Instagram and prostate cancer: using validated instruments to assess the quality of information on social media

Abstract

Background: The quality of prostate cancer (PCa) content on Instagram is unknown.

Methods: We examined 62 still-images and 64 video Instagram posts using #prostatecancer on 5/18/20. Results were assessed with validated tools.

Results: Most content focused on raising awareness or sharing patient stories (46%); only 9% was created by physicians. 90% of content was low-to-moderate quality and most was understandable, but actionability was 0%. Of the 30% of content including objective information, 40% contained significant misinformation. Most posts had comments offering social support.

Conclusions: Instagram is a source of understandable PCa content and social support; however, information was poorly actionable and had some misinformation.