Public Perception of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines Among Psoriasis Patients in Social Media: Content, Sentiment, and Engagement Analysis. Issue 4 (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yee, Danielle; Khan, Sabrina; Zagona-Prizio, Caterina; Maynard, Nicole; Reddy, Rasika; Khan, Samiya; Mehta, Manan; Armstrong, April W.
• Is Part Of: Journal of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Volume 7:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 164
• Page End: 173
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: psoriasis -- psoriatic arthritis -- biologic -- vaccine -- COVID-19; Psoriasis -- Periodicals; Psoriasis -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Psoriatic arthritis -- Periodicals; Psoriatic arthritis -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.722
• DOI: 10.1177/24755303221110095
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2475-5303

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis patients may seek information about the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and their disease from social media platforms. Analyses of social media interactions may help guide dermatologists' educational efforts during this pandemic. Objectives: This study analyzes social media interactions among patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis regarding the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to determine the misinformation circulating and the apprehension to receiving the vaccine. Methods: Publicly accessible Facebook and Reddit groups regarding psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis were identified. Posts uploaded between March 1, 2021 and July 31, 2021 which contained information about the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were extracted. First-order themes, sub-themes, sentiment scores and engagement scores were assigned to each post. Results: 345 posts within the first-order theme of vaccination decision and 1379 posts within the first-order theme of vaccine reaction were analyzed. Within vaccination decision, common sub-themes for refusing the vaccine include fear of psoriasis flare up, vaccine is experimental, vaccine is unnecessary, vaccine is dangerous, and concern for reaction/vaccine efficacy while on psoriasis medications . 41.4% of posts contained positive sentiment; whereas, 38.3% contained negative sentiment. Within vaccine reaction, common sub-themes identified were no change to psoriasis, skin/joint flare up, skin flare up attributed specifically to stopping psoriasis medications, skin/joint improvement, and skin flare up but vaccine was worth it . 77.8% of posts contained positive sentiment; whereas, 6.2% contained negative sentiment. Conclusions: Our study identified common SARS-CoV-2 vaccine concerns within the psoriasis community which should be used to guide educational efforts.