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A Mixed Methods Exploration of Social Media Use for Health Information in Under-Resourced Communities

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  • Nishita Matangi

    (School of Behavioral Health, Loma Linda University, 11065 Campus St, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
    School of Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Studies, Loma Linda University, 1686 Barton Rd., Redlands, CA 92373, USA)

  • Maud Joachim-Célestin

    (School of Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Studies, Loma Linda University, 1686 Barton Rd., Redlands, CA 92373, USA
    Department of Preventive Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11175 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA)

  • Cristie Granillo

    (School of Behavioral Health, Loma Linda University, 11065 Campus St, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
    Institute for Community Partnerships, Loma Linda University Health, 11188 Anderson St, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA)

  • Valeria Rodarte

    (Institute for Community Partnerships, Loma Linda University Health, 11188 Anderson St, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA)

  • Beverly Buckles

    (School of Behavioral Health, Loma Linda University, 11065 Campus St, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
    School of Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Studies, Loma Linda University, 1686 Barton Rd., Redlands, CA 92373, USA)

  • Theresa Ashby

    (School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, 24951 Circle Dr, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA)

  • Nikhil Thiruvengadam

    (School of Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Studies, Loma Linda University, 1686 Barton Rd., Redlands, CA 92373, USA
    Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Loma Linda University, 11234 Anderson St, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA)

  • Susanne Montgomery

    (School of Behavioral Health, Loma Linda University, 11065 Campus St, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
    School of Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Studies, Loma Linda University, 1686 Barton Rd., Redlands, CA 92373, USA
    Department of Preventive Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11175 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
    School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, 24951 Circle Dr, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA)

Abstract

Social media (SM) use and the burden on healthcare systems have concurrently increased, with the latter resulting in longer wait times and higher costs. As a result, more people seem to use social media to access health information (HI). This study explores how SM is used for accessing HI within an under-resourced community. In this mixed methods study, respondents (N = 256) completed online English and Spanish Qualtrics surveys assessing their use of healthcare services and social media, and its use for HI. We also explored respondents’ experience in understanding and using the HI they found on SM. Qualitative inquiries (N = 7) included focus groups and key informant interviews and expanded on the survey results. Results indicated that most participants used SM for HI. Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok were associated with looking up HI before and after receiving care and for health decision-making and for considering treatments or medication after seeing information about these on social media. To create effective messaging that is accepted, relatable and easy to access for the audiences they seek to reach, healthcare organizations must understand how SM is used as a source of HI. Exploring the associations between SM algorithms, health literacy, access to healthcare and SM use can help improve health communication strategies to be used on SM platforms.

Suggested Citation

  • Nishita Matangi & Maud Joachim-Célestin & Cristie Granillo & Valeria Rodarte & Beverly Buckles & Theresa Ashby & Nikhil Thiruvengadam & Susanne Montgomery, 2025. "A Mixed Methods Exploration of Social Media Use for Health Information in Under-Resourced Communities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(7), pages 1-23, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:7:p:1081-:d:1695824
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Freimuth, V.S. & Quinn, S.C., 2004. "The contributions of health communication to eliminating health disparities," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(12), pages 2053-2055.
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