Analyzing Instagram Posts on Hypothyroidism: Characteristics, Information Types, Quality, and Reliability.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Digital Health and Social Media Analysis

Background:

• Social media platforms like Instagram offer vast reach for health information dissemination.
• Easy accessibility of information on Instagram carries a significant risk of misinformation regarding medical conditions such as hypothyroidism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the characteristics of Instagram posts related to hypothyroidism.
• To assess the type, quality, and reliability of information shared on hypothyroidism via Instagram.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional observational study analyzing 629 Instagram posts under hypothyroidism-related hashtags.
• Content and social media metrics were collected, with quality and reliability assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS) and DISCERN scales.
• Data analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Main Results:

• Posts predominantly focused on medical aspects: symptoms (46.1%), prevention (39.59%), cause/etiology (36.41%), and treatment (34.34%).
• Physicians' posts demonstrated the highest reliability (median DISCERN score of 3).
• Dietitians, naturopathic doctors, and patients shared the least reliable information; nutritionists and naturopathic doctors had a median GQS of 3.

Conclusions:

• A significant portion of hypothyroidism information on Instagram lacks consistent quality and reliability.
• There is a critical need for a regulatory body to ensure the accuracy of health information shared on social media.
• Establishing quality control will help patients access reliable resources for informed decision-making about hypothyroidism.