Towards understanding how individuals with inflammatory bowel disease use contemporary social media platforms for health-related discourse

Health discussion network characteristics among a sample of people with inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the health discussion networks (HDNs) of people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We sought to test if HDN characteristics were associated with IBD management self-efficacy outcomes.

METHODS

We recruited a sample of adults with IBD (N = 112) in December 2020 to take an online survey. Participants listed up to five people (alters) who they discussed their health with, and we used those data to construct individual HDNs. Participants provided demographic information about alters, and characterized alter by relationship, closeness, and support provided. We used multivariable regression to examine associations of HDN characteristics with IBD symptoms, remission, and emotions management self-efficacy outcomes.

RESULTS

Participants reported data for 412 alters (mean HDN size: 3.68). Alters were mostly friends (40%) or family members (36%); few were healthcare workers (6%). In multivariable analyses, HDN size was associated with remission and emotions management self-efficacy (ps < .05), and the amount of support offered by alters was associated with emotions management self-efficacy (p < .05).

DISCUSSION

HDN size and alter support variables were associated with some IBD management self-efficacy outcomes among our study sample. These findings provide empirical evidence about HDNs among people with IBD and support the notion that disease management is a collective effort.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and X (Formerly Twitter) Influencers: Who Are They and What Do They Say?

Background and objective More than half of the population suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) use the internet as a primary source of information on their condition. X (formerly Twitter) has been increasingly used to disseminate healthcare-related information. In this study, we aimed to identify top influencers on the topic of IBD on X and correlate the relevance of their social media engagements with their professional expertise or academic productivity. Methods X (formerly Twitter) influence scores for the search topic IBD were obtained using Cronycle API, a proprietary software employing multiple algorithms to rank influencers. Data regarding gender, profession, location, and research productivity represented as h-index was collected. Results We collected information on the top 100 IBD influencers on X. The majority of influencers were gastroenterologists, followed by IBD advocates. Of note, 62% of the IBD influencers were from the US followed by the UK and Canada. A positive correlation was observed between the X topic score and the h-index of the influencer (r=+0.488, p<0.001) Conclusions The strong correlation observed between the X topic score and h-index suggests that social media is a viable platform for gaining information regarding IBD. Further research aimed at counteracting misleading information by providing facts and data in a succinct manner about IBD on social media is required to improve disease awareness.

Examining thematic and emotional differences across Twitter, Reddit, and YouTube: The case of COVID-19 vaccine side effects

Social media discourse has become a key data source for understanding the public's perception of, and sentiments during a public health crisis. However, given the different niches which platforms occupy in terms of information exchange, reliance on a single platform would provide an incomplete picture of public opinions. Based on the schema theory, this study suggests a 'social media platform schema' to indicate users' different expectations based on previous usages of platform and argues that a platform's distinct characteristics foster distinct platform schema and, in turn, distinct nature of information. We analyzed COVID-19 vaccine side effect-related discussions from Twitter, Reddit, and YouTube, each of which represents a different type of the platform, and found thematic and emotional differences across platforms. Thematic analysis using k-means clustering algorithm identified seven clusters in each platform. To computationally group and contrast thematic clusters across platforms, we employed modularity analysis using the Louvain algorithm to determine a semantic network structure based on themes. We also observed differences in emotional contexts across platforms. Theoretical and public health implications are then discussed.

An Exploratory Study of Health-related Quality of Life and Care Experiences in Older Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Canada has one of the highest rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with older adults as the fastest-growing group of individuals affected. This exploratory mixed methods study aimed to understand perceived health-related quality of life and care experiences in older adults with IBD. Participants greater than 60 years of age, who were diagnosed with IBD, and who lived in Saskatchewan, Canada were invited to participate in both an online survey and telephone interview. Seventy-three respondents completed the survey, and 18 participants were interviewed. Most individuals were diagnosed before age 60, believed their IBD was well controlled, believed their current treatment was useful, and were satisfied with their care. Individuals also reported a moderate health-related quality of life. However, collaborative management of IBD care between providers and older adults with IBD was identified as an area with room for improvement. Strategies to enhance disease self-management and engaged chronic illness care are critical.

Comprehension, Perception, and Projection

Health social networks (HSNs) allow individuals with health information needs to connect and discuss health-related issues online. Political-technology intertwinement (e.g. GDPR and Digital Technology) highlights that users need to be aware, understand, and willing to provide electronic consent (eConsent) when sharing personal information online. The objective of this study is to explore the ‘As-Is’ factors which impact individuals’ decisional autonomy when consenting to the privacy policy (PP) and Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) on a HSN. We use a Situational Awareness (SA) lens to examine decision autonomy when providing eConsent. A mixed-methods approach reveals that technical and privacy comprehension, user perceptions, and projection of future consequences impact participants’ decision autonomy in providing eConsent. Without dealing with the privacy paradox at the outset, decision awareness and latterly decision satisfaction is negatively impacted. Movement away from clickwrap online consent to customised two-way engagement is the way forward for the design of eConsent.

Social media in inflammatory bowel disease: the patient and physician perspective

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Social media use by patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and their respective providers continues to increase, promoting disease awareness and scholarship. In this review article, we summarize the current literature regarding social media use and IBD, discuss both the patient and physician perspective, and provide guidance to avoid commonly encountered pitfalls.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients and providers commonly rely on social media to share medical information, advocate for improved IBD care, and to network and collaborate on common research interests. This shift from more traditional formats of education and networking continues to grow exponentially, and even more rapidly so during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SUMMARY

Social media use in the IBD community will continue to grow and lead to further innovation. Providers should be aware of social media as a valuable tool for their patients and themselves.