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Elkefi S. Exploring Predictors of Social Media Use for Health and Wellness during COVID-19 among Adults in the US: A Social Cognitive Theory Application. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:39. [PMID: 38200945 PMCID: PMC10779354 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
During COVID-19, SM media was relied upon for health-related information-seeking and activity support. This study uses the social cognitive theory (SCT) and a representative dataset of the population in the US to explore the factors influencing patients' perceptions of SM for health-related activities. As per SCT, consolidated factors comprised personal factors (sociodemographic, health perception, self-efficacy) and environmental factors (social isolation, purpose in life). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted. Among the 6252 respondents, 95.15% rarely use SM to share personal health-related information, and 90.44% rarely use it to share general health-related information. Older individuals and Whites are less likely to consider SM for healthcare decisions. Education levels influence SM's perceived reliability. Those with positive health perceptions find SM more suitable for healthcare discussions. Socially-isolated individuals are less likely to use SM for healthcare. Those with a strong sense of purpose are less inclined to trust it for health decisions and may question its accuracy. SM-based interventions should address sociodemographic differences. Our findings contribute to the literature by SCT relevance validation in identifying the antecedents of SM use in healthcare. Our results also help to understand the challenges to its adoption. This can help enhance SM-based communication strategies and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa Elkefi
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; ; Tel.: +1-(201)-744-1208
- Hphactors Lab, New York, NY 10022, USA
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2
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Haltom CE, Halverson TF. Relationship between college lifestyle variables, eating disorder education, and eating disorder risk. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022:1-9. [PMID: 36194243 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2122720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This study examined relationships between eating disorder risk (EDR), lifestyle variables (e.g., exposure to healthy eating media), and differences among male and female college students. Participants: College students (N = 323) completed survey questionnaires (Fall, 2016). Fifty-three participants retook the survey at a later time. Methods: Participants completed a survey measuring EDR using EDI-3 subscales and 10 college lifestyle variables. Female and male EDR and Time 1 and Time 2 EDR were compared. Relationships between EDR and college life-style variables were examined. Results: Exercise, fewer daily meals, less face-to-face interactions, more digital interactions, less exposure to healthy eating media, and having conversations about body image were associated with EDR risk. Male college students showed an increase in EDR over time. Conclusions: Several lifestyle factors predicted EDR in college females and males. These lifestyle factors are modifiable and may be addressed by colleges during orientation and within the campus environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cris E Haltom
- Department of Psychology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Tate F Halverson
- Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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3
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Bozzola E, Ferrara P, Spina G, Villani A, Roversi M, Raponi M, Corsello G, Staiano A. The pandemic within the pandemic: the surge of neuropsychological disorders in Italian children during the COVID-19 era. Ital J Pediatr 2022; 48:126. [PMID: 35897109 PMCID: PMC9326438 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01324-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Quarantine and isolation measures during COVID-19 pandemic may have caused additional stress and challenged the mental health of the youth. Aim of the study is to investigate the COVID-19 pandemic impact on neuropsychological disorders (NPD) of Italian children and adolescents to provide general pediatric recommendations. Material and methods A retrospective multicenter observational study was planned by the Italian Pediatric Society (SIP) to explore the impact of COVID-19 on the access of children to pediatric Emergency Departments (pED) for the evaluation of neuropsychological symptoms, collecting the classification codes of diagnoses between March 1, 2019 and March 2, 2021. The period study was split into two sub-periods: a pre COVID-19 period (from March 1 2019 to March 1, 2020) and a COVID-19 period (from March 2, 2020 to March 2, 2021). As additional information, data on NPD hospitalizations in any pediatric department of the involved centers were recorded. Results During the study period, a total of 533,318 children were admitted to the pED involved in the study. Despite a 48.2% decline of pED admissions, there was a significant increase (83.1%) in patient admissions for NPD. The most frequent NPD conditions which increased during the COVID-19 pandemic were suicidal ideation (+ 147%), depression (+ 115%), eating disorder (+ 78.4%), and psychosis (+ 17.2%). During the pandemic period, a 39.5% increase in NPD hospitalizations was observed as well. The NPD disorders that mostly required hospitalizations were suicidal ideation (+ 134%), depression (+ 41.4%), eating disorder (+ 31.4%), and drug abuse (+ 26.7%). COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on children's health, mainly on their NPD development. Neuropsychological assessment should be required at the primary level, in the pediatrician's office, to facilitate early capture of the sign of impairment and provide an adequate treatment. Conclusion SIP underlines the psychological consequences of COVID 19 pandemic on the youngest and recommends an early identification of NPD in the pediatric population to avoid other serious consequences for children's physical and mental health. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13052-022-01324-4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giulia Spina
- The Italian Pediatric Society, 00100, Rome, Italy.
