The prevalence of social media uses for medical consultation and health information in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

To determine the reasons behind individuals’ seeking medical consultation and health information from social media applications. To determine the patterns of health concerns that influence individuals to use social media for medical consultation and health information. To identify the demographical characteristics of the groups that are affected the most. A cross-sectional, quantitative, and observational study was performed. Three hundred and eighty-five social media users were studied in Saudi Arabia from December 2016 to April 2017, and the data was gathered and distributed through an online self-administrated questionnaire via Twitter and WhatsApp. Chi-square was used to examine significant associations between the socio-demographic characteristic of participants, their health status, and their uses of social media applications for medical consultation and health information. The findings of this study show that 320 (83.1%) of the participants were females, who have higher education levels and live in the central region of Saudi Arabia. Of them, 295(76.6%) reported that they use social media for medical consultation and health information, in which 131(34%) thought Twitter is the primary source for this among all applications. Social media offer many features that made them the first line for lots of people to find information nowadays. Hence, doctors and patients should be aware of social media consequences on health. Further study is required to achieve full understanding and to organize the use of this approach to ensure and get the best outcomes.