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Balsom AA, Dube L, Gordon JL. What women want to hear: the helpful and unhelpful comments reported by women struggling with infertility amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2025; 20:e0318921. [PMID: 39999219 PMCID: PMC11856580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0318921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many women struggling with infertility report that they frequently experience unhelpful social interactions with well-meaning loved ones and healthcare providers, contributing to a reluctance to confide in others about their infertility and emotional distress. However, it remains unclear what interaction content women experience as 'helpful' versus 'unhelpful,' making it difficult to provide concrete recommendations to the public about how best to support individuals struggling with infertility. METHODOLOGY Eighty women from Canada and the United States (ages 20-45 years) whose fertility treatments had been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic were recruited via social media to complete an online survey, which included two open-ended questions about the most helpful and unhelpful social interactions they had had about their infertility. Two independent researchers conducted content analysis to identify categories of helpful and unhelpful social interactions. RESULTS The following six categories were identified by women as helpful: 1) Listening, 2) Fostering hope, 3) Talking to individuals with lived experience, 4) Distraction, 5) Validating emotions, and 6) Tangible support. Responses about unsupportive interactions fell into four categories: 1) Toxic positivity, 2) Advice-giving, 3) Invalidation, and 4) Intruding. Sample quotes from each category are provided. CONCLUSION These findings provide valuable insights that can be used to develop future educational materials for the general public on how to interact with individuals experiencing infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A. Balsom
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Loveness Dube
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Jennifer L. Gordon
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Sallam M, Al-Mahzoum K, Alkandari L, Shabakouh A, Shabakouh A, Ali A, Alenezi F, Barakat M. Descriptive analysis of TikTok content on vaccination in Arabic. AIMS Public Health 2025; 12:137-161. [PMID: 40248416 PMCID: PMC11999813 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2025010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2024] [Revised: 10/19/2024] [Accepted: 11/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2025] Open
Abstract
The extensive impact of social media on communication of public health information is a growing concern. This is particularly worrying in the context of vaccination. Thus, we investigated the quality of TikTok videos regarding vaccination in Arabic, with examination of the association of video source and content type with the information quality and video engagement metrics. The final sample comprised a total of 129 TikTok videos in Arabic posted between January 2021 and July 2024. Videos were categorized based on the source [healthcare professional (HCPs), lay individuals, media], and content type (COVID-19 vaccination, childhood vaccination, general vaccination, others). We utilized a miniaturized version of the DISCERN instrument (mini-DISCERN) scale to evaluate information quality by two independent raters and assessed video engagement metrics (Likes, Comments, Shares, and Saves). The results indicated a statistically significant discrepancy in information quality, with videos from HCPs and media outlets scoring higher on the mini-DISCERN scale compared to those from lay individuals [mean: (4.818 ± 0.726) vs. (4.053 ± 1.441) vs. (2.003 ± 1.640), P < 0.001]. The highest information quality was found for videos on childhood vaccination, whereas content on COVID-19 vaccination was rated significantly lower on mini-DISCERN [mean: (4.510 ± 1.269) vs. (2.542 ± 1.827), P < 0.001]. Videos with higher engagement metrics, particularly those from lay individuals, were negatively correlated with information quality. Linear regression analysis confirmed the significant influence of the creator background (β = -0.618, P < 0.001) and video topic (β = 0.179, P = 0.009) on information quality. This study highlights the critical role of content creator background and topic on the quality of vaccination-related information on TikTok in Arabic. We emphasize the need for stringent verification of TikTok content, especially from lay individuals, as videos with higher engagement metrics often contained lower-quality information regarding vaccination. We recommend enhanced support for content from HCPs and targeted digital literacy programs to combat vaccine misinformation on TikTok effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | | | - Lujain Alkandari
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Aisha Shabakouh
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Asmaa Shabakouh
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Abiar Ali
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Fajer Alenezi
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
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Cordero DA. Exploring TikTok to increase one's health literacy: the Philippine experience. Postgrad Med J 2024; 100:776-777. [PMID: 38588583 DOI: 10.1093/postmj/qgae044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Dalmacito A Cordero
- Department of Theology and Religious Education, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004 Manila, The Philippines
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Al-Aghbari AA, Naanyu V, Luchters S, Irungu E, Baalawy K, Bärnighausen T, Mauti J. Reducing Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake: Community Ideas from Urban and Rural Kenya. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7093. [PMID: 38063523 PMCID: PMC10705992 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20237093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Following the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines, addressing vaccine hesitancy and optimizing uptake have emerged as critical challenges, emphasizing the importance of reducing barriers toward COVID-19 vaccination. This study investigates ideas on ways to reduce barriers to COVID-19 vaccination uptake. It explores methods that can overcome COVID-19 vaccination barriers through qualitative research: interviews and group discussions involving healthcare providers, administration personnel, teachers, and individuals with chronic conditions across urban (Mombasa) and rural (Kilifi) Kenya. Audio-recorded discussions were transcribed and thematically analyzed across locations. Five themes emerged in our results regarding the reduction in barriers to COVID-19 vaccination in the context of Kenya, including awareness campaigns, engaging diverse stakeholders, using various communication techniques, capacity building to increase vaccination centers and trained staff, and lastly, revising relevant government health policies and guidelines. These results indicate the importance of adopting multiple approaches, as no single strategy can boost vaccine acceptance. Moreover, this study provides recommendations for conceiving actionable interventions to potentially boost vaccine demand and maintain routine immunization in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Asa’ad Al-Aghbari
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.B.); (J.M.)
