Social media content analysis of public and private Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency facebook groups
https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.8737
- Author:
Ebner Bon G. Maceda
1
,
2
;
Michelle E. Abadingo
3
;
Bubbles Beverly N. Asor
4
;
Rizza Kaye C. Cases
4
;
Renchillina Joy G. Supan
4
;
Kia S. Anarna
4
;
Patricia Carla A. Libo-on
3
;
Theodore Delfin C. Vesagas
3
;
Ma-Am Joy R. Tumulak
1
,
2
Author Information
1. Institute of Human Genetics, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila
2. Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
3. Newborn Screening Reference Center, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila
4. Department of Sociology, College of Social Science and Philosophy, University of the Philippines Diliman
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Facebook group;
Online communities
- MeSH:
Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency;
Self-Help Groups
- From:
Acta Medica Philippina
2024;58(Early Access 2024):1-12
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:As social media continue to grow as popular and convenient tools for acquiring and disseminating health information, the need to investigate its utilization by laypersons encountering common medical issues becomes increasingly essential.
Objectives:This study aimed to analyze the content posted in Facebook groups for Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and how these engage the members of the group.
Methods:This study employed an inductive content analysis of user-posted content in both public and private Facebook groups catering specifically to G6PD deficiency. The G6PD Facebook groups with 10 or more posts within the past 12 months were selected for this study. Data were harvested from posts and comments using ExportComment.
Results:A total of 46 G6PD-related Facebook groups were identified. Of which, 19 were public and 27 were private groups, with an average membership of 5000-6000 accounts. After eligibility based on criteria and authorization for private groups, 3 public and 3 private groups were included, with the majority of these groups focused on sharing information. Five main themes of posted content were identified: diagnosis, management, beliefs, psychosocial factors, and medical requirements. “Diagnosis”-related posts referred to conversations about the causes and symptoms of G6PD, “management” referred to medication or diet, “beliefs” involved traditional or lay perceptions, “psychosocial factors” referred to posts that disclosed how psychosocial factors influenced G6PD deficiency practices, and “medical requirements” referred to documentation regarding
the condition. The bulk of these posts used three strategies for communication: information-requesting,
self-disclosure, and promotion of products/services. Information requests were the most common.
Conclusion:The results of the study showed opportunities and challenges in health education on G6PD, especially in evaluating the credibility and accuracy of the information given and received. Looking at the content and manner of communicating information noted, the newborn screening program may improve its advocacy and education campaign, and may develop targeted educational materials and effective dissemination strategies that could clarify, explain, or refute information and beliefs mostly shared on these platforms.
- Full text:early access 2.pdf
