ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In the digital age, social media platforms such as YouTube have become significant channels for disseminating health information, including content related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The quality and reliability of this information, especially when produced by healthcare professionals, are crucial for public health education and promotion. This study aims the content of Portuguese-language videos about the treatment of ASD on YouTube, produced by healthcare providers from 2019 to 2023, assessing their quality and alignment with evidence-based practices. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory descriptive approach was used, with content analysis based on Bardin's method. A total of 41 videos were selected using keywords related to ASD. Transcriptions were analyzed for discussions on treatment approaches, best practices, and professional recommendations according to DSM-V and ICD-10 guidelines. The quality of information was assessed using the DISCERN questionnaire. RESULTS: The analysis revealed significant variability in the quality of the information. Videos were categorized into four quality groups based on DISCERN scores: good (n = 6), moderate (n = 11), poor (n = 20), and very poor (n = 4). Good quality videos had the highest engagement metrics and overall quality scores. Common themes identified included defining and understanding ASD, ABA interventions and strategies, family and social impact, skills development, and challenges and solutions. CONCLUSION: While some videos provided accurate, evidence-based information, a substantial portion did not meet minimum quality criteria. This highlights the need for improved mechanisms to ensure the dissemination of reliable health information on social media platforms.
ABSTRACT
AIM: This study evaluated the quality and reliability of information about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) available in Portuguese on YouTube, based on the growing demand for accessible information about ASD and the relevance of digital platforms as sources of health information. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional observational study design, videos published in the last 5 years with more than 50,000 views were selected. The analysis consisted of two stages: characterization of the profile of the selected videos and assessment of information quality with the DISCERN Questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 48 videos, predominantly produced by healthcare providers and educators, were analyzed. The content of videos made by professionals was of higher quality and reliability compared to videos posted by laypersons and news reports. These findings highlight expertise in the field as a critical determinant of content quality, stressing the importance of relying on expert sources when disseminating information about ASD. The ICD-10 and DSM-V were rarely mentioned, especially in videos by non-professionals, which is indicative of challenges in conveying diagnostic information. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study demonstrate the significant potential of YouTube as an educational tool to raise ASD awareness, but also highlight the need for a collaborative approach between content creators, healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers to ensure that the information made available is reliable, accurate, and of high quality. Therefore, we recommend the development of specific guidelines for content creators and the implementation of verification mechanisms for YouTube channels run by subject matter experts.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Social media use and vaping nicotine are highly prevalent in the daily lives of young adults, especially among Mexican-American college students. The excessive and compulsive use of social media platforms, coupled with the urge to stay continuously connected, can lead to problematic social media use. To date, no studies have explored the impact of problematic social media use on the daily patterns of vaping among this vulnerable population. Methods: In Spring 2023, we employed Ecological Momentary Assessment over a period of 14 days to collect real-time daily data on participants' social media use and vaping behaviors via a mobile phone-based application. Participants were 51 Mexican-American college students aged 18-25 years, 72.5% female, who were current vapers. We used generalized linear regression models to examine differences in vaping behaviors among participants with and without problematic social media use. All regression models adjusted for age, sex, and SES. Results: Participants with problematic social media use vaped on an average of 5.9 days compared to 5.7 days reported by those without problematic social media use (p < .05). Problematic social media use is associated with more frequent daily vaping [b = 0.03; 95% CI: 0.02-0.05], increased number of days vaping [b = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.07-0.20], and vaping higher nicotine concentrations [b = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.03-0.14]. Conclusion: Results suggest that problematic social media use significantly increases the risk of daily vaping among Mexican-American college students. Findings highlight the need to strengthen digital resilience and social media literacy to help college students navigate and mitigate the risks of social media.