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4
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Drtilová H, Šmahel D, Šmahelová M. Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet Use: The Perspective of Women with Eating Disorders Experience. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:791-801. [PMID: 33432827 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1868076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Even though the internet is a common source of information and treatment for people with eating disorder (ED) experience, the motives for illness-related searches have rarely been investigated beyond the perceived negatives. This study explores how women with ED experience reflect upon the advantages and disadvantages of their ED-related internet use. We expand the framework of the Uses and Gratifications Theory (U&G) into the context of users with ED experience through 30 semi-structured interviews with women with ED experience, aged 16 to 28, who live in the Czech Republic. Thematic analysis revealed four themes related to the pros and cons of their internet usage: ED-related Information Content; Internet Features Important to Users; Body Image; and Social Interaction. The results challenge the binary view of ED-related internet use and question some presumptions of U&G Theory within the specific context of users with ED experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Drtilová
- Interdisciplinary Research Team on Internet and Society, Masaryk University
| | - David Šmahel
- Interdisciplinary Research Team on Internet and Society, Masaryk University
| | - Martina Šmahelová
- Interdisciplinary Research Team on Internet and Society, Masaryk University
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5
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Benítez-Andrades JA, Alija-Pérez JM, Vidal ME, Pastor-Vargas R, García-Ordás MT. Traditional Machine Learning Models and Bidirectional Encoder Representations From Transformer (BERT)-Based Automatic Classification of Tweets About Eating Disorders: Algorithm Development and Validation Study. JMIR Med Inform 2022; 10:e34492. [PMID: 35200156 PMCID: PMC8914746 DOI: 10.2196/34492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eating disorders affect an increasing number of people. Social networks provide information that can help. OBJECTIVE We aimed to find machine learning models capable of efficiently categorizing tweets about eating disorders domain. METHODS We collected tweets related to eating disorders, for 3 consecutive months. After preprocessing, a subset of 2000 tweets was labeled: (1) messages written by people suffering from eating disorders or not, (2) messages promoting suffering from eating disorders or not, (3) informative messages or not, and (4) scientific or nonscientific messages. Traditional machine learning and deep learning models were used to classify tweets. We evaluated accuracy, F1 score, and computational time for each model. RESULTS A total of 1,058,957 tweets related to eating disorders were collected. were obtained in the 4 categorizations, with The bidirectional encoder representations from transformer-based models had the best score among the machine learning and deep learning techniques applied to the 4 categorization tasks (F1 scores 71.1%-86.4%). CONCLUSIONS Bidirectional encoder representations from transformer-based models have better performance, although their computational cost is significantly higher than those of traditional techniques, in classifying eating disorder-related tweets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José-Manuel Alija-Pérez
- SECOMUCI Research Group, Escuela de Ingenierías Industrial e Informática, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Pastor-Vargas
- Communications and Control Systems Department, Spanish National University for Distance Education, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Teresa García-Ordás
- SECOMUCI Research Group, Escuela de Ingenierías Industrial e Informática, Universidad de León, León, Spain
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6
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Chou WYS, Gaysynsky A, Trivedi N, Vanderpool RC. Using Social Media for Health: National Data from HINTS 2019. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 26:184-193. [PMID: 33856286 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2021.1903627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Social media (SM) have fundamentally changed the way we exchange information, including how we communicate about health. The goal of this study was to describe current prevalence and predictors of SM use by analyzing nationally representative data from the 2019 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Multivariate logistic regression models examined the odds of engaging in four SM activities: visiting social networking sites, sharing health information on SM, participating in online support groups, and watching health-related videos. In 2019, approximately 86% of Internet users reported engaging in at least one SM activity. Younger age and female gender were associated with higher likelihood of engaging in all SM activities. No significant ethnic/racial disparities were observed for most SM activities, but Hispanics were found to be more likely to report watching health-related videos. Additionally, those with regular health care access were more likely to participate in online support groups. Previous HINTS survey cycles were also used to examine change in SM use over time, showing that general SM use has increased substantially since 2007, but the use of SM for health-related purposes has not increased to the same extent. The dynamic and evolving nature of SM makes systematic assessment vital. Knowledge of current SM use patterns could make health communication efforts more effective and equitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ying Sylvia Chou
- Behavioral Research Program, Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Anna Gaysynsky
- Behavioral Research Program, Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
- Department of Communications, ICF Next, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Neha Trivedi
- Behavioral Research Program, Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Robin C Vanderpool
- Behavioral Research Program, Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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7
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Mento C, Silvestri MC, Muscatello MRA, Rizzo A, Celebre L, Praticò M, Zoccali RA, Bruno A. Psychological Impact of Pro-Anorexia and Pro-Eating Disorder Websites on Adolescent Females: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2186. [PMID: 33672305 PMCID: PMC7926357 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Teenagers (in particular, females) suffering from eating disorders report being not satisfied with their physical aspect and they often perceive their body image in a wrong way; they report an excessive use of websites, defined as PRO-ANA and PRO-MIA, that promote an ideal of thinness, providing advice and suggestions about how to obtain super slim bodies. (2) Aim: The aim of this review is to explore the psychological impact of pro-ana and pro-mia websites on female teenagers. (3) Methods: We have carried out a systematic review of the literature on PubMed. The search terms that have been used are: "Pro" AND "Ana" OR "Blogging" AND "Mia". Initially, 161 publications were identified, but in total, in compliance with inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 studies have been analyzed. (4) Results: The recent scientific literature has identified a growing number of Pro Ana and Pro Mia blogs which play an important role in the etiology of anorexia and bulimia, above all in female teenagers. The feelings of discomfort and dissatisfaction with their physical aspect, therefore, reduce their self-esteem. (5) Conclusion: These websites encourage anorexic and bulimic behaviors, in particular in female teenagers. Attention to healthy eating guidelines and policies during adolescence, focused on correcting eating behavioral aspects, is very important to prevent severe forms of psychopathology with more vulnerability in the perception of body image, social desirability, and negative emotional feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Mento
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Psychiatric Unit Policlinico “G. Martino” Hospital, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.R.A.M.); (L.C.); (M.P.); (R.A.Z.); (A.B.)
| | - Maria Catena Silvestri
- Psychiatric Unit, Policlinico Hospital “G. Martino”, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.C.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Psychiatric Unit Policlinico “G. Martino” Hospital, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.R.A.M.); (L.C.); (M.P.); (R.A.Z.); (A.B.)
| | - Amelia Rizzo
- Psychiatric Unit, Policlinico Hospital “G. Martino”, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.C.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Laura Celebre
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Psychiatric Unit Policlinico “G. Martino” Hospital, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.R.A.M.); (L.C.); (M.P.); (R.A.Z.); (A.B.)
| | - Martina Praticò
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Psychiatric Unit Policlinico “G. Martino” Hospital, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.R.A.M.); (L.C.); (M.P.); (R.A.Z.); (A.B.)
| | - Rocco Antonio Zoccali
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Psychiatric Unit Policlinico “G. Martino” Hospital, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.R.A.M.); (L.C.); (M.P.); (R.A.Z.); (A.B.)
| | - Antonio Bruno
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Psychiatric Unit Policlinico “G. Martino” Hospital, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.R.A.M.); (L.C.); (M.P.); (R.A.Z.); (A.B.)
