it on a feed (52.2% vs. 36.8%, P=.024), to use social media for health information specifically around doctor’s visits (52.8% vs. 28.6%, P&lt;.001), and to only trust health information from medical professionals rather than non-medical individuals (85.5% vs. 71.6%, P=.015). CONCLUSION: Social media is ubiquitous, with different usage patterns by patient age. Understanding how different groups find and determine trustworthiness of health information on social media can facilitate creation of accessible, medically accurate, and patient-friendly content.

Parents' Use of Social Media as a Health Information Source for Their Children: A Scoping Review.

Parents are increasingly using social media to inform health decisions for their children. This scoping review examines 1) How do parents use social media to find health information for their children? 2) What motivates parents to engage with social media to seek health information for their children? 3) How do parents seek to understand and evaluate the health information they find on social media, and how does social media impact parental health information-seeking? Scopus, CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched, with open date parameters. Peer-reviewed studies that examined parents' and responsible caregivers' use of social media as a source of health information for their children (aged <18 years) were included. The 42 included studies spanned 2011 to 2020. More than half (n=24, 57%) were published in 2019 and 2020. Parents use social media for information about specific health concerns both before and after a medical diagnosis for their child. Parents are motivated to engage with social media as they seek out extensive information based on lived experience from other parents, as well as social support and community. This scoping review reveals parents' motivation to use social media for health information, and how that can interact with, and impose on, clinical practice. It is important for those who provide pediatric health care to both understand and accommodate this permanent shift facilitated by social media, when working with parents who are seeking health information when making health decisions for their children.

Digital Health Literacy and Information-Seeking Behavior among University College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study from Denmark.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the concomitant infodemic have emphasized the importance of digital health literacy (DHL) to global public health research and practice. The aim of this study was to examine information-seeking behavior, the ability to find, understand and deal with health information among university college students in Denmark and/in addition we wanted to examine the impact of their close social network on students’ ability to find and understand health information. This research was carried out as part of the COVID-HL university student survey by using a uniform questionnaire consisting of elaborated scales. Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey conducted at University College South during 4 weeks in April and May 2020. To capture DHL, four subscales of the DHL instrument were adapted to the pandemic context. A total of 59.9% of the students have sufficient DHL—most students find it rather easy to find information and are satisfied with the information they find on the internet. However, some (28.1%) students find it difficult to judge the quality and reliability of the information. Students with a sufficient level of DHL are more likely to seek information through search engines and websites of official institutions, while students with a limited level of DHL more often use social media for health information. Students with sufficient DHL more often share health information and less often ask for support in their network

Patient Influencers: The Next Frontier in Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Marketing.

Social media influencers are becoming an increasingly popular strategic communication tactic used across industry verticals, including entertainment, fashion, and beauty, to engage directly with consumers. Pharmaceutical companies have also recently entered the social media marketing arena and—within the bounds of governmental regulations—have found ways to build relationships directly with patients using covert persuasion tactics like partnering with social media influencers. Due to consumers’ negative perceptions of pharmaceutical companies, it makes sense that new marketing tactics are being used to establish and improve relationships with consumers. Previous research well documents the ethical dilemmas of direct-to-consumer advertising, and there is recent burgeoning literature on online covert marketing tactics. The academic and medical literature, however, is behind in regard to social media influencers used in health and medicine. This paper highlights and defines terms used in industry practice, and also calls for more investigation and sets forward a research agenda. As consumers spend more time online and patients continue to consult social media for health information, it is important that this new marketing trend does not go unnoticed.

Effects of Social Media Use for Health Information on COVID-19-Related Risk Perceptions and Mental Health During Pregnancy: Web-Based Survey.

BackgroundSocial media has become an important source of health information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Very little is known about the potential mental impact of social media use on pregnant women.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the association between using social media for health information and risk perception for COVID-19, worry due to COVID-19, and depression among pregnant women in China.MethodsA total of 4580 pregnant women were recruited from various provinces of China. The participants completed a cross-sectional, web-based survey in March 2020.ResultsMore than one-third (1794/4580, 39.2%) of the participants reported always using social media for obtaining health information. Results of structural equation modeling showed that the frequency of social media use for health information was positively associated with perceived susceptibility (β=.05; P<.001) and perceived severity (β=.12; P<.001) of COVID-19, which, in turn, were positively associated with worry due to COVID-19 (β=.19 and β=.72, respectively; P<.001). Perceived susceptibility (β=.09; P<.001), perceived severity (β=.08; P<.001), and worry due to COVID-19 (β=.15; P<.001) all had a positive association with depression. Bootstrapping analysis showed that the indirect effects of frequency of social media use for health information on both worry due to COVID-19 (β=.09, 95% CI 0.07-0.12) and depression (β=.05, 95% CI 0.02-0.07) were statistically significant.ConclusionsThis study provides empirical evidence on how social media use for health information might have a negative impact on the mental health of pregnant women. Interventions are needed to equip this population with the skills to use social media properly and with caution.