ABSTRACT
Objective Fear of missing out (FOMO) is a type of social anxiety defined as "intense concern that others may be experiencing rewarding experiences without one's presence," which can lead to illness. Excessive smartphone use is often associated with FOMO. This study aimed to investigate FOMO among medical university students, as well as factors associated with sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and excessive smartphone use. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using electronic questionnaires and the following scales: FOMO scale/score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS SV). Results Participants included 142 individuals (mean age 23.73 ± 4.98 years, 97 [68.3% female]). All participants were smartphone users. Fear of missing out was present (FOMO score 22.08 ± 6.71) along with poorer sleep quality (PSQI 7.26 ± 3.08) and excessive smartphone use (SAS SV 30.21 ± 10.20). Moderate/severe anxiety (BAI) was reported by 35.2% of participants, while 16.9% had moderate/severe depression (BDI). Positive correlations were found between PSQI and FOMO ( p < 0.05), as well as between SAS SV and FOMO ( p < 0.001), PSQI ( p < 0.001), BAI ( p < 0.001), and BDI ( p < 0.001). Discussion High levels of FOMO, poorer sleep quality, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and excessive smartphone use were found among medical students. Furthermore, a positive correlation was demonstrated between these factors, which can directly impact the physical and mental health, as well as the academic performance of these young individuals.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization's (WHO) Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) aims to provide evidence-based guidelines for the management of mental, neurological, and substance use disorders in non-specialized healthcare settings. However, implementing these guidelines remains a challenge due to various factors, including limited training opportunities for primary care providers. This study con the effectiveness of a social media-delivered distance education program on the mhGAP intervention guide, to overcome barriers of technology access and digital literacy, providing a familiar and accessible platform for primary care providers in Jalisco. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study with a pre-test/post-test design was conducted. Primary care providers from Jalisco were invited to participate in a distance education program on the mhGAP intervention guide. The program consisted of online modules, webinars, and discussion forums facilitated by mental health experts. Knowledge assessments were conducted before and after the intervention using a standardized questionnaire. Participant satisfaction and perceived utility were also evaluated through surveys and focus group discussions. RESULTS: A total of 1,096 primary care providers completed the program. The mean knowledge score significantly improved from 58.2% (SD = 12.8%) in the pre-test to 81.4% (SD = 9.6%) in the post-test (p < 0.001), with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 2.04). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent knowledge gains across different demographic and professional characteristics. Participant satisfaction was high, with 92% rating the program's overall quality as "good" or "excellent." Qualitative findings highlighted the benefits of accessibility, flexibility, interactivity, and practical applicability of the distance education approach. CONCLUSIONS: The social media-delivered distance education program on the mhGAP intervention guide effectively improved the knowledge of primary care providers in Jalisco, Mexico. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction and perceived utility. This study demonstrates the potential of distance education strategies to disseminate evidence-based guidelines and enhance mental health service delivery in primary care settings, particularly in resource-limited areas.
Subject(s)
Education, Distance , Primary Health Care , Social Media , Humans , Mexico , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Health Personnel/education , Program EvaluationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Smartphones, internet access, and social media represent a new form of problematic behavior and can affect how teens sleep. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed to examine the prevalence and association of problematic internet use and problematic smartphone use with sleep quality in a non-probability sample of 190 high school students in Mexico. The internet-related experiences questionnaire (IREQ), the mobile-related experiences questionnaire (MREQ), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used. RESULTS: The study revealed that 66% of participants exhibited some form of problematic internet use, primarily in the form of social media use; 68% had some form of problematic smartphone use, and 84% reported poor sleep quality. The PSQI score was most accurately predicted by problematic smartphone use (MREQ), followed by enrollment in the morning school shift, participation in sports, the father's education level, and knowledge that "smartphone use disturbs sleep", which together explained 23% of the variation in sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive smartphone use may negatively affect sleep quality in adolescents. We recommended that interventions be implemented to educate adolescents about appropriate and healthy use of technology, in parallel with the promotion of preventive sleep habits.
