Prevalence of Social Media Use in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality globally, with health literacy playing a crucial role in predicting mortality rates. Social media has emerged as an effective tool for disseminating information and promoting public health. This study aimed to assess social media usage among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods: This prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted between July 2021 and August 2023 in Tehran, IRAN. Patients of both genders, over 20 years of age, who experienced STEMI consecutively were included in the study. Data were obtained using questionnaires after obtaining permission.Results: There were 221 patients, 44.3% (98/221) of patients at the Taleghani Hospital and 55.7% (123/221) at the Shahid Modarres Hospital. The mean age of patients was 57.34 ± 11.30, and 87.3% of patients were male. Totally, 94.5% (209/221) had cell phones, 71.0% (157/221) had smartphones, and 65.6% (145/221) used social networks. WhatsApp was the most commonly used social network, 91.0% (132/145). Patients with higher education had a significantly higher proportion of using email or smartphones. Also, younger patients had a higher proportion of email or smartphone usage.Conclusions: Most patients diagnosed with STEMI own smartphones and frequently use social networks. WhatsApp is the most commonly used social network platform. However, older individuals or those with lower literacy tend to use social networks less frequently.