JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In Amazonian settings, geographic distance and connectivity limitations can restrict access to reliable health information, while primary health care professionals often serve as an immediate source of guidance for local communities. However, limited evidence is available on how these professionals verify online health information, select sources to address professional questions, and use social media in their daily practice.

Objective:

This study aimed to describe online information verification behaviors, the sources used to address professional questions, and social media use among health professionals working in primary health care facilities in Iquitos, Peru.

Methods:

We conducted an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study involving 204 physicians, nurses, midwives, and dentists working in primary health care facilities in Iquitos, Loreto, Peru. Participants completed a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, sources used to address professional questions, social media use, and online information verification behaviors. The 23-item online information verification scale comprised 2 dimensions: indirect verification and direct verification. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation were used as appropriate. Statistical significance was set at P<.05. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach alpha.

Results:

Of the 204 participants, 149 (73.0%) were women, 126 (61.8%) were young adults, and 81 (39.7%) were nurses. Most participants worked in category I-4 (97/204, 47.5%) or I-3 (82/204, 40.2%) primary health care facilities. Internal consistency was excellent for the online information verification scale (Cronbach alpha=.95) and good for the social media use scale (Cronbach alpha=.82). The median scores were 15 (IQR 13.0-17.0) for social media use, 60 (IQR 52.8-65.0) for indirect verification, 28 (IQR 24.0-30.0) for direct verification, and 87 (IQR 77.0-94.2) for overall online information verification. The most frequently reported information sources were conversations with other health professionals (88/204, 43.1%), the health center team (87/204, 42.6%), materials from previous training activities (70/204, 34.3%), WhatsApp groups or channels (69/204, 33.8%), the Peruvian Ministry of Health (65/204, 31.9%), and Google (63/204, 30.9%). Scientific journals and medical databases were each reported by 31 participants (15.2%). Women reported greater social media use than men (median 15 vs 14; U=3115.0; P=.008), whereas overall online verification did not differ significantly by sex (P=.31).

Conclusions:

Primary health care professionals in Iquitos reported frequent online information verification behaviors but relied substantially on interpersonal sources and openly accessible digital platforms. The use of scientific databases and specialized journals was limited. These findings support the development of context-sensitive infodemic management interventions in the Peruvian Amazon to strengthen evidence-seeking skills, critical appraisal of online information, and the safe professional use of social media. Clinical Trial: Not applicable. This was an observational cross-sectional study and was not registered as a clinical trial.