Influence of Social Media on Patients’ Perception of Healthcare Services in Afe Babalola University Multisystem Hospital, Ado- Ekiti, Ekiti State

Background: The influence of social media in the society is on the increase. As a result, misinformation could influence patients’ perception of healthcare services received. It is therefore important to assess social media’s impact on healthcare. This study aimed to determine the influence of social media on patients’ perception of healthcare services in Afe Babalola University Multisystem Hospital, Ado-Ekiti. Methods: A descriptive research design was used for this study, one hundred and eighty consenting participants mostly outpatient attending AMSH were selected using purposive sampling technique. Result: The findings of this study showed that respondents deemed information obtained on social media regarding their health conditions and treatments as important. It also showed that 8.3% of the respondents used social media for health-related reasons. 60% of the respondents believed that health related information on social media is reliable, but 75% of the respondents consulted with their physician before applying such information. However, 68% of the respondents agreed that social media has an influence on their views about health and healthcare. The hypothesis tested showed that there is significant relationship between social media use and patients’ perception of healthcare at (P = 0.000, X2 Cal=4.005a). Conclusion: This study showed that social media has an influence on patients at AMSH. Most patients believed that information on social media about health and healthcare is reliable. Considering the high level of acceptance of health-related information on social media, it should be included in health education of patient to ensure their proper understanding of the information.