Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusions

Acknowledgments

Appendix. Supplementary Data

References

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: 1) To evaluate differences in how parents use the Internet and social media for health information by child age. 2) To examine parental perceptions of health information on social media OBJECTIVE: 1) To evaluate differences in how parents use the Internet and social media for health information by child age. 2) To examine parental perceptions of health information on social media

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of parents of children 0 to 18 years seen in clinics and an inpatient medical unit. Survey questions focused on: patterns of Internet and social media use, for what topics, and parental ratings of the accuracy, reliability, and appeal of information from social media. Parents’ responses were categorized by age of their youngest child in years (0−۴, ۵−۱۱, ۱۲−۱۸).

RESULTS: A total of 258 parents completed the survey. The mean age was 39.8 years, 83% were female, 59% were white. The most common topics parents read about online were: sleep, mental health, and car safety. Nearly all parents (96%) used social media, with 68% using social media for health information. There were no significant differences in the proportion of parents who reported using social media for health information by child age. Only half of parents discussed information from social media with their physician. Parents of children age ≥۵ years rated health information on social media as significantly more accurate than parents of younger children. There were no significant differences in ratings of reliability and appeal by child age.

CONCLUSIONS: Parents of children of all ages use social media for a variety of important topics related to child health. As many parents do not discuss it with their physician, there are missed opportunities for pediatricians to provide high-quality information.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study with a nonpurposive sample of parents. We recruited participants from 4 primary and subspecialty care clinics in western Washington, and the inpatient medicine unit at Seattle Children’s Hospital, a free standing academic children’s hospital. Participants were eligible for this study if they were the parent of a child between 0 and 18 years and spoke either English or Spanish. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered survey either on a tablet or paper, depending on their preference, before their clinic visit or during their hospital stay. For Spanish-speaking participants, consent was obtained using a certified medical interpreter. The survey was professionally translated into Spanish. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. If they elected to complete the survey, they received a $10 incentive. This study was approved by the Seattle Children’s Hospital Institutional Review Board.