Social media usage pattern and its influencing factors among celiac patients and their families

Disinformation about diet and nutrition on social networks: a review of the literature

Introduction

Background: social networks have become indispensable for global communication, offering unparalleled access to information. However, the lack of content regulation has allowed health and nutrition misinformation to thrive, posing significant public health risks. Objectives: this study aimed to identify the social networks most frequently used for spreading nutrition-related misinformation and evaluate the primary topics, including diseases and dietary claims, featured in these messages. Methods: a systematic review of the literature was conducted, analyzing studies focused on nutrition-related misinformation across platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Data collection adhered to PRISMA guidelines, and findings were synthesized narratively to address the study objectives. Results: this study analyzed 28 documents focusing on nutrition-related misinformation on social networks. Instagram (50 %) and YouTube (39.28 %) were identified as the most prevalent platforms for spreading such content, followed by TikTok (5.13 %) and Twitter (10.72 %). Over 62 % of the reviewed studies addressed misinformation linked to miracle diets, often associated with orthorexia (14.28 %) and COVID-19 (14.28 %). These diets frequently included unverified claims of rapid health improvements. Notably, credible nutrition content was predominantly shared by healthcare professionals and academic organizations, highlighting their key role in fight against misinformation. Conclusions: misinformation about nutrition on social networks is a growing public health concern. Public health institutions must implement strategies to improve digital literacy and provide tools for assessing information credibility. Healthcare professionals should leverage social media to disseminate evidence-based knowledge, counteracting the influence of unreliable sources. Collaborative efforts are essential to ensure social networks serve as platforms for reliable health promotion and education.

Assessment of Reliability and Validity of Celiac Disease-Related YouTube Videos: Content Analysis

BACKGROUND

YouTube is an increasingly used platform for medical information. However, the reliability and validity of health-related information on celiac disease (CD) on YouTube have not been determined.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the reliability and validity of CD-related YouTube videos.

METHODS

On November 15, 2023, a search was performed on YouTube using the keyword "celiac disease." This search resulted in a selection of videos, which were then reviewed by 2 separate evaluators for content, origin, and specific features. The evaluators assessed the reliability and quality of these videos using a modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) score, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria score, the usefulness score, video power index (VPI), and the Global Quality Scale (GQS) score.

RESULTS

In the analysis of 120 initially screened CD videos, 85 met the criteria for inclusion in the study after certain videos were excluded based on predefined criteria. While the duration of the videos uploaded by health care professionals was significantly longer than the other group (P=.009), it was concluded that the median scores for mDISCERN (4, IQR 4-5 vs 2, IQR 2-3; P<.001), GQS (4, IQR 4-5 vs 3, IQR 2-3; P<.001), JAMA (4, IQR 3-4 vs 2, IQR 2-3; P<.001), and usefulness (8, IQR 7-9 vs 6, IQR 3-6; P<.001) of the videos from this group were significantly higher than those from non-health care professionals. Video interaction parameters, including the median number of views, views per day, likes, dislikes, comments, and VPI, demonstrated no significant difference between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that YouTube videos about CD vary significantly in reliability and quality depending on their source. Increasing the production of reliable videos by health care professionals may help to improve patient education and make YouTube a more reliable resource.

Exploring the Impact and Prospects of Social Media in Advancing Pediatric Pathology

Social media has been recently highlighted as a unique and modern virtual force that allows for worldwide connection, collaboration, communication, and engagement between pathologists, trainees, and medical students. Much literature has been focused on the role of social media in recruitment and medical education practices of different pathology subspecialties, such as dermatopathology and hematopathology. However, current literature on pathology social media's status and potential future roles in promoting pediatric pathology is sparse. Herein, this review intends to narrow this knowledge gap by reviewing how social media has been utilized in different pediatric subspecialties, the current use of social media in pathology, and how the future of pediatric pathology social media use may look moving forward regarding education, research, and recruitment. Specific tips and related online resources are provided.

Effectiveness of a nutrition education programme for individuals with celiac disease and their supporters through social media (GLUTLEARN project)

INTRODUCTION

Social media has become a popular tool for patients with Celiac Disease (CD) to find information about their disease. However, limited research has been conducted to evaluate the impact of information shared on social media, specifically regarding CD.

OBJETIVE

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a nutrition education program on CD and gluten-free diet (GFD) delivered through social networks by experts in the field.

METHOD

The program, called GLUTLEARN, was delivered over six weeks via Instagram to individuals with CD and their supporters (people involved in the care of individuals with CD). Pre and post-intervention questionnaires were used to evaluate the program's effectiveness.

