The Rise of Facial Palsy on Social Media Over the Last 5 Years

Abstract

Background: Social media (SoMe) has become a powerful platform for distributing health information. Facial palsy (FP) results in functional and social impairment and lowers quality of life. Social media may help to raise awareness of FP sequalae. This study aims to determine the FP information growth on SoMe platforms and parameters that influence user engagement on FP content. Methods: Five commonly used SoMe platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Reddit) were analyzed. Data on 18 FP hashtags and their social interaction parameters (posts, likes, reaches, comments, shares, language, and country of origin) over the past 5 years (July 31, 2016, to July 31, 2021) were collected. In-depth account analysis was performed on the 5 most popular Instagram profiles associated with FP. Results: The annual growth curve was positive on each platform. Facial Palsy Awareness Week 2021 trended best on TikTok. Facebook accumulated 315,411 likes and 1,922,678 reaches on 8356 posts. On Instagram, 24,968 posts gathered 4,904,124 likes and 9,215,852 reaches. TikTok users interacted on 3565 posts, accumulating 4,304,155 likes and 4,200,368 reaches. The implementation of reels (P<0.001) and the profile host interacting with their followers by liking (P<0.001) and replying (P<0.001) to users’ comments significantly increased the engagement rate. Conclusions: Facial palsy is of increasing interest on SoMe. Facial palsy surgeons may post reels, interact with their community, and engage into FPAW to promote user engagement.

Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Bell’s Palsy in the Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

“…Our findings showed that age, gender, marital status, employment, nationality, education level, and the source of information about Bell's palsy were all significantly correlated with participants' awareness. Previous studies align with our findings by showing similar factors associated with awareness [ 10 , 12 , 14 ]. Alherabi et al [ 10 ] found that awareness increased with age; female participants had better awareness, and those who read books and magazines/book readers were more aware.…”

“…Our findings align with previous studies [ 13 ] showing family and friends as the source of information. Studies also highlighted the significance of social media in spreading Bell’s palsy information [ 14 , 15 ]. It was found that the use of reels (p<0.001) and the profile host by healthcare providers, interacting with their followers by liking (p<0.001), and replying (p<0.001) to comments increased engagement significantly in raising awareness about Bell’s palsy [ 14 ].…”

“…Studies also highlighted the significance of social media in spreading Bell’s palsy information [ 14 , 15 ]. It was found that the use of reels (p<0.001) and the profile host by healthcare providers, interacting with their followers by liking (p<0.001), and replying (p<0.001) to comments increased engagement significantly in raising awareness about Bell’s palsy [ 14 ]. Our study showed that 15.7% were unsure about the source of their knowledge.…”