How Helpful and What Is the Quality of Digital Sources of Healthy Lifestyle Information Used by Australian Adolescents? A Mixed Methods Study.

To evaluate the digital platforms most used by adolescents for healthy lifestyle information, perceived helpfulness of platform information, helpfulness for positive behaviour changes, and quality of platforms’ lifestyle health information. Mixed-methods study including a cross-sectional online survey and content analysis. Eligible participants were 13–18-years; living in Australia; and had searched online for healthy lifestyle behaviour (nutrition, physical activity, weight management, sleep) information in the previous three months. Survey items examined the use of digital platforms, self-perceived helpfulness, usefulness for positive behaviour, and popular content. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression models. Content analysis was performed on popular digital content to evaluate expertise, objectivity, transparency, popularity, and relevance. In total, 297 participants completed the survey (62.3% female; 15.8 [SD1.5] years). Seventy-eight percent and 77% of participants reported using websites and social media, respectively, for seeking healthy lifestyle information. Websites and social media were rated as somewhat helpful by 43% and 46% of participants, respectively. Sixty-six percent and 53% of participants agreed/strongly agreed smartphone apps and social media were helpful for positive behaviour change, respectively. Helpfulness did not differ by age or gender. We evaluated 582 popular digital content; 38% were produced by a commercial company. Only 7% of content was from health organisations, 10% from health professionals and only 10% of content was objective, and 14% was transparent. Adolescents extensively utilise websites and social media for health information, yet popular content has limited objectivity and transparency. Governments and health organisations should consider creating age-appropriate digital information for healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Shoulder and elbow arthroplasty videos on YouTube: an analysis of video content and quality

BackgroundThe purpose of this investigation was to analyze the content and quality of YouTube videos related to shoulder arthroplasty (SA) and elbow arthroplasty (EA). In addition, we aimed to compare videos produced by academic sources with those that were produced by nonacademic sources. We hypothesized that overall SA and EA YouTube video content and quality would be poor. MethodsThe most popular SA and EA YouTube videos were analyzed as per the source, and video characteristics were recorded. We determined video content and quality scores utilizing the Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria, DISCERN criteria, and a novel arthroplasty content score. ResultsEighty-four and 34 unique SA and EA videos were included, respectively. Mean Journal of the American Medical Association, DISCERN, and content scores were 1.2, 29.5, and 3.4 for SA videos and 0.9, 29.9, and 3.5 for EA videos, respectively. No videos were classified as “good” or “excellent” as per the DISCERN criteria. Mean quality and content scores were not significantly different for academic compared with nonacademic sources for either SA or EA videos. ConclusionYouTube videos related to SA and EA are of poor quality and are unreliable sources of patient information. Videos from academic sources do not provide higher-quality information than videos from nonacademic sources. With the growing use of internet and social media for health information, surgeons should, at present, direct patients away from these sources. Upper-extremity surgeons and professional societies should endeavor to create quality, patient-directed educational videos related to SA and EA, as patients are increasingly seeking information from social media sources. Level of evidenceBasic Science Study

The Use of Internet and Social Media for Health Information and Its Consequences Among the Population in Saudi Arabia.

Background: The Internet is being increasingly used in our lives. Along with Internet use, social media sites are especially popular and are used by many people on a daily basis. Many studies were conducted to see the people’s perception and their attitude towards the use of the Internet for health information. Such studies were also carried out in Saudi Arabia, but most have been limited to a specific target sample of the population. Our study aimed to assess the perception towards and use of different platforms and search engines to seek health information in Saudi Arabia.Method: A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia during the year 2021. An Arabic online questionnaire using Google forms was sent to a randomized sample. Microsoft Excel 2016 was used for data entry, and statistical analysis was performed using IBM© SPSS© Statistics version 25 (IBM© Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).Result: Among the 1363 participants, 56.2% were females and 43.8% were males with a mean age of 30.73 ± 12.3. The majority were living in Western region. The most used social media platforms were WhatsApp (91.5%), YouTube (84.6%), and Twitter (82.6%), respectively. The most common medical websites browsed were the Saudi Ministry of Health (67%) and the Food and Drug Administration (54.4%). Some 40.1% of the participants had a medical consultation online from a doctor, and most of them (67.8%) trusted the online physician. Finally, most of the participants (90.9%) thought that health information on the Internet or social media contributes to raising the level of health awareness among the general population. There was a significant relationship between educational level and gender and online health-seeking behavior (p > 0.05).Conclusion: The study reinforced that health information that is sought from the Internet and social media platforms has a great impact on the population, emphasizing the need for credible information sources and how to access them.