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8
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Viguria I, Alvarez-Mon MA, Llavero-Valero M, Asunsolo Del Barco A, Ortuño F, Alvarez-Mon M. Eating Disorder Awareness Campaigns: Thematic and Quantitative Analysis Using Twitter. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17626. [PMID: 32673225 PMCID: PMC7388051 DOI: 10.2196/17626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Health awareness initiatives are frequent but their efficacy is a matter of controversy. We have investigated the effect of the Eating Disorder Awareness Week and Wake Up Weight Watchers campaigns on Twitter. Objective We aimed to examine whether the Eating Disorder Awareness Week and Wake Up Weight Watchers initiatives increased the volume and dissemination of Twitter conversations related to eating disorders and investigate what content generates the most interest on Twitter. Methods Over a period of 12 consecutive days in 2018, we collected tweets containing the hashtag #wakeupweightwatchers and hashtags related to Eating Disorder Awareness Week (#eatingdisorderawarenessweek, #eatingdisorderawareness, or #EDAW), with the hashtag #eatingdisorder as a control. The content of each tweet was rated as medical, testimony, help offer, awareness, pro-ana, or anti-ana. We analyzed the number of retweets and favorites generated, as well as the potential reach and impact of the hashtags and the characteristics of contributors. Results The number of #wakeupweightwatchers tweets was higher than that of Eating Disorder Awareness Week and #eatingdisorder tweets (3900, 2056, and 1057, respectively). The content of tweets was significantly different between the hashtags analyzed (P<.001). Medical content was lower in the awareness campaigns. Awareness and help offer content were lower in #wakeupweightwatchers tweets. Retweet and favorite ratios were highest in #wakeupweightwatchers tweets. Eating Disorder Awareness Week achieved the highest impact, and very influential contributors participated. Conclusions Both awareness campaigns effectively promoted tweeting about eating disorders. The majority of tweets did not promote any specific preventive or help-seeking behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iranzu Viguria
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Alvarez-Mon
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Llavero-Valero
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Felipe Ortuño
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Melchor Alvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.,Internal Medicine and Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology Service, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, Alcala de Henares, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigaciones Sanitarias, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Cataldo I, Lepri B, Neoh MJY, Esposito G. Social Media Usage and Development of Psychiatric Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence: A Review. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:508595. [PMID: 33519535 PMCID: PMC7838524 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.508595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, are now part of almost everyone's social life, especially for the newer generations. Children and teenagers grew up together with these Internet-based services, which have become an integral part of their personal and social life. However, as reported in various studies, psychological and psychiatric problems are sometimes associated with problematic usage of social media. The primary purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the cognitive, psychological, and social outcomes correlated with a problematic use of social media sites during the developmental stages, from age 10 to 19 years. With a specific focus on depression, anxiety, eating, and neurodevelopmental disorders, the review also discusses evidence related to genetic and neurobiological issues, together with the implications in clinical work and future directions under a multidisciplinary perspective. While the scientific community has made significant progress in enhancing our understanding of the impact of social media on teenagers' lives, more research integrating biological and environmental factors is required to fully elucidate the development of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cataldo
- Affiliative Behavior and Physiology Lab, Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Trento, Italy
| | - Bruno Lepri
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Trento, Italy
| | - Michelle Jin Yee Neoh
- Social and Affective Neuroscience Lab, Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Affiliative Behavior and Physiology Lab, Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Social and Affective Neuroscience Lab, Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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10
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Bragazzi NL, Prasso G, Re TS, Zerbetto R, Del Puente G. A reliability and content analysis of Italian language anorexia nervosa-related websites. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2019; 12:145-151. [PMID: 31534378 PMCID: PMC6682172 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s193088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Internet represents a major source of information related to health issues, increasingly used by providers. Indeed, there are numerous websites concerning eating and weight disorders, such as anorexia nervosa. The aim of the current investigation was to systematically perform a reliability and content analysis of Italian language anorexia nervosa-related websites. Methods Reliability of the anorexia nervosa website pages was assessed using the Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct Standards (HonCode®) certification mark. A comprehensive content analysis (thematic cluster analysis, correspondence analysis of emerging themes and topics, density and degree-centrality analysis, and co-word analysis) was performed using the commercial software T-Lab. Results 402 unique website pages were included and analyzed in the current study. Statistically significant differences related to the accomplishment or less to the items of the HonCode® certificate mark were found for all items, except for confidentiality and webmaster/additional contact. From the thematic cluster analysis, four clusters were identified: namely, treatment (26.6%), vomiting (24.7%), weight (24.4%) and onset-age (24.3%). Treatment (in particular, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy) was the most represented theme (with a frequency of 97.76%, recurring in 393 websites). Pro-ana content characterized 147 website pages (with a frequency of 36.57%). Conclusion The quality of Italian language anorexia nervosa-related websites was rather moderate-poor, being generally inconsistent with the principles of the HonCode® certification mark. Therefore, physicians and health authorities should be aware of such findings to provide their patients with proper answers and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- School of Public Health, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Centro Studi Terapia Della Gestalt (CSTG), Milan, Italy.,UNESCO Chair "Anthropology of Health-Biosphere and Healing System", University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Prasso
