The role of social media in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases in low-and-middle income countries: hope or hype?

Abstract Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose major challenges for health systems in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). Social media may be a low-cost, powerful tool to support NCDs prevention and management in LMICs through its ability to reach a large population. However, data on the role of social media for NCD prevention and management in LMICs is scares. This commentary paper explores the role of social media for prevention and management of NCDs and discusses how these may particularly have a role in supporting people in LMICs. We conducted a literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed articles using social media for NCDs in LMICs. Technology based interventions are increasingly being examined as a means to address healthcare gaps, especially in LMICs. The potential role of social media in NCD prevention and management includes patient health education and information sharing, psychological support, self-management, public health campaigns and health professional's capacity building. Nevertheless, there is little direct data on utilizing social media for NCD prevention and management in LMICs and thus a systematic review was not possible. However, social media may also have risks and challenges, such as conveying incorrect information, lack of data confidentiality, monitoring, and regulation, commercial interests, equity of access, and lack of standards. Regulatory guidelines and standards need to be developed and adhered to help avoid adverse consequences. Further research on effectiveness of social media for NCDs using robust methodologies in different population groups for short/long term impacts in LMICs is recommended.