Public Perception of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines Among Psoriasis Patients in Social Media: Content, Sentiment, and Engagement Analysis

Abstract

Background Psoriasis patients may seek information about the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and their disease from social media platforms. Analyses of social media interactions may help guide dermatologists’ educational efforts during this pandemic. Objectives This study analyzes social media interactions among patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis regarding the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to determine the misinformation circulating and the apprehension to receiving the vaccine. Methods Publicly accessible Facebook and Reddit groups regarding psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis were identified. Posts uploaded between March 1, 2021 and July 31, 2021 which contained information about the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were extracted. First-order themes, sub-themes, sentiment scores and engagement scores were assigned to each post. Results 345 posts within the first-order theme of vaccination decision and 1379 posts within the first-order theme of vaccine reaction were analyzed. Within vaccination decision, common sub-themes for refusing the vaccine include fear of psoriasis flare up, vaccine is experimental, vaccine is unnecessary, vaccine is dangerous, and concern for reaction/vaccine efficacy while on psoriasis medications. 41.4% of posts contained positive sentiment; whereas, 38.3% contained negative sentiment. Within vaccine reaction, common sub-themes identified were no change to psoriasis, skin/joint flare up, skin flare up attributed specifically to stopping psoriasis medications, skin/joint improvement, and skin flare up but vaccine was worth it. 77.8% of posts contained positive sentiment; whereas, 6.2% contained negative sentiment. Conclusions Our study identified common SARS-CoV-2 vaccine concerns within the psoriasis community which should be used to guide educational efforts.