| | - Violet Naanyu
- School of Arts and Social Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya;
| | - Stanley Luchters
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Harare 0002, Zimbabwe;
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eunice Irungu
- The Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa, Mumbasa, Kenya; (E.I.); (K.B.)
| | - Kawthar Baalawy
- The Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa, Mumbasa, Kenya; (E.I.); (K.B.)
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.B.); (J.M.)
| | - Joy Mauti
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.B.); (J.M.)
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Smith SE, Sivertsen N, Lines L, De Bellis A. Netnography: A novel methodology for nursing research. J Adv Nurs 2023; 79:4207-4217. [PMID: 37464735 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this paper is to critically reflect on our team's experience of using netnography to explore vaccine-hesitant parents and pregnant women, a group who have traditionally been difficult to recruit to research studies and a methodology that is underutilized in nursing research. DESIGN This paper takes the form of a discussion paper that will utilize data obtained from a qualitative netnographic study. Relevant literature was searched including 2015-2023. METHOD This paper utilized data obtained from a qualitative study that used netnography as methodology and an online minable data source. Netnography is a relatively new methodology that uses the online environment to explore digital cultures and study networked society. It pays particular attention to cultural insights and conditions that impact the human experience. This methodology is particularly relevant to nursing research which is often humanistic and always conducted to ensure optimal patient outcomes. RESULTS Using netnography for the first time has resulted in four main insights. These include the adaptability of the process; the creativity involved in designing the site; the ready acceptance of the site by participants and the co-creation knowledge that resulted. CONCLUSIONS Netnography is a creative methodology that was successful in accessing and engaging the vaccine-hesitant community, a group who are often marginalized. Netnography has the advantage of using a platform that is familiar and safe for many people and provides access to an extensive minable data source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Smith
- College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nina Sivertsen
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- University and UIT Arctic University of Norway, Rural and Remote Arctic health, Campus Hammersfest, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Lauren Lines
- College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Anita De Bellis
- College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Sundiam TGD, Sy JCA, Berdida DJE, Talampas PYR, Suillan HAA, Sumangil EAV, Sunga AME, Sy Juco SNT, Talastas KC. Adherence to COVID-19 health protocols in an online news context in the Philippines: A manifest content analysis. Public Health Nurs 2023; 40:382-393. [PMID: 36805622 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Globally, adherence to COVID-19 health and safety protocols played a crucial role in preventing the spread of the virus. Thus, this study analyzed online news articles reporting adherence to COVID-19 health and safety protocols in the Philippines. DESIGN Manifest content analysis. SAMPLE News articles (n = 192) from three major online news portals in the Philippines. MEASUREMENT Published online news articles were collected during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to March 2021). Bengtsson's content analysis approach was used to analyze the data. Member-checking and intercoder reliability validated the study's results. RESULTS Three main themes emerged: (a) adherence, (b) non-adherence, and (c) partial adherence. The subthemes were labeled who, what, when, where, and why. The same behavior, social distancing, was the most adhered to and non-adhered COVID-19 health protocol. This protocol has the highest occurrences in political protest, religious-related activities, and self-initiated quarantine. Leisure activities both showed non-adherence and partial adherence. CONCLUSIONS Online news articles depicted Filipinos' adherence to health and safety protocols. Their adherence was primarily determined by one's group or community, social norms, and values. The government and its public health agencies should strengthen current efforts and continuously re-evaluate existing policies to modify ineffective and confusing safety health protocols.