RESULTS

A total of 93 participants (63 with CD, 30 supporters), predominantly female (92.5 %) and European (93.5 %), took part in the program. GLUTLEARN has been found to be effective in improving the knowledge of people with CD and their supporters and improving attitudes among individuals. Furthermore, they showed a high level of concern about the disease and an interest in continuous learning.

CONCLUSION

Social networks give advantages for promoting nutrition education. Nevertheless, it is important to feed these nets with reliable information. The GLUTLEARN program is a valuable method for delivering reliable and current education about CD and the GFD, which leads to better disease control. It would be beneficial for more interventions to focus not only on individuals with CD but also on those who are avoiding gluten for various reasons or are involved in their care.

Unauthentic Information About Celiac Disease on Social Networking Pages: Is It a Matter of Concern in Celiac Disease Management?

BACKGROUND

Facebook (FB) is the most popular online networking platform. Many celiac disease Facebook (CD-FB) pages spread awareness about celiac disease (CD). To get the latest information, patients with CD frequently follow such pages. However, little is known about whether such pages provide authentic and reliable information.

AIMS

This study aims to investigate whether CD-FB pages spread misleading information to patients with CD.

METHODS

On the Facebook social networking platform, CD-FB pages created in three celiac-prevalent countries (Italy, the USA, and India) were explored using different combinations of keywords. The type/category of the CD-FB page, country of origin, purpose, page web link, and number of followers/members were documented in a Microsoft spreadsheet. All posts distributed on selected CD-FB pages in the last 3 years were thoroughly screened.

RESULTS

From August 2022 to March 2023, a total of 200 CD-FB pages from Italy, the USA, and India were explored. Out of these 200 pages, 155 CD-FB (Italy 70; the USA 46; India 39) were found eligible. Of them, 20 (13%) CD-FB pages (Italy 4; the USA 5; India 11) shared misleading information about CD. Surprisingly, 11 (8%) of these 20 pages (Italy 0; the USA 2; India 9) supported alternative treatment options for CD.

CONCLUSIONS

CD-FB pages are useful for disseminating celiac-disease-related information. While most such pages provide useful information, 13% of CD-FB pages allow misleading information. Patients with CD should consult their treating unit before following any uncertain information posted on CD-FB pages.

Knowledge and Attitude of Celiac Disease Among the Population of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background and aims Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is characterized by inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, primarily triggered by gluten. So far, the effective management of CD only includes a gluten-free diet. For early diagnosis and management, adequate knowledge and a positive attitude towards CD are crucial. This study aims to investigate the CD-related knowledge and attitudes of the public in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among individuals aged 16 and older. The data regarding demographic factors, knowledge, and attitudes about CD was collected via an online questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using version 26 of SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results In the current study, 669 individuals responded to the online survey. The majority of participants (82.1%) were familiar with CD. A total of 59.9% of respondents had adequate knowledge, 32.3% had outstanding knowledge, and 7.8% reported no knowledge of CD. The majority (69.5%) of respondents held negative attitudes concerning CD. The correlation between age and CD knowledge (P<0.05) and attitude (P<0.05) was statistically significant. Similarly, the correlation between occupation and CD knowledge (P<0.05) and attitude (P<0.05) was statistically significant. However, no significant association between gender and CD knowledge (p=0.720) or attitude (p=0.244) was found in males and females. Conclusion This study revealed that the majority of the residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, had an adequate or excellent understanding of CD. However, the majority of respondents had a negative attitude towards CD management.

The evaluation and analysis of irritable bowel syndrome-related short videos on social media (TikTok)

BACKGROUND

TikTok is one of the fastest growing social media platforms. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has recently become a trending topic of interest among TikTok users.

AIM

To better understand the quality and accuracy of information presented in the most popular IBS-relevant videos on TikTok.

METHODS

We reviewed videos with the tag 'IBS'. We excluded those not relevant to IBS or lasting <10 s or >10 min. Baseline characteristics about the videos were collected. Two independent reviewers assessed each video using DISCERN and Patient Education Materials and Assessment Tool (PEMAT) tools, two validated instruments to assess the quality of patient education materials.

RESULTS

Of 100 videos, 33% were uploaded by participants with a defined medical background. The median DISCERN score of videos uploaded by participants with a medical background was 2.43 (2.00-3.10); from participants with a non-medical background, it was 1.37 (1.23-1.70) (p < 0.01). The median PEMAT Understandability scores of videos uploaded by participants with or without a medical background were 92.86 (86.61-95.00) and 80.95 (75.76-89.58), respectively (p < 0.01). The median PEMAT Actionability scores of videos uploaded by participants with or without a medical background were 100.00 (66.67-100.00) and 0.00, respectively (0.00-45.83; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Videos posted by medical professionals are easier to understand and to act on, and are more reliable and unbiased, and more likely to recommend shared decision making about treatment.

