Instagram’s Pelvic Organ Prolapse Content Discusses Limited Treatment Options Leaving Users Susceptible to Biased Information

Abstract

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality, understandability, and actionability of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) posts accessible to users on Instagram.

Materials and Methods

Instagram posts were analyzed using the hashtag, “#PelvicOrganProlapse.” Posts were limited to the English-language and posts containing POP content. Posts were assessed using the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report guidelines and two validated questionnaires: DISCERN quality criteria and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT).

Results

Overall, 105 posts were evaluated. Instagram posts published by health and wellness groups (44%) were the most common. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) was the most prevalent treatment option mentioned (59%). Moderate to poor quality information was represented in 76% of posts. Twenty-five posts were found to have commercial bias. Over 2/3 of posts had a low PEMAT score for actionability (score <75%). PFMT was the most frequently discussed treatment option for POP; however, Instagram posts do not address other therapies like surgery and pessaries.

Conclusion

Instagram posts contain limited content with poor quality information, which increasingly focuses on managing POP with PFMT. The absence of complete information on treatment modalities can limit unknowing users from alternative options, thus hindering their judgment.

Keywords:

• Discern
• instagram
• pelvic organ prolapse
• PEMAT
• social media

Disclosure statement

Amber S. Herbert, B.S.; Lauren Pace, B.A.; Alia Munir, B.A.; Rena D. Malik, M.D. declare they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amber S. Herbert

Amber S. Herbert is an MD candidate at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Neurobiology and Physiology from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is interested in pursuing a career in Urology. Her research interest includes racial disparities, medical misinformation, and patient education among individuals with urological diseases.

Lauren Pace

Lauren Pace is an MD candidate at the University of Maryland School of Medicine applying to residency programs in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her areas of research interest currently include the online representation of various Urogynecologic topics and neonatal and maternal drug screening protocols and outcomes.

Alia Munir

Alia Munir is a political science graduate, a licensed realtor, and an entrepreneur. Her research interest includes social research on women’s health and well-being, particularly those belonging to marginalized groups and how they are disproportionately represented in academic research.

Rena D. Malik

Dr. Rena D. Malik is Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Urology and Director of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She specializes in reconstructive urology including the management of voiding dysfunction, urinary incontinence, vaginal and robotic surgery for pelvic organ prolapse, neurogenic bladder, urethral stricture, vesicovaginal fistula, and mesh-related complications. Her research interests include gender disparities, health literacy, medical misinformation in social media related to pelvic floor disorders.