Social media use as a source of information by acne vulgaris patients

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · Ekim 2024

Makale Bilgileri

DergiJournal of Cosmetic Dermatology

Yayın TarihiEkim 2024

Cilt / Sayfa23 · 3312-3318

DOI10.1111/jocd.16477

Scopus ID2-s2.0-85198750112

Erişim🔓 Açık Erişim

Özet Background: Social media and internet usage is undeniably high. Misinformation obtained from the internet and wrong treatment methods can cause serious problems in patients with acne vulgaris (AV). In this study, the sociodemographic data of AV patients, their frequency of using the internet as an information source, the relationship between them, and their attitudes and behaviors regarding their disease due to these programs were examined. Methods: 481 patients aged 14 and over diagnosed with AV were included in the study. It was conducted in a descriptive cross-sectional type. Acne severity of all patients included in the study was determined using the Global Acne Grading System. Results: 78.3 percent of participants use social media to get information about AV. It was determined that men and single people used social media about their illnesses at a statistically significantly higher rate than women and married people (p = 0.004). In addition, patients aged 13–18 and high school graduates use social media as a source of information about their diseases, and this rate is statistically significantly higher (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Especially in the last decade, the use of social media tools to spread health messages has increased significantly. Because it has a chronic course and can cause cosmetic problems, AV patients may frequently resort to communication sources such as social media. Considering the possibility of social media misinforming patients, physicians should be aware that their patients with AV frequently use social media and should improve themselves in creating correct awareness on this issue.