Social Media and COVID-19—Perceptions and Public Deceptions of Ivermectin, Colchicine and Hydroxychloroquine: Lessons for Future Pandemics

Abstract

The capacity for social media to influence the utilization of re-purposed medicines to manage COVID-19, despite limited availability of safety and efficacy data, is a cause for concern within health care systems. This study sought to ascertain links between social media reports and utilization for three re-purposed medicines: hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), ivermectin and colchicine. A combined retrospective analysis of social media posts for these three re-purposed medicines was undertaken, along with utilization and clinical trials data, in South Africa, between January 2020 and June 2021. In total, 77,257 posts were collected across key social media platforms, of which 6884 were relevant. Ivermectin had the highest number of posts (55%) followed by HCQ (44%). The spike in ivermectin use was closely correlated to social media posts. Similarly, regarding chloroquine (as HCQ is not available in South Africa), social media interest was enhanced by local politicians. Sentiment analysis revealed that posts regarding the effectiveness of these repurposed medicines were positive. This was different for colchicine, which contributed only a small number of mentions (1%). Of concern is that the majority of reporters in social media (85%) were unidentifiable. This study provides evidence of social media as a driver of re-purposed medicines. Healthcare professionals have a key role in providing evidence-based advice especially with unidentifiable posts.

Exploring Knowledge of Antibiotic Use, Resistance, and Stewardship Programs among Pharmacy Technicians Serving in Ambulatory Care Settings in Pakistan and the Implications

“…Educational activities can also assist with addressing some of the misinformation that can arise from social media, which was particularly prevalent during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the widespread promotion of re-purposed treatments including hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, and ivermectin despite limited evidence, all of which were subsequently shown to have limited benefit alongside harm in some patients [ 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 ].…”

Willingness to Accept the COVID-19 Vaccine and Related Factors among Indian Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…This misinformation, especially surrounding the Oxford AZ vaccine, may have increased hesitancy rates across countries. The extent of the misinformation surrounding effective treatments for COVID-19 propagated by social media is not new and was seen earlier for HCQ and Ivermectin in India and South Africa, respectively, despite concerns of side effects [ 37 , 38 , 39 ].…”

Impact of Parental Knowledge and Beliefs on HPV Vaccine Hesitancy in Kenya—Findings and Implications

“…This represents a social phenomenon where people do receive services which they have little understanding about, and may well reflect the emotive nature of cancer [ 57 , 58 ]. However, blind acceptance can be a concern as seen with high utilization of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin for patients with COVID-19 despite limited evidence and fears with side effects [ 59 , 60 , 61 ], as well as acceptance of misinformation regarding HPV vaccines [ 39 ]. A high willingness to have the child vaccinated against HPV is positive for future programs in Kenya, similar to Australia, Brazil and Sweden [ 30 , 62 , 63 ].…”

“…There also needs to be effective communication campaigns among key influences including church elders in Kenya given their influence [ 30 , 39 ]. This needs to be combined with comprehensive social media campaigns given their increasing influence especially among the younger age group [ 30 , 61 ]. Key messages need to be carefully crafted that address the myths and misconceptions concerning the HPV vaccine to enhance future vaccination rates.…”