A Cross-sectional Instagram Survey to Evaluate Quality and Reliability of Information about Cholecystitis and Cholecystectomy

Abstract

Background: With the popularisation and infiltration of social media in the healthcare system, it can be used as a source of information by the general population. The aim of our study was to assess Instagram’s effectiveness as a tool for disseminating information about cholecystectomy and cholecystitis. Methods and Material: Instagram posts with top hashtags such as #Cholecystitis, #Cholecystectomy, #GallBladderStones, #Gallbladderremoval, #Gallbladderproblems, and #Gallbladdersurgery were analyzed by each investigator for 10 days in November 2022. Two groups were created – group A (posts uploaded by doctors and healthcare industry) and group B (posts uploaded by individuals other than group A). Using predetermined criteria along with a global quality score and reliability score (DISCERN), the posts were validated and scored. Results: Out of the total 600 posts, 474 posts (828151 likes, 62183 comments) were found relevant to the aim of the study. Survivors/persons suffering from the disease made the highest contribution to the posts (32.91%). About 31.22% of the content was based on the symptomatology of the disease. There was a highly significant difference (p< 0.0001) between the quality and reliability of posts shared by group A, compared to the group B; the formal ranking higher in each category. Conclusions: We found that the health information on Instagram about cholecystectomy and related topics is edged towards low quality and unreliability. It should be tailored towards evidence-based data from scientists and medical professionals.