The Online Sharing of Instagram Images for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Digital Health
• Social Media Analysis

Background:

• Social media's role in chronic disease management is under-researched.
• Understanding healthcare consumer social media usage is crucial for improving health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Instagram usage patterns for sharing content related to rheumatoid arthritis.
• To explore how individuals utilize Instagram for personal expression and social networking concerning their condition.

Main Methods:

• A visual ethnography approach was employed.
• Content analysis of 106 randomly selected Instagram images using the #rheumatoidarthritis hashtag.
• Two coders performed categorization and sentiment analysis.

Main Results:

• Approximately 75% of analyzed images exhibited positive sentiment.
• The most frequent categories identified were social interaction and self-expression.
• Participants primarily used Instagram for sharing awareness, encouragement, and personal experiences.

Conclusions:

• Instagram serves as a vital platform for social networking and self-expression for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
• The platform facilitates sharing health-related information and combating social isolation.
• Findings highlight Instagram's potential as a tool for patient support and engagement in chronic disease management.