Social media communities for patients and families affected by congenital pediatric surgical conditions
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Read the article on link.springer.com ↗Article · Jul 2022 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
Analysis of 666 social media accounts across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter reveals robust online communities for families affected by congenital surgical conditions, with biliary atresia and CDH having the largest presence. Instagram dominates for personal storytelling while Facebook hosts more formal support groups, suggesting surgeons can direct families to platform-specific resources based on their needs.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Background
Social media has become a means to allow individuals affected by rare diseases to connect with others. This study aimed to characterize the use of three popular social media platforms by individuals affected by common pediatric surgery index conditions.
Methods
A systematic search of Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter was performed using standardized terms for the following pediatric surgical conditions: anorectal malformation, biliary atresia, bronchopulmonary sequestration, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), congenital pulmonary airway malformation, duodenal atresia, esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF), gastroschisis, Hirschsprung disease (HD), and omphalocele. Accounts active within the last year were analyzed and assessed.
Results
A total of 666 accounts were identified. Instagram was the most common platform, but accounts dedicated to support and story sharing were most common on Facebook. Biliary atresia and CDH had the largest communities identified. Support groups were most common among those dedicated to EA/TEF (43.3%, p < 0.001). Most accounts were created by parents, but accounts dedicated to HD had the greatest proportion founded by patients (22.4%, p = 0.04).
Conclusions
Social media use is common among patients and families affected by congenital surgical conditions. Certain diseases have larger communities and support networks. Knowledge about their existence may allow surgeons to direct patients towards supportive communities and resources.
Level of evidence
IV.