- Department of Psychology (DISFOR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,School of Psychotherapy "Associazione Italiana di Psicoterapia Psicoanalitica dell'Infanzia dell'Adolescenza e della Famiglia" (AIPPI), Milan, Italy
| | - Tania Simona Re
- Centro Studi Terapia Della Gestalt (CSTG), Milan, Italy.,UNESCO Chair "Anthropology of Health-Biosphere and Healing System", University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Del Puente
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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11
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Bachner-Melman R, Zontag-Oren E, Zohar AH, Sher H. Lives on the Line: The Online Lives of Girls and Women With and Without a Lifetime Eating Disorder Diagnosis. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2128. [PMID: 30443238 PMCID: PMC6221959 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the scope, internet use patterns, and degree of online need satisfaction of girls and women with and without a lifetime eating disorder (ED) diagnosis. Participants were 122 females aged 12-30, 53 with a lifetime ED diagnosis recruited via a hospital-based treatment program, and 69 age-matched controls recruited via normative social media sites. Participants completed questionnaires assessing disordered eating, body image, positive and negative affect, general distress, and life satisfaction, and completed an online survey about the scope of their internet use, the frequency of watching and posting pictures and videos, online friendships and social comparison, fulfillment of needs online, and mood after internet use. All questionnaire scores differed significantly between groups in the expected directions. Whereas overall, ED and control groups spent similar amounts of time online (6.21, SD = 5.13), they spent this time differently. ED participants reported devoting 56.7% of their online time to eating, weight and body image, versus 29.1% for controls, and spent significantly more time than controls on forums and blogs (t = -5.3, p < 0.0001, Cohen's d = 0.87). They also engaged more often in social comparison (t = 3.6, p < 0.005, Cohen's d = 0.65), had a higher online-offline friend ratio (t = 3.7, p < 0.0001, Cohen's d = 0.65), and more online friends with ED (t = 5.4, p < 0.0001, Cohen's d = 0.89). In comparison to controls, ED participants reported that their use of forums and blogs gave them more eating- and weight-related advice, and a greater sense of belonging, social support, and safety resulting from anonymity, with effect sizes of 0.63-0.96. However, they also reported more negative affect after posting online. Most online behaviors and patterns correlated positively with measures of symptomatology and negatively with measures of psychological health, in both groups. Internet use was rarely addressed in therapy. Professionals, families and friends should help people with disordered eating and EDs to broaden the scope of their internet use. They should invest less in food- and weight-related forums/blogs, expand their "real life" social lives and develop their interpersonal skills, so that their legitimate needs can be satisfied face-to-face, rather than virtually. Clinicians should address the online lives of their ED clients in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Einat Zontag-Oren
- Clinical Psychology Graduate Program, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Ada H. Zohar
- Clinical Psychology Graduate Program, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Helene Sher
- Eating Disorder Unit, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Soroka University Medical Center, Beersheba, Israel
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12
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Park M, Sun Y, McLaughlin ML. Social Media Propagation of Content Promoting Risky Health Behavior. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2018; 20:278-285. [PMID: 28498046 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2016.0698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
While social media have been found useful in providing social support and health information, they have also been home to content advocating risky health behavior. This study focused on how content defending and even celebrating anorexia as a lifestyle are circulated among social media users, and investigates the characteristics that promote wide propagation of such messages. We captured anorexia-related content on Tumblr, a popular blog for talking about eating disorders, during a one-month period. Among the 35,432 posts collected, we examined the most highly propagated posts and coded them for message characteristics. Our findings revealed that posts in which the source of a narrative ("testimony") was identified (was either from an anorexic poster or about another's anorexia) and which were positive toward the pro-anorexia perspective were more likely to be propagated on Tumblr. In addition, posts containing content that references an anorexic person and contains an affective tone were more likely to be propagated. We also found that underweight bodies and bodies with a high degree of exposure were associated with propagation of posts. The present study suggested practical implications by focusing on the characteristics of highly propagated but potentially harmful content in social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Park
- Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California
| | - Yao Sun
- Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California
| | - Margaret L McLaughlin
- Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California
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