背景:蛇咬伤毒(SBE)和蝎毒毒(SSE)是严重被忽视的热带病,主要影响发展中国家农村地区的贫困社区。对蛇和蝎子物种及其分布缺乏了解,加剧了SBE和SSE造成的残疾和死亡。在苏丹,特别是在医疗保健资源稀缺的受持续冲突影响的地区,社交媒体平台为解决公共卫生挑战提供了一种具有成本效益的方法。我们在这项研究中的目的是强调在这种环境中使用社交媒体进行数据收集和健康促进的好处。
方法:我们提出了喀土穆大学有毒生物研究中心(TORC)实施的具有成本效益的沟通和数据收集策略,专注于一个Facebook群组,\"蝎子和蛇的苏丹\",作为我们的主要社交媒体平台。此外,我们讨论了该战略对提高人口健康素养的经验教训和初步影响。
结果:团体社区由来自14个国家的5000名成员组成。在2023年1月至2024年1月期间,我们收到了417项有关蛇和蝎子的查询,这些蛇和蝎子属于11科,由55种组成。此外,其他53项调查涉及一系列生物及其踪迹(例如,蜘蛛,Skinks,变色龙,狐狸,太阳蜘蛛,蜱,蜥蜴,蛾幼虫,和昆虫痕迹)。苏丹Malpolonmonspessulanus的第一个摄影证据是通过小组活动。稀有物种Telescopusgezirae,蓝色尼罗河猫蛇,还通过组成员的查询记录。认识到公共卫生中社交媒体使用的演变性质,我们还解决了当前的局限性和证据差距,需要解决这些问题,以有效地将最佳实践转化为政策。
结论:结论:利用Facebook作为机构平台,以简单的阿拉伯语分享科学信息强调了公民的积极作用,科学家,公共卫生利益相关者可以利用社交媒体进行电子健康,意识,和公共卫生倡议。这种方法突出了合作努力的潜力,特别是在危机期间,最大限度地发挥社交媒体在促进公共卫生方面的优势。
BACKGROUND: Snakebite envenomation (SBE) and scorpion sting envenomation (SSE) are significant neglected tropical diseases that primarily affect impoverished communities in rural areas of developing nations. A lack of understanding about snake and scorpion species and their distribution exacerbates the disabilities and fatalities caused by SBE and SSE. In Sudan, particularly in regions affected by ongoing conflicts where healthcare resources are scarce, social media platforms offer a cost-effective approach to addressing public health challenges. Our aim in this study is to highlight the benefits of using social media for
data collection and health promotion in such environments.
METHODS: We present a cost-effective communication and
data collection strategy implemented at the Toxic Organisms Research Centre (TORC) of the University of Khartoum, focusing on a Facebook group, \"Scorpions and Snakes of Sudan\", as our primary social media platform. Additionally, we discuss the lessons learned and the initial impact of this strategy on enhancing population health literacy.
RESULTS: The group community is composed of ~ 5000 members from 14 countries. During the period from January 2023 to January 2024, we received 417 enquiries about snakes and scorpions belonging to 11 families and composed of 55 species. In addition, 53 other enquiries covered a range of organisms and their tracks (e.g., spiders, skinks, chameleons, foxes, sun spiders, centipedes, lizards, moth larvae, and insect tracks). The first photographic evidence of Malpolon monspessulanus in Sudan was via the group activities. The rare species Telescopus gezirae, the Blue Nile cat snake, is also documented via the group member\'s queries. Recognizing the evolving nature of social media use in public health, we also address the current limitations and evidence gaps that need to be addressed to effectively translate best practices into policy.
CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, utilizing Facebook as an institutional platform to share scientific information in simple Arabic language underscores the proactive roles that citizens, scientists, and public health stakeholders can play in leveraging social media for eHealth, eAwareness, and public health initiatives. This approach highlights the potential for collaborative efforts, particularly during crises, to maximize the benefits of social media in advancing public health.