Evaluating Online Cannabis Health Information for Thai Breast Cancer Survivors
Author Information
Author(s): Thanarpan Peerawong, Phenwan Tharin, Makita Meiko, Supanichwatana Sojirat, Puttarak Panupong, Naowanit Siammai, Prakaidao Sunthorn
Primary Institution: Prince of Songkla University
Hypothesis
This study aims to analyze the factors determining cannabis-related content quality for breast cancer care from internet sources and on social media platforms.
Conclusion
The varying quality of medical cannabis-related information on internet sources and social media platforms accessed and shared by Thai breast cancer survivors is an issue of concern.
Supporting Evidence
- 62 Thai-language cannabis-related items were evaluated.
- 40 of 62 content items (64%) were news-related and generic cannabis advertisements.
- The mean QUEST score was 12.1 (SD 7.6).
- With a QUEST score of 15 as the threshold, the sensitivity and specificity for differentiating between high and poor content quality were 81% and 98%, respectively.
Takeaway
This study looked at how good or bad the information about cannabis for breast cancer is on the internet, and found that a lot of it is not very reliable.
Methodology
A mixed methods study was conducted involving a breast cancer survivor support group to evaluate cannabis-related content from internet sources and social media.
Potential Biases
Content creators often claimed undue credibility, and many were anonymous, making it difficult to authenticate their identities.
Limitations
The study only analyzed content from a single group of women living with breast cancer, which may not represent all cannabis-related content in Thailand.
Participant Demographics
Members of the breast cancer support group were aged 30-75 years, with the majority aged 50-60 years, and from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
0.86 to 1.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website