Subject(s)
Sleep Quality , Smartphone , Social Media , Students , Humans , Adolescent , Mexico , Social Media/statistics & numerical data , Male , Female , Students/statistics & numerical data , Cross-Sectional Studies , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Introduction. The Internet and social media have revolutionized access to information on health and parenting issues. Virtual consultations are spreading worldwide, are increasing, and represent a challenge for professional practice. Objective. To characterize the use of the Internet and social media by mothers and fathers as a source of information on the health and parenting of their children. Population and methods. A descriptive, cross-sectional study in an outpatient pediatric center in the City of Buenos Aires to determine the online consultation habits of caregivers of healthy children or children with health problems. Results. Two hundred-one surveys were analyzed, and the answers were predominantly from mothers of healthy children; 70.6% search online for health and parenting topics; 80% consult more than once a month. Although 36% of the families use the information to complement the medical consultation, 95% would not replace the pediatric consultation with the online search. The participants are not in the habit of following official pages, nor do they tend to verify the veracity of the contents. The search topics are related to the child's age, and satisfaction with the information results are modified according to whether the child is healthy or has a health problem. Only 4.7% responded that the search always answers their questions. Conclusions. Caregivers frequently seek online parenting and health information, but the sources are not always reliable. Although consultation with pediatricians is not displaced, we need to know the impact of online information on health decision-making. Pediatricians can intervene and guide caregivers to safe sources.
Introducción. La llegada de internet y las redes sociales ha revolucionado el acceso a la información sobre temas de salud y crianza. Las consultas virtuales se extienden en el mundo, van en aumento y representan un desafío para el ejercicio profesional. Objetivo. Caracterizar el uso, por parte de madres y padres, de internet y redes sociales como fuente de información sobre la salud y/o crianza de sus hijos. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, transversal en un centro pediátrico ambulatorio de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires para conocer hábitos de consulta en línea de cuidadores de niños sanos o con problemas de salud. Resultados. Se analizaron 201 encuestas, respondidas predominantemente por madres de niños sanos. El 70,6 % realiza búsquedas en línea sobre temas de salud y/o crianza; de ellos, el 80 % consulta más de una vez al mes. Si bien el 36 % de las familias usa la información en forma complementaria a la consulta médica, el 95 % no reemplazaría la consulta pediátrica por la búsqueda en línea. Los participantes no tienen el hábito de seguir páginas oficiales ni suelen verificar la veracidad de los contenidos. Los temas de búsqueda se relacionan con la edad del niño y la satisfacción con los resultados de la información se modifican según el niño sea sano o tenga un problema de salud. Solo el 4,7 % respondió que la búsqueda siempre responde sus dudas. Conclusiones. Los cuidadores buscan información en línea sobre crianza y salud con alta frecuencia, pero las fuentes no siempre son confiables. Aunque la consulta con pediatras no se ve desplazada, desconocemos el impacto de la información en línea en la toma de decisiones sobre la salud. Los pediatras podemos intervenir y orientar hacia fuentes seguras.
ABSTRACT
The health policies imposed by multiple national governments after the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 were publicly justified by official figures on the deaths that the new virus would have caused and could cause in the future. At the same time, however, groups of people from different countries expressed their scepticism about those figures. Although they were categorised as 'anti-science', 'spreaders of misinformation' or 'conspiracy theorists' in some media, many of those sceptics claimed to be based on scientific evidence. This article qualitatively analyses a sample of the content published by sceptics on their social media between 2020 and 2022. More specifically, it examines the shared documents supposedly coming from the scientific community. We find very diverse content ranging from unsubstantiated assumptions to documents produced by prestigious scientists inviting questions about the fatality rates, the mathematical models anticipating millions of deaths, and the real numbers of people who died from COVID-19. The disputes surrounding the official figures lead us to a reflection about the relationship between, epistemic diversity, the dissemination of science, censorship, and new forms of political opposition. We also touch upon the nature and ethics of scientific controversy in times of a 'war' against 'misinformation'.
