JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Social media has emerged as a common source for dermatological information. Monitoring the patterns in social media use and engagement is critical to reduce social media’s drawbacks. However, this evidence in Vietnamese dermatology patients is lacking. This study aims to explore the social media use and engagement of dermatology patients, as well as identify associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Vietnam National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology (NHDV) during the period of September – November 2018. A total of 519 participants was recruited for the study. Socio-demographic characteristics, social media use and engagement of 519 participants were collected. Multivariate Logistic and Tobit regressions were adopted to identify associated factors of social media use and engagement. Information about “Cosmetic, beauty, skin care techniques” was concerned most at 46.2%. The mean score of engagement was 8.4 (SD=2.4). Female patients were more likely to use social media (OR=2.23; 95%CI=1.23-4.06), concern dermatological information on social media (OR=3.09; 95%CI=1.35-7.09) and had higher score of social media engagement (Coef.=0.68; 95%CI=0.17-1.18). Those using Instagram, rating higher credibility score for “Members in family” and “Dermatology companies” had higher score of social media engagement. Findings of the study recommended enhancing the involvement of dermatologists on social media platform and giving more efforts in developing individualized information targeting specific groups of patients.