Characterization of the role of Facebook groups for patients who use scalp cooling therapy: a survey study.
Support Care Cancer
; 32(6): 351, 2024 May 15.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38748328
ABSTRACT
Since the emergence of scalp cooling therapy (SCT) for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA), support groups on social media platforms for interested patients have surfaced. Though there are over 20,000 active members across SCT Facebook groups, little is known about how members use this platform. A 23-question survey was posted in five scalp cooling Facebook groups, reaching 219 women. Results indicated that these Facebook groups play clear roles in providing the following (1) a supportive community for patients, (2) instructions for SCT use, (3) advice regarding insurance coverage and reimbursement, and (4) recommendations for over-the-counter products for hair loss. Despite reported interest in hair loss products, only 5% of patients sought medical treatment from dermatologists. Due to group-specific access restrictions, private Facebook groups provide patients with a protected platform to learn more about SCT from both those with personal experience and SCT company specialists. Providers may consider recommending these online groups to interested patients during the scalp cooling counseling process. As patients with CIA express a growing interest in over-the-counter hair, eyebrow, and eyelash products, it is important for dermatologists to be aware of where their patients obtain recommendations, and further, if these recommendations have clinical evidence of efficacy.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Cuero Cabelludo
/
Alopecia
/
Medios de Comunicación Sociales
Límite:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Support Care Cancer
Asunto de la revista:
NEOPLASIAS
/
SERVICOS DE SAUDE
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos