Social Media as a Source of Health Information for Students at the University of Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to explore social media as a source of health information for students at the Univeristy of Nairobi. The study objectives were: to determine the kind of health information the students searched for on social media, establish the perceived benefits and to identify the challenges faced by the students when using social media to obtain health information. The study sample included students aged between 18-34 years conveniently selected from the main campus. A nurse, a doctor and a student counsellor from the University Health Services were purposively selected as key informants. Uses and Gratification Theory, Technological determinism and Agency theory were used to explain the relationship between variables. Data was collected using survey questionnaires, FGDs and key informant interviews. Qualitative data was presented as per the emerging themes while quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and presented in percentages, frequencies and tables. The study established that many students used social media to obtain health-related information with Facebook and WhatsApp being the most widely used platforms. Students searched for health information on disease symptoms, health problems, insights into patients’ experiences and second opinions from fellow users of these platforms. Availability, accessibility, affordability, emotional support and less prejudice from fellow social media users were noted as the benefits of utilizing social media. Privacy issues, unreliability of health information gained and information overload were cited as the significant challenges encountered. In conclusion, as much as social media is a fast and more modern way for students to access health information, online sources should not replace diagnostically correct medical attention from certified health professionals. It is therefore recommended that advocacy, scholarly input and professional engagement into social media be done to make it a more relevant, credible, verifiable and trustworthy source of health information.