Social Media Use and COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study Examining Health Behaviors, Knowledge, and Mental Health Among University of Nevada, Reno Students

Reliance on social media for health information is widespread, yet impacts of social media use (SMU) on health behaviors during infectious disease pandemics are poorly understood. We used a random sample from a university student directory to invite students to take a cross-sectional online survey during the coronavirus pandemic. Survey questions assessed adherence to public health guidelines, knowledge of COVID-19/SARS-CoV2, and mental health symptoms. Students were classified based on their level of SMU for information on COVID-19 as: (1) none, (2) some use, or (3) main source. Weighted regressions were used to relate SMU to adherence (five-point scale) and knowledge (six-point scale), with higher scores representing higher adherence/knowledge, and to mental health (PHQ-8 and GAD-7 scales). The weighted prevalence of SMU for COVD-19 information was 71.3%, and 17.1% of students identified SMU as their main source of COVID-19 information (total N = 181). Mean adherence ranged from 3.71±0.17 (SEM) for none, to 3.94±0.14 (SEM) for main source, and differences were not statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. Knowledge scores decreased from 5.44±0.11 (SEM) for none, to 5.38±0.08 for some, and 5.23±0.16 for main source (p = 0.056). The weighted prevalence of depression was 38.7%, 43.1%, and 51.9% for none, some use, and main source; weighted prevalence of anxiety was 19.7%, 27.0%, and 36.7%, respectively. Effects of SMU for information during pandemics on health behavior merits further research, especially regarding adherence to public health guidelines. In the case of COVID-19, SMU may be negatively correlated with knowledge and mental health.

Development of Personas to Communicate Narrative-Based Information About the HPV Vaccine on Twitter.

Introduction: Personas are based on real-life typologies of people that can be used to create characters and messages to communicate important health information through relatable narrative storylines. Persona development is data-driven and can involve multiple phases of formative research and evaluation; however, personas are largely underutilized in digital health research. The purpose of this study was to create and document persona development to deliver narrative-focused health education for parents on Twitter with the goal of increasing uptake of HPV vaccination among adolescents.Methods: Leveraging data from a mixed-method study conducted in the U.S. with a diverse population of parents with adolescents ages 9–14, we used both qualitative and quantitative data (e.g., the National Immunization Survey—Teen, focus groups, and social media) to create personas. These data sources were used to identify and develop key characteristics for personas to reflect a range of parents and their diverse understandings and experiences related to HPV vaccination. A parent advisory board provided insight and helped refine persona development.Results: Four personas emerged and were characterized as the (1) Informed Altruist, (2) Real Talker, (3) Information Gatherer, and (4) Supporter. Characteristics differed across personas and provided insights into targeted narrative strategies. Described attributes included demographics, psychographics, communication style, vaccine goals and aspirations, vaccine challenges and frustrations, and vaccine hesitancy.Discussion: This work demonstrates how multiple data sources can be used to create personas to deliver social media messages that can address the diverse preferences and needs of parents for HPV vaccine information. With increasing usage of social media for health information among parents, it is important for researchers to consider marketing and design thinking to create health communication messages that resonate with audiences.

Patterns and Influencing Factors of eHealth Tools Adoption Among Medicaid and Non-Medicaid Populations From the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2017-2019: Questionnaire Study

BackgroundEvidence suggests that eHealth tools adoption is associated with better health outcomes among various populations. The patterns and factors influencing eHealth adoption among the US Medicaid population remain obscure.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to explore patterns of eHealth tools adoption among the Medicaid population and examine factors associated with eHealth adoption.MethodsData from the Health Information National Trends Survey from 2017 to 2019 were used to estimate the patterns of eHealth tools adoption among Medicaid and non-Medicaid populations. The effects of Medicaid insurance status and other influencing factors were assessed with logistic regression models.ResultsCompared with the non-Medicaid population, the Medicaid beneficiaries had significantly lower eHealth tools adoption rates for health information management (11.2% to 17.5% less) and mobile health for self-regulation (0.8% to 9.7% less). Conversely, the Medicaid population had significantly higher adoption rates for using social media for health information than their counterpart (8% higher in 2018, P=.01; 10.1% higher in 2019, P=.01). Internet access diversity, education, and cardiovascular diseases were positively associated with health information management and mobile health for self-regulation among the Medicaid population. Internet access diversity is the only factor significantly associated with social media adoption for acquisition of health information (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.26-3.11).ConclusionsOur results suggest digital disparities in eHealth tools adoption between the Medicaid and non-Medicaid populations. Future research should investigate behavioral correlates and develop interventions to improve eHealth adoption and use among underserved communities.