The Use of Social Media Communications in Brain Aneurysms and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Mixed-Method Analysis

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of a ruptured or unruptured brain aneurysm has a significant impact on patients' quality of life and their psychosocial well-being. As a result, patients and caregivers may resort to social media platforms for support and education. The aim of this report is to evaluate the use of social media and the online communications regarding brain aneurysms. METHODS: Three social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube) were assessed for public content pertaining to brain aneurysms in March 2016. We conducted a mixed-method analysis that includes a descriptive examination of cross-sectional data and a qualitative evaluation of online communications for thematic analysis. We assessed categorized data using nonparametric tests for statistical significance. RESULTS: Our analyses showed that Facebook was the most highly used social media platform, with 11 relevant pages and 83 groups. Facebook accounts were all nonprofit foundations or patient support groups. Most users in Facebook groups were joining private support groups as opposed to public (P < 0.05). The most frequently viewed category of YouTube videos was on treatment procedures (P < 0.001). Six prominent themes emerged from the coded data of posts and comments: inspiration and motivation (27.7%), providing and sharing information (26.3%), requesting information (14.4%), seeking emotional support (12.1%), admiration (8.3%), and loss and grief (8.3%). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to provide insight into characteristics and patterns of social media communications regarding brain aneurysms. These findings should serve to inform the treating physicians of the needs and expectations of individuals affected by brain aneurysms.