A Content Analysis of Facebook Groups on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Abstract

Facebook “Groups” are forums used by Facebook users who share common interests. These groups allow people to communicate about a common organization, event, or issue by sharing photos, discussing topics, and sharing related content. Disease-specific online forums now exist via Facebook Groups. These rich communities of knowledge, support, and engagement may be important resources for patients and caregivers living with COPD, yet the health information shared in these digital arenas is poorly understood. This study aimed to learn more about Facebook groups about COPD through addressing the following research questions: (1) Do COPD Facebook Group wall post communication strategies vary based on whether or not any self-management topics are addressed in wall posts? (2) Does COPD Facebook Group wall post content vary based on whether or not medication management is specifically addressed? (3) Does COPD Facebook Group wall post content vary based on whether or not recent hospitalizations are addressed? and (4) What is the relationship between the purpose of COPD Facebook group wall posts and wall post engagement? Results suggest that COPD Facebook Group members do request information about self-management topics (n=78; 43.3%); however, group members may be more reluctant to request additional information from fellow group members on medication management, even though medications were the most commonly addressed topic in group wall posts (n=48; 26.7%). While overall member engagement with wall posts was low (likes: Mdn=4, IQR=8.5; comments: Mdn=5, IQR=12), the number of likes was significantly greater for wall posts that demonstrated peer-to-peer support (Mdn=9.5) as compared to posts that did not demonstrate peer-to-peer support (Mdn=3), U = 985.50, P<.001. Further research should explore the quality and safety of self-management information provided to patients with COPD and their informal caregivers on unique social media platforms, such as private Facebook groups.