Knowledge Gaps in Gluten-Free Diet Awareness among Patients and Healthcare Professionals: A Call for Enhanced Nutritional Education

Diet is the only treatment for celiac disease (CeD), and good adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only way to ensure complete remission and to prevent complications. Limited education about the disease and a GFD is an attributing factor to inadequate adherence. Thus, our aim was to assess the current knowledge about a GFD and the clinical monitoring of adherence to the diet among CeD people and HCPs. Specific questionnaires were designed and distributed to assess the knowledge of CeD people (Q1 questionnaire) (n = 2437) and to analyze the follow-up of the disease from the perspective of patients (Q2 questionnaire) (n = 1294) and HCPs (Q3 questionnaire) (n = 346). Two-thirds of HCPs specialized in pediatric care, while one-third did so in adult care. In CeD people, general questions regarding food classification and cross-contamination are well understood. When patients have doubts, 51.4% reported using the Internet and social networks. Thus, it is crucial that resources like social media are reliable and provide valuable information. Q3 revealed the lack of time to follow up the diet after diagnosis (48% of HCPs allocate < 15 min), the interest in further training, and the need for a professional specialized in diets within the healthcare system. In conclusion, it is essential to enhance nutritional education to increase awareness of a GFD.

Using social media for patient care, research, and professional development: A North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition position paper

The advent of social media has changed numerous aspects of modern life, with users developing and maintaining personal and professional relationships, following and sharing breaking news and importantly, searching for and disseminating health information and medical research. In the present paper, we reviewed available literature to outline the potential uses, pitfalls and impacts of social media for providers, scientists and institutions involved in digestive health in the domains of patient care, research and professional development. We recommend that these groups become more active participants on social media platforms to combat misinformation, advocate for patients, and curate and disseminate valuable research and educational materials. We also recommend that societies such as NASPGHAN assist its members in accessing training on effective social media use and the creation and maintenance of public-facing profiles and that academic institutions incorporate substantive social media contributions into academic promotion processes.

Uncovering the Concerns and Needs of Individuals with Celiac Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

The treatment for celiac disease (CD) involves a strict gluten-free diet, which can be challenging and lead to questions for patients. Pinpointing these uncertainties can enable the creation of efficient educational resources. In this study, a questionnaire was specifically designed to gain insights into the knowledge, concerns, and needs of individuals with CD and their supporters. The questionnaire was distributed through the Instagram social network and received adequate responses from 300 participants, 258 (86%) being female and 152 (50.7%) falling in the age range of 25-44 years. The concerns of individuals with celiac disease and celiac supporters were rated on a 1-4 scale, with a mean score of 3.5 indicating significant concern. A total of 255 (85%) of all participants expressed that their principal concern was the social limitations they faced, such as difficulties in eating out and sharing food with others. Every participant evaluated their overall disease knowledge, averaging at 2.92 out of 4, indicating a reasonable level of awareness. When asked if they believed that improving general knowledge about CD in the general population would enhance their quality of life, the vast majority responded affirmatively. This finding underscores the importance of not only educating individuals with CD but also reaching out to the wider population, especially those who have a direct impact on the daily lives of individuals with CD, such as family members, friends, and food service providers.

Dietary Behavior and Risk of Orthorexia in Women with Celiac Disease

Evidence points to a link between celiac disease and eating disorders. Although with the current limited knowledge, orthorexia cannot be formally recognized as an eating disorder, some features are similar. This study is the first to examine individuals with celiac disease in terms of the prevalence of risk of orthorexia. Participants were 123 females diagnosed with celiac disease. The standardized ORTO-15 questionnaire was used to assess the risk of orthorexia. In this study, eating habits and physical activity were assessed. The effect of celiac disease on diet was self-assessed on a 5-point scale. Taking a score of 40 on the ORTO-15 test as the cut-off point, a risk of orthorexia was found in 71% of individuals with celiac disease, but only in 32% when the cut-off point was set at 35. There was a positive correlation between age and ORTO-15 test scores (rho = 0.30). In the group with orthorexia risk, meals were more often self-prepared (94%) compared to those without risk of orthorexia (78%) (p = 0.006). Individuals at risk for orthorexia were less likely to pay attention to the caloric content of food (46%) relative to those without risk of orthorexia (69%) (p = 0.001). For 64% of those at risk for orthorexia vs. 8% without risk had the thought of food that worried them (p = 0.001). Given the survey instrument for assessing the prevalence of orthorexia and the overlap between eating behaviors in celiac disease and orthorexia, the prevalence of orthorexia in celiac disease cannot be clearly established. Therefore, future research should focus on using other research tools to confirm the presence of orthorexia in celiac disease.