Our Summary

This study looked at the type of articles being shared on social media about common conditions related to children’s urinary and reproductive systems. The researchers used a tool to find the top five articles on Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, and Pinterest about toilet training, circumcision, undescended testicles, twisted testicles, and a male birth defect where the urinary hole is not at the tip of the penis. They then checked how reliable these articles were by looking at the sources they cited and comparing the article’s content with other scientific literature.

The results showed that only about a third of the articles were linked to reputable medical sources like journals, hospitals or academic institutions. The rest were on websites that also had advertisements. More people interacted with posts about toilet training and circumcision than the other conditions. None of the articles cited the highest level of scientific evidence, and a third didn’t cite any evidence at all.

Interestingly, these articles were the ones people interacted with the most, particularly if they weren’t connected to medical sources. This is a concern because parents who aren’t medically trained might not realize that the information in these articles might not be reliable. The researchers suggest it’s important to understand how information about these conditions is shared and interacted with on social media, so that any incorrect information can be corrected in clinics, online, and in the rules about what can be posted on social media.

In conclusion, articles without strong evidence or links to medical sources are the ones people interact with the most on social media. This could lead to the spread of incorrect information about these conditions.

FAQs

  1. What conditions related to children’s urinary and reproductive systems were the articles about in this study?
  2. How did the researchers determine the reliability of the articles shared on social media?
  3. What was the main concern found in the study regarding the type of articles being shared and interacted with on social media?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that when researching pediatric urologic reconstruction or any related conditions online, it’s important to make sure the information comes from reputable sources such as medical journals, hospitals, or academic institutions. It’s also important to consult with a healthcare provider before making any decisions based on information found online. Trusting reliable sources can help ensure that the information being used to make decisions about pediatric urologic reconstruction is accurate and safe for the child.

Suitable For

Pediatric urologic reconstruction may be recommended for patients with conditions such as hypospadias (a birth defect where the urinary opening is not at the tip of the penis), undescended testicles, twisted testicles, and other congenital abnormalities of the urinary and reproductive systems in children. These conditions may require surgical intervention to correct anatomical abnormalities and improve function. It is important for parents and caregivers to seek information from reputable medical sources and healthcare providers when making decisions about pediatric urologic reconstruction for their child.

Timeline

Before pediatric urologic reconstruction, a patient may experience symptoms related to their condition such as pain, difficulty urinating, urinary tract infections, or abnormal genital development. They may undergo diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of their symptoms. Once a decision is made to proceed with urologic reconstruction, the patient may undergo pre-operative consultations, imaging studies, and other preparations for surgery.

After pediatric urologic reconstruction, the patient will typically have a period of recovery where they may experience pain, swelling, and other side effects of surgery. They will be closely monitored by healthcare providers to ensure proper healing and function of the reconstructed urinary or reproductive system. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to check on the patient’s progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise. The patient may also receive post-operative care instructions and guidance on managing their condition in the long term.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about pediatric urologic reconstruction include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the reconstruction surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of the reconstruction procedure for my child’s specific condition?
  3. What is the recovery process like for pediatric urologic reconstruction surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my child’s condition?
  5. How many pediatric urologic reconstruction surgeries have you performed, and what is your experience in treating this specific condition?
  6. What long-term outcomes can we expect for my child after undergoing pediatric urologic reconstruction surgery?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or modifications that my child will need to make following the surgery?
  8. What follow-up care will be required after the reconstruction surgery?
  9. Are there any resources or support groups available for families of children undergoing pediatric urologic reconstruction surgery?
  10. Are there any potential future complications or concerns that we should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Cheng JW, Fernandez N, Shnorhavorian M, Merguerian PA, Kieran K. Journal: J Pediatr Urol. 2022 Apr;18(2):236.e1-236.e7. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.12.003. Epub 2021 Dec 11. PMID: 35125286