شبكات التواصل الاجتماعي كمصادر للمعلومات الصحية لدى الجمهور السعودي : دراسة مسحية

Abstract EN

Social networks became one of the utmost importance to a large proportion of Saudi society.

In contrast, the issues related to health information and the public's reliance on multiple sources in the search for health information topics, ought to occupy the attention of workers in the health field, because of their impact onthe nature of the health services and the relationship between the physician and the patient.

This study sought to identify the extent of adoption of the Saudi public to social networks as a source of health information compared to other sources, and their cognitive and behavioral effects associated with this dependence, and the level of confidence of those networks.

This study applied a questionnaire with a total sample of 299 from the city of Riyadh.

The results showed that physicians and pharmacists are still the core source of health information to the Saudi public.

Online information became the second source, followed by friends and family and then TV channels.

The most important reasons for the public to rely on the sources of specific access to health information, is to assist them in making certain decisions in the health aspect, followed by seeking help to eliminate stress and anxiety" and to help them to understand and recognize the extents of their health issue."