Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: A short study published in the December 2, 2011 issue of Science highlighted the value of social networks in promoting weight loss. 1 According to the study, participants, who were paired with "friends" with similar interests, were more likely to take part in healthy behaviors.Similar findings were suggested by a study 2 conducted with diabetic patients from rural Kansas engaged in dedicated social networks.Although social media has seen an explosive evolution over the last years, limited research has been done on its value as an indicator of community health or health outcomes.The introduction of Facebook Ads, as well as its targeting engine, provides a unique opportunity to extract data to explore possible correlations between regional Facebook use and major health indicators in which peer-to-peer interaction and support could play a significant role.Thus, the question was raised, does declared interest in health and well-being on Facebook, as well as in outdoor activities, correlate with obesity indicators at the state level?
Source: Kansas Journal of Medicine
Author: Mugur V Geana
Institution: University of Kansas
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W1152769631