ABSTRACT
Objective: We aimed to identify the factors associated with using digital platforms for physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic among adults living in Southern Brazil. We also compared the trajectory of physical activity between users and non-users and by type of digital platform used. Methods: We analyzed data from the PAMPA (Prospective Study About Mental and Physical Health in Adults) cohort. The study started in June 2020, and tracked participants through three waves (December 2020, June 2021, and June 2022). The exposure variable was usingf digital platforms for physical activity. The outcome measure was minutes per week of physical activity. We employed a generalized linear model with robust variance to explore the interaction between time and the use of digital platforms, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates and the presence of chronic diseases. Results: The proportion of participants using digital platforms for physical activity declined from 36.8% in 2020 to 25.6% in 2021 and further to 13.5% in 2022. Using digital platforms for physical activity was associated with a higher mean daily physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who used digital platforms were more likely to be physically active when compared to their inactive contemparts throughout the entire study period. Notably, social media emerged with greater influence in the physical activity practice among digital platforms. Conclusion: Using these platforms had a positive impact on increasing the level of physical activity among the participants.
ABSTRACT
The use of social media in medicine offers unprecedented opportunities for social interaction. Activity on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn plays crucial roles in various medical services, particularly regarding patients' access to information and healthcare services, medical education, and professional networking. However, the integration of social media into healthcare is not challenge-free and has certain pitfalls. In this article, we address several critical issues that compromise the reliability and effectiveness of social media as a professional healthcare resource, particularly in the field of radiology. We discuss possible solutions and tips and tricks to facilitate the use of this valuable tool to our advantage and in a reliable manner.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Social networks have become an ideal space for the exchange of information and knowledge. The objetive of this study was to determine the usefulness of the implementation of Instagram as a didactic tool to promote and facilitate student learning in the theoretical and laboratory courses of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics during 2022. Private Instagram accounts were created for each of the four courses. During 4 months relevant information was posted to review concepts and strengthen the teaching-learning process of the students. At the end of the courses, a survey was conducted containing the following variables: usefulness of the social network, amount of information provided, preferred place to view content (wall or stories) and whether students recommend the use of Instagram in other courses of the Department of Dentistry and Orthodontics. For the association of variables, the chi-square test was used, value of p<0.05, 95%Cl. The participation in the accounts was 222 individuals; the interaction of the students with the accounts was 87.5% with respect to the stories, 95% observed the stories completely. There was a statistically significant difference with respect to where the information was posted: stories was the preferred place for students. There were 167 students participating in the survey. All the students found very useful or useful the content of the application on the social network.100% of the respondents recommended keeping the implementation of social networks in the theoretical courses of the Department. Instagram is not only a social application but also a channel to make the teaching process more dynamic and attractive. Teachers can integrate this social platform to foster motivation and learning in students.
Resumen Las redes sociales se han convertido en un espacio idóneo para el intercambio de información y conocimiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la utilidad de la implementación de Instagram como herramienta didáctica, para fomentar y facilitar el aprendizaje del estudiantado en los cursos teóricos y de laboratorio de Odontopediatría y Ortodoncia durante el 2022. Se crearon cuentas privadas en Instagram para cada uno de los cuatro cursos. Durante 4 meses se posteó información de relevancia para repasar conceptos y fortalecer el proceso de enseñanza- aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Al finalizar los cursos se realizó una encuesta que contenía las siguientes variables: utilidad de la red social, cantidad de información proporcionada, lugar preferido para ver el contenido (muro o historias) y si los estudiantes recomiendan el uso de Instagram en otros cursos del Departamento de Odontopediatría y Ortodoncia. Para la asociación de variables se utilizó la prueba de chi-cuadrado, el valor de p<0,05, 95%Cl. La participación en las cuentas fue de 222 individuos; la interacción de los estudiantes con las cuentas fue del 87,5% respecto a las historias, el 95% observaron las historias de forma completa. Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa respecto al lugar donde se publicaba la información: las historias fue el lugar preferido por los estudiantes. La participación en la encuesta fue de 167 estudiantes. A todos los estudiantes les resultó muy útil o útil el contenido en la red social. El 100% de los encuestados recomendaron mantener la implementación de las redes sociales en los cursos teóricos del Departamento. Instagram no es solo una aplicación de carácter social, sino que constituye un canal para hacer el proceso de enseñanza más dinámico y atractivo. Los docentes pueden integrar esta plataforma social para fomentar la motivación y el aprendizaje en los estudiantes.
