AI Article Synopsis
- The study investigates how cancer patients and their caregivers use social media for treatment decisions and their trust in the information found online.
- A national online survey was conducted with 262 participants, revealing that younger individuals, Black respondents, and those with less education were more likely to rely on social media for health information.
- Findings highlight a digital divide, emphasizing the need for better access to reliable digital information and a supportive environment for patients to verify online content.
Article Abstract
Background: This study explores social media (SM) usage and trust in information among cancer patients and their caregivers. We compare socio-demographic characteristics to identify groups more likely to rely on social media for treatment decisions and those less inclined to validate social media information with their provider.
Methods: A national survey of people diagnosed with cancer and those who were caregivers to people diagnosed with cancer was conducted via online survey in November-December 2021. Socio-demographic factors associated with respondents' use of SM and comfort disclosing SM use were assessed using logistic regression.
Findings: Out of 262 respondents, 65% were likely to use SM to make decisions about lifestyle changes, cancer screening, vaccination, cancer treatment, medical testing, or choosing a provider. SM users were younger (OR = 0.11, < 0.01), identified as Black (OR = 10.19, p < 0.01), and had less education (OR = 0.86, = 0.02). Those with less education reported not being comfortable discussing SM with their providers (OR = 1.25, p = 0.01).
Discussion: Results contribute new understanding of the digital divide, highlighting the need for not only improving access to digital information but also the need for a supportive environment that provides patients with dependable methods to verify the authenticity of the information they encounter.
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|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11422570 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pecinn.2024.100332 | DOI Listing |
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