From likes to advice: the influence of social media on parental health decisions

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

From Likes to Advice: The Influence of Social Media on Parental Health Decisions

Sofia Maria da Silva Faria¹, Daniela Ferreira da Costa², Ana Rita Gomes de Sousa², Carolina Isabel Lopes Pinto da Costa¹, Carla Cristina Abreu Faria Freitas Morna².

¹Pediatrics Department, Hospital Pedro Hispano, Unidade Local de Saúde de Matosinhos, Matosinhos, Portugal,
²Family Medicine, Unidade de Saúde Familiar de Modivas, Unidade Local de Saúde Póvoa de Varzim/Vila do Conde, Vila do Conde, Portugal.

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Abstract
Introduction: The rapid evolution of digital platforms has reshaped how parents’ access and engage with health information. This shift is especially evident in parenting, as caregivers frequently rely on social networks for advice and information about their children's well-being. This research explores how parents search for pediatric health information online by analyzing their chosen sources, browsing habits, and socio-demographic characteristics.
Methods: An anonymous 18-question survey was conducted among parents attending child and youth health consultations at a health center from March to April 2024. Data were anonymized, analyzed using SPSS® version 28.0, and presented as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations.
Results: Among the 85 participants, 48 (56.5%) reported using online platforms for health information. Of these, 28 (58.3%) preferred general internet pages, while 13 (27.1%) relied on Instagram, 6 on Facebook (12.5%) and 1 (2.1%) on YouTube. The study found that mothers and individuals with higher educational levels were significantly more likely to use online resources (p=0.013, p=0.026). The most common areas of interest included general pediatrics (13, 27.1%), child development (12, 25%), and nutrition (9, 18.8%). Despite their online engagement, 45 (95.8%) of those seeking health information still turned to healthcare professionals when faced with conflicting details.
Conclusion: Online platforms play an important role in providing with health information, acting as supplement to traditional healthcare advice. However, the potential for misinformation on these platforms highlights the importance of digital literacy and fostering collaboration between healthcare providers and online platforms to ensure parents have access to accurate and actionable information.

Why this article important?

This article is important because it addresses a growing reality in modern healthcare: the increasing reliance of parents on social media and online platforms for guidance about their children’s health. By examining not only the frequency of online searches but also the socio-demographic factors influencing them, the study sheds light on how education, gender roles, and digital habits shape decision-making in parenting. Importantly, it reveals that while parents turn to the internet for quick and accessible information, they still trust healthcare professionals when discrepancies arise, underscoring the continuing relevance of medical expertise. This research highlights both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, online platforms empower parents with information and support; on the other, they expose families to misinformation that could compromise child health. By emphasizing the need for digital literacy and collaboration between medical professionals and online communities, the article contributes to developing safer and more effective strategies for health communication in the digital era

Summary of article

This article explores how digital platforms are shaping parents’ search for pediatric health information. Based on a survey of 85 participants, the study found that over half of parents use online resources—mainly general websites and Instagram—with mothers and those with higher education levels being the most frequent users. The most common topics of interest were general pediatrics, child development, and nutrition. Despite this reliance on social media, the vast majority of parents reported turning to healthcare professionals when faced with conflicting information, showing that digital platforms act more as a supplement rather than a replacement for medical advice. The findings highlight the dual role of online resources: they provide accessible and immediate information, yet also pose risks of misinformation. The study emphasizes the importance of digital health literacy and suggests fostering collaboration between healthcare providers and online platforms to ensure parents can access accurate, trustworthy, and actionable health information.

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