ABSTRACT
This study examined the association between media and Instagram interaction patterns with weight bias among undergraduate nutrition students in the Brazilian Nutritionists' Health Study. We also explored the potential mediating role of students' own body image perception in these relationships. A total of 406 students (78% women) participated in this cross-sectional analysis. Sociodemographic data, media influence, Instagram interaction patterns, body image perception, and weight bias were assessed using semi-structured questionnaires. Findings indicated that exposure to fitness content on Instagram (ß = 0.17, p < 0.001) and the pursuit of an ideal athletic body (ß = 0.12, p = 0.034) were associated with increased weight bias. In contrast, engagement with body diversity content (ß = -0.23, p < 0.001) and perceived pressure from media to conform to appearance ideals (ß = -0.24, p < 0.001) had a mitigating effect on weight bias. Notably, body image perception did not mediate these relationships (p > 0.05). In conclusion, this study revealed a link between media exposure and weight bias among undergraduate nutrition students, independent of their body image perception. Developing social media literacy programs that encourage students to critically evaluate media content is imperative to reduce weight bias. Additionally, a deeper examination of the media content that contributes to weight bias and the potential need for targeted regulatory measures is warranted.
Subject(s)
Body Image , Social Media , Students , Humans , Female , Male , Brazil , Cross-Sectional Studies , Young Adult , Body Image/psychology , Students/psychology , Students/statistics & numerical data , Surveys and Questionnaires , Adult , Weight Prejudice , Body Weight , Nutritionists , AdolescentABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The frequency of health-related information seeking on the internet and social media platforms has increased remarkably. Thus, the ability to understand and select accurate health-related information online, known as EHealth literacy, is crucial for the population. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate how eHealth literacy influences the critical analysis of oral health-related information obtained from the Internet and its influence on oral health-related behaviors. METHODS: A cross-sectional online study was conducted with 418 Brazilian adults who responded to the eHEALS questionnaire, with questions regarding the influence of online information on oral health decisions. Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were also collected. RESULTS: The mean eHEALS score was 27.85 (± 8.13), with a range spanning from 8 to 40 points. Participants with higher eHEALS scores reported using social media platforms to seek for dentists and to acque information about symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments. Furthermore, this group tended not to disregard professional health recommendations based on Internet information and abstained from utilizing products promoted by digital influencers. In multivariate models, increased eHEALS scores were associated with reduced consumption of products endorsed by digital influencers. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study suggest that individuals with higher scores on the eHealth literacy questionnaire often conduct research on their health status and seek for health care providers on the Internet. Moreover, these individuals were less likely to be influenced by digital influencers.
Subject(s)
Health Literacy , Internet , Humans , Health Literacy/statistics & numerical data , Male , Female , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Brazil , Middle Aged , Surveys and Questionnaires , Oral Health , Information Seeking Behavior , Health Behavior , Young Adult , Advertising/statistics & numerical data , Advertising/methods , Social Media/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , TelemedicineABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by persistent concern with non-existent or minor defects in one's physical appearance. BDD can be difficult to identify as patients often have limited insight into the condition. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the prevalence of BDD in patients presenting to private aesthetic clinical settings in four Latin American countries. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study From August to October 2022 to evaluate the prevalence of BDD among 360 patients seeking nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in Chile, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia using the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ). We reported prevalence estimates for the lowest and highest previously proposed DCQ cutoff points. RESULTS: The DCQ total scores in the study population ranged from 0 to 21, with a mean total score of 5.1 ± 3.4. The prevalence of positive screening results for BDD (total DCQ score ≥ 9) was 15.8%. The prevalence of a likely diagnosis of BDD (total DCQ score of ¥ 17) was 0.83%. LIMITATIONS: The convenience sample limited the generalizability of the findings to Latin America. CONCLUSION: We encourage colleagues to be more mindful of this diagnosis and to facilitate earlier psychological evaluation in patients who are positive for BDD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
ABSTRACT
Background: Several studies focused on the escalating prevalence of Problematic Use of Internet (PUI) and its consequential impact on mental health globally. This study investigates the relationship between PUI and associated psychological variables across different cultural contexts in Italy, Spain, Ecuador, and Peru. Method: A total of 675 participants, aged 18 to 54 (M = 22.73; SD = 4.05), completed measures assessing Internet addiction, social media addiction, Fear of Missing Out, Internet Gaming Disorder, and Phubbing. Results: Significant cultural variations were found, with Italian participants showing higher levels of Internet addiction but lower levels of social media addiction compared to other countries. Fear of Missing Out was higher in Italy, while the Italian sample exhibited lower Internet Gaming Disorder levels compared to Peru. As regards the communication disturbance caused by Phubbing, the Italian sample demonstrated significantly higher scores than the Peruvian sample. Linear regression analyses revealed distinct predictors for problematic Internet use in each country, emphasizing the importance of considering the cultural context in understanding this phenomenon. Conclusions: These findings contribute valuable insights into the interplay of cultural factors, psychological variables, and problematic Internet use, guiding future research and interventions.
