The Use of Social Media among Saudi Ophthalmologists

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of and beliefs toward social media (SM) among Saudi ophthalmologists. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. A web-based, self-administered questionnaire was e-mailed to ophthalmologists within Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: Out of 392 recipients, 293 completed the survey (74.7% response rate). The vast majority (90.1%) used at least one platform for personal and professional purposes or either. The three most commonly used applications were Twitter (72.3%), Snapchat (65.9%), and Instagram (51.9%). The opinions of respondents with regard to the different aspects of SM varied widely. Around half (56.7%) believed that it was permissible for ophthalmologists to promote themselves on SM and 70.6% agreed that SM usage by health-care professionals should be regulated. Participants believe that SM had both a positive and a negative impact on their daily life and clinical practice. For example, 94 (32.1%) respondents stated that it improved their ability to educate patients, on the other hand, 80 (27.3%) reported that SM wastes quality time that can be spent on something more productive. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate an increased utilization of SM among Saudi ophthalmologists. The ethical aspects of SM usage were a matter of controversy among our respondents. This necessitates the establishment of guidelines by regulatory bodies and/or individual health-care organizations.

Prevalence and correlates of imposter syndrome and self-esteem among medical students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

“…Bases on PASS 11th release 2011 [28] the minimum sample size required was 352 produces a two-sided 95% confidence interval with a width equal to 0.010 when the sample proportion is 0.320 [23]. However, with the different none response rates reported in Saudi studies used selfadministered questionnaire [29][30][31], we decided to invite all registered medical students for the academic year 2022-2023 to participate in this study through our self-administered questionnaire. Data were collected by the investigators at the campus of the Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, using an anonymous, self-administered, assisted questionnaire.…”

Social Media in Neuro-Ophthalmology: Paradigms, Opportunities, and Strategies

“…9,12,18 In Saudi Arabia, the most common reason for SoMe use was for personal purposes among surveyed ophthalmologists (94.3%); 64.4% used SoMe exclusively for personal purposes. 11…”

“…9,12,18 In Saudi Arabia, the most common reason for SoMe use was for personal purposes among surveyed ophthalmologists (94.3%); 64.4% used SoMe exclusively for personal purposes. 11 Women and trainees/early career physicians are more likely to experience challenges in personal and professional domains and find SoMe beneficial for overcoming those challenges. 18 Patients Earlier surveys of SoMe use in patients suggested a substantial disparity in comfort level using SoMe between young (18-45 years) and older (.45 years) patients.…”

“…7 Despite this preference, other studies indicate that physicians use SoMe in high proportions for personal and professional purposes. [8][9][10][11][12] The Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology (JNO) SoMe team has highlighted key research articles as part of its aim "to expand the journal's scope, relevance, and value to today's reader." 13 This review highlights the relevant literature on SoMe use in neurology and ophthalmology and discusses how to implement SoMe in neuro-ophthalmic practice.…”