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Tomas N, Munangatire T, Nampila S. Undergraduate Students' Knowledge, Attitudes and Willingness to Receive COVID-19 Vaccines: A Survey of Convenience Sample in Namibia. SAGE Open Nurs 2023; 9:23779608231177565. [PMID: 37250766 PMCID: PMC10214085 DOI: 10.1177/23779608231177565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The global consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be overstated. Vaccinations are one of the leading strategies to protect against the virus, and it is likely that students' understanding and desire to be vaccinated can be major factors in helping contain the pandemic. Nonetheless, no studies looked into the vaccine attitude, knowledge and willingness in Namibia. Objectives To assess and describe the association between knowledge, attitudes, and willingness of undergraduate students to receive COVID-19 vaccines in the school of education, nursing and economics and management science at the university campus in Namibia. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive study from 200 undergraduate university students using a convenience sampling. Data analysis was done using SPSSv28 and descriptive statistics were used to depict trends in data while a Pearson's correlation determined the relationship between the study variables. Results The data showed that 54.2% (1.54 ± 0.49) of the participants had adequate knowledge concerning the vaccine, while 57.1% and 58.6% had a negative outlook and were unwilling to get vaccinated. A moderate positive correlation was observed between attitudes and willingness to take COVID-19 vaccines (r = .546, P =<.001), while a negative relation existed between knowledge and attitudes (r = -.017, P =>.001). Conclusions This study has provided valuable insight into the knowledge, attitudes, and willingness of undergraduate students to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Despite more than half of the participants having appropriate knowledge, they had an unfavourable outlook toward COVID-19 vaccination. It is recommended that further studies focus on how factors such as incentives, religion and cultural values affect their desires to be vaccinated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor Tomas
- Department of General Nursing Science, School of Nursing
and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia (UNAM), Rundu, Namibia
| | - Takaedza Munangatire
- Department of General Nursing Science, School of Nursing
and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia (UNAM), Rundu, Namibia
| | - Stefanus Nampila
- Department of General Nursing Science, School of Nursing
and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia (UNAM), Rundu, Namibia
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Tian Y, Liu S, Zhang D. Clearness qualitative comparative analysis of the spread of TikTok health science knowledge popularization accounts. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231219116. [PMID: 38107983 PMCID: PMC10722914 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231219116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study analyzed the popularity of TikTok health knowledge popularization accounts with the objective of creating a template for accounts suited to widely disseminating information, thereby enhancing the public's access to health knowledge on a broader scale. Methods This study is based on 40 Chinese TikTok short video accounts that were active from February to April 2022 and were engaged in health science popularization. Data were validated by structured calibration using three qualitative anchors. It employs the "content-context" and the elaboration likelihood models as the theoretical framework. A qualitative comparative analysis is used to explore the factors affecting the popularity of this type of account mechanism. Results Among the nine variables involved in the calculation, one reached 0.909091, demonstrating that the number of followers was both a necessary factor and a condition for the popularity of short health science video accounts. There were 16 paths in the complex solution with a consistency of 1, and their overall coverage reached 0.878788, indicating that approximately 87% of the cases could be explained. From the spread of the content and communication situation, professional medical knowledge, current hot topics, professionals, and serious issues were the most likely combinations for rapid spread. From the perspective of the central and edge paths, "likes" exceeding 100,000 and fans exceeding 1 million were essential combinations. Conclusions The dissemination of medical knowledge has gained significant traction, especially with regard to trending and popular topics. When it comes to the tone of communication, a serious style proved effective in fostering what can be termed "hot communication." From the standpoint of central and peripheral paths, it is crucial that the number of likes in the past month and the total number of fans surpass 100,000 and one million, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tian
- Department of Journalism and Communication, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuaishuai Liu
- Department of Physical Education, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, China
| | - Desheng Zhang
- Department of Journalism and Communication, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, China
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