ABSTRACT
The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) presents global health challenges, with Brazil experiencing outbreaks since its introduction in 2014. In 2023, following a CHIKV outbreak in Minas Gerais (MG), social media was used to optimize an entomological survey aimed at identifying vectors and viral lineages and assessing insecticide resistance. Following Instagram posts, residents with suspected CHIKV infection were able to schedule mosquito aspirations. In total, 421 mosquitoes (165 Aedes aegypti and 256 Culex quinquefasciatus) were captured from 40 households in Salinas city (MG) and tested for the Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses through RT-qPCR. Twelve of 57 pools (10 Ae. aegypti and two Cx. quinquefasciatus) tested positive for CHIKV RNA. Viral RNA was also detected in the heads of nine Ae. aegypti, indicating viral dissemination but not in Cx. quinquefasciatus. Genome sequencing yielded the first near-complete genome from the 2023 outbreak, unveiling that the CHIKV strain belonged to the East/Central/South African (ECSA) genotype. Additionally, genetic analyses revealed high frequencies of kdr alleles, including in CHIKV-infected mosquitoes, suggesting resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in this Ae. aegypti population. Social media was important for guiding mosquito-capture efforts in CHIKV transmission hotspots, thus optimizing the opportunity for viral detection. These findings emphasize the urgent need for innovative vector studies and control strategies, as well as interdisciplinary approaches in public health interventions.
ABSTRACT
Introdução: Com o passar dos anos e o proporcional crescimento das mídia sociais, focado principalmente no culto ao corpo e à perfeição, a procura por cirurgias plásticas vem aumentando de forma avassaladora, despertando um interminável desejo pela mudança corporal, na maioria das vezes com promessas "irreais" de alguns profissionais. Método: Pesquisa composta por 62 pacientes dos sexos feminino e masculino, com idade entre 22 e 61 anos, residentes no estado de São Paulo, que já se submeteram a um procedimento de cirurgia plástica e/ou ainda passarão por procedimentos de cirurgia plástica e cosmiatria, que responderam ao questionário "A influência das mídias sociais na cirurgia plástica". Resultados: Os resultados demonstram que a mídia exerce um importante papel na escolha do cirurgião plástico, principalmente quando o sucesso dos procedimentos de cirurgia plástica e cosmiatria é demonstrado através de fotos de antes e depois. Conclusão: A cirurgia plástica é uma especialidade médica que desempenha um papel fundamental na transformação estética e psicológica de muitos indivíduos, no entanto, é importante ressaltar a necessidade de uma abordagem ética, com o objetivo de garantir o bem-estar dos pacientes e a excelência na prática médica.
