How Adolescents Use Social Media for Health Information

Purpose: To describe the reported uses of social networking sites to share health information with adolescent patients and populations. Data Sources: The MEDLINE database was searched from 2005 through March 2011. Other relevant articles were located by hand-searching bibliographies. Study Selection: The author reviewed studies that examined current and future uses of social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace) to spread health information amongst patients or between patient and provider. Data Extraction: A single reviewer abstracted the relevant data from the included articles into tables. Results: Five articles met inclusion criteria and were reviewed in this analysis. Within disease-specific interest groups on social networking sites, 56% of postings related personal stories or experiences. Less than 15% asked questions or provided answers regarding specific medical conditions. Though no firm measure of accuracy could be applied, overall credibility of health information provided in this online setting was questionable. Conclusions: Patient-to-patient communication via interest groups on social networking sites serves an important role as a source of support and community, though there is the potential of the spread of misinformation if credibility is not assured. Social networking sites could be used to extend communication between patients and providers, while assuring credibility and legitimacy.Master of Public Healt