Public Perception of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines Among Psoriasis Patients in Social Media: Content, Sentiment, and Engagement Analysis.

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis patients may seek information about the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and their disease from social media platforms. Analyses of social media interactions may help guide dermatologists' educational efforts during this pandemic.

Objectives: This study analyzes social media interactions among patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis regarding the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to determine the misinformation circulating and the apprehension to receiving the vaccine.

Methods: Publicly accessible Facebook and Reddit groups regarding psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis were identified. Posts uploaded between March 1, 2021 and July 31, 2021 which contained information about the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were extracted. First-order themes, sub-themes, sentiment scores and engagement scores were assigned to each post.

Results: 345 posts within the first-order theme of vaccination decision and 1379 posts within the first-order theme of vaccine reaction were analyzed. Within vaccination decision, common sub-themes for refusing the vaccine include fear of psoriasis flare up, vaccine is experimental, vaccine is unnecessary, vaccine is dangerous, and concern for reaction/vaccine efficacy while on psoriasis medications. 41.4% of posts contained positive sentiment; whereas, 38.3% contained negative sentiment. Within vaccine reaction, common sub-themes identified were no change to psoriasis, skin/joint flare up, skin flare up attributed specifically to stopping psoriasis medications, skin/joint improvement, and skin flare up but vaccine was worth it. 77.8% of posts contained positive sentiment; whereas, 6.2% contained negative sentiment.

Conclusions: Our study identified common SARS-CoV-2 vaccine concerns within the psoriasis community which should be used to guide educational efforts.