Introduction: Over the years and with the proportional growth of social media, focused mainly on the cult of the body and perfection, the demand for plastic surgeries has increased overwhelmingly, awakening an endless desire for body change, most of the time with "unrealistic" promises" from some professionals. Method: Research consisting of 62 female and male patients, aged between 22 and 61 years, residing in the state of São Paulo, who have already undergone a plastic surgery procedure and/or will undergo plastic surgery and cosmiatry procedures, who responded to the questionnaire "The influence of social media on plastic surgery". Results: The results demonstrate that the media plays an important role in choosing a plastic surgeon, especially when the success of plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery procedures is demonstrated through before and after photos. Conclusion: Plastic surgery is a medical specialty that plays a fundamental role in the aesthetic and psychological transformation of many individuals, however, it is important to highlight the need for an ethical approach, to guarantee patients' well-being and excellence in medical practice.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges for education, particularly in undergraduate teaching. In this study, we report on the experience of how a private university successfully addressed this challenge through an active methodology applied to a microbiology discipline offered remotely to students from various health-related courses (veterinary, physiotherapy, nursing, biomedicine, and nutrition). Remote teaching was combined with the "Adopt a Bacterium" methodology, implemented for the first time on Google Sites. The distance learning activity notably improved student participation in microbiology discussions, both through word cloud analysis and the richness of discourse measured by the Shannon index. Furthermore, feedback from students about the e-learning approach was highly positive, indicating its effectiveness in motivating and involving students in the learning process. The results also demonstrate that despite being offered simultaneously to students, the methodology allowed for the acquisition of specialized knowledge within each course and sparked student interest in various aspects of microbiology. In conclusion, the remote "Adopt a Bacterium" methodology facilitated knowledge sharing among undergraduate students from different health-related courses and represented a valuable resource in distance microbiology education.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Education, Distance , Microbiology , Education, Distance/methods , Microbiology/education , Humans , Universities , SARS-CoV-2 , Students , Pandemics , Computer-Assisted Instruction/methodsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Social media is a platform for sharing views on aspects of life, including oral health. This study aimed to characterize Facebook posts related to toothache information. METHODS: Two independent investigators retrieved 500 English-language posts with the highest level of interaction using CrowdTangleTM and analyzed their facticity, motivation, author's profile, content, sentiment, and type of post. Data were analysed descriptively and using Pearson's Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests and multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: Most posts were produced by regular users and were not financially motivated, although commercial posts had significantly higher total interaction among users. While link- or video-containing posts (OR = 1.66) and posts with positive sentiments (OR = 1.53) were associated with users' total interaction, older (OR = 1.81) and link- or video-containing posts (OR = 2.04) were associated with overperforming scores. Misinformation was positively associated with financial motivation (OR = 2.03) and positive sentiments (OR = 3.79). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of addressing the spread of misinformation related to oral health on social media and taking steps to ensure that accurate and reliable information is readily available. Toothache-related misinformation was associated with positive sentiments and financial motivation. Links, videos, and positive sentiments awakened greater user engagements with toothache-related posts.
Subject(s)
Communication , Social Media , Toothache , Humans , Toothache/psychology , MotivationABSTRACT
The purpose of the current study is to analyze how variations in suicidal ideation scores can relate to sleep quality, social media consumption, self-esteem, and perceived barriers to seeking psychological help in a sample of university students in Honduras. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used. Self-reported data was collected from a non-random sample of 910 university students in Honduras; their average age was 24.03 years (SD=6.05). Most respondents were women (67%) with men accounting for 33% of the sample. Measurements included item 9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale, Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, Barriers to Seeking Psychological Help Scale for College Students, and a self-reported questionnaire on social media. In response to the query, "Over the past two weeks, how frequently have you experienced thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself?" 54% (n=495) of participants indicated "not at all" 18% (n=168) reported "several days" 14% (n=129) responded "more than half of the days" and 13% (n=118) stated "nearly every day". The results from the ordinal logistic regression model indicate that sleep quality and self-esteem serve as protective factors associated with decreased suicide ideation. At the same time, a higher number of social media platforms used per week and perceived barriers to seeking psychological help increase suicide ideation. Altogether, these variables explained 19% of the variance in suicidal ideation scores. Suicidal ideation is highly prevalent among the sampled university students.