Digital Influencers and the Spread of Irrational Drug Use
August 2023
in “
Dataset Reports
”
Studysummary In this study, researchers explored how digital influencers may promote self-medication, finding that while 75.7% of undergraduate health students believed influencers suggest medications for self-medication, 73.2% did not use medication recommended by influencers, highlighting a need for regulatory oversight on influencer-generated health advice.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The study "Digital influencers and the spread of irrational drug use" examined the impact of digital influencers on promoting irrational drug use among health undergraduate students. Using a descriptive, exploratory, and observational methodology, the study found that 90.8% (n = 128) of respondents were aware of irrational drug use, and 75.7% (n = 109) stated that influencers often suggest some medication for self-medication. However, 73.2% (n = 115) claimed not to use medications recommended by influencers. The study concludes that regulatory bodies need to monitor the content produced by influencers on social media, particularly regarding self-medication, due to the potential dangers and irreversible damage of using medications without professional authorization.
