The Pattern and Impact of Social Media Use among Orthodontists and Orthodontic Resident Doctors in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: This study aims to assess the orthodontists’/orthodontic resident doctors' use of social media, social variables such as gender and age grouping and the impact of social media use on orthodontic practice.

Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among Orthodontists and orthodontic residents in the country. This study involved a convenient sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was used for the data collection on socio-demographics, social media use and its perceived impact on orthodontic practices. Data were analyzed using the statistical software package for Social Sciences-Chicago version 20. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.  

Results: The study consisted of 44 participants made up of 45.5% male and 54.5% female Orthodontists and orthodontic residents in Nigeria with the majority (84.1%) being between 31 – 50 years age group. The prevalence of use of social media was 100% in the study population. Most (81.8%) of the respondents understood social media as a means of communication, others (18.2%) defined it as a means of obtaining information. Whatsapp (100%) and Facebook (77.3%) were the most used social media. All the participants reported that social media did not affect their practice negatively and that it has led to an improvement in patients’ compliance with instructions (81.8). Only a few (20.5%) of the respondents felt social media was a distraction.

Conclusion: The prevalence of use of social media was 100%. Whatsapp was the most frequently used social media and it was used mostly for social interaction. The use of social media was not perceived by any of the participants to negatively affect orthodontic practice.