Role of Social Media Usage in Promoting Positive Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviours to Combat Diabetes Mellitus in Saudi Population

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the level of use of social media (SoMe) for diabetic health promotion, prevention, and positive lifestyle changes to combat diabetes mellitus (DM) and to determine its main source of knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Jeddah City/Saudi Arabia among 405 consented adults of both sexes. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on social media use and the preferable sources of health-related information as well as to test their level of knowledge on DM. Results: The mean age of the overall participants was 32.8 years; 55.8% were males, and 98% were social media users with high use of WhatsApp apps. The overall level of knowledge on the nature of DM was 52.1%. Post-adjustment regression of the demographic covariant, females was the more likely user of social media in promoting positive knowledge and prevention to combat diabetes mellitus than males (AOR: 1.917; 95% CI: 1.151-3.192), older age versus younger (AOR 3.517; 95% CI:1.268-9.757), and married participants (AOR 1.925; 95% CI: 1.091-3.394). Conclusion: The growing trend in the use of social media should be strongly considered as an avenue for improving knowledge, skills, and empowering self-engagement in the promotion of such chronic diseases like DM and will provide a fruitful avenue for future research. Our results showed positive implications of social media use via enhancement of the official MOH platform or other health institutions in the country.