Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Nov 24, 2025
Date Accepted: Aug 12, 2026
Social Media Use Among People Living with Chronic Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study of Associated Factors
ABSTRACT
Background:
Social media is increasingly used for research recruitment and knowledge mobilization. However, general use of social media has not been documented among individuals living with chronic pain.
Objective:
This study aimed to describe social media use in this population and identify associated factors.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 1,549 participants of the CEMPUS Cohort (Quebec, Canada) who reported living with chronic pain and completed a health questionnaire either online or by phone in 2024. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to examine factors associated with social media use.
Results:
Overall, 86.4% of participants (95% CI: 84.7–88.1) reported using social media. Use was higher among females (88.9%) than males (81.7%). The most frequently used platforms were Facebook, Messenger, and YouTube. Factors associated with greater social media use included being a female (aOR = 1.963, 95% CI: 1.390-2.771), having a post-secondary education (aOR = 1.570, 95% CI: 1.106-2.229), alcohol drinking (aOR occasional vs. never = 1.635, 95% CI: 1.042-2.565), and reporting difficulties accessing healthcare (aOR = 1.499, 95% CI: 1.012-2.219). Lower likelihood of social media use was associated with older age (aOR = 0.942, 95% CI: 0.924-0.960), having chronic pain for ≥10 years (aOR ≥10 vs. <1 year = 0.550, 95% CI: 0.314-0.961), and higher depression levels (aOR = 0.924, 95% CI: 0.866-0.985).
Conclusions:
Most participants with chronic pain use social media, indicating its potential for research recruitment and knowledge mobilization. However, exclusive reliance on these platforms may overlook certain groups, underscoring the need for diverse outreach strategies.
Citation
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