Utilización de las redes sociales sobre temas de salud en población universitaria de México = Use of social networks about health topics in university population in Mexico
Abstract
Resumen: Las redes sociales se han convertido en un medio de comunicación eficiente e inmediato, y su uso en los jóvenes universitarios se ha generalizado de forma tal que para algunos es la principal forma de interactuar con otras personas y grupos y establecer métodos de adquisición de conocimientos. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo determinar la importancia y uso que tiene en jóvenes estudiantes universitarios de México la utilización de Facebook como herramienta de comunicación y capacitación en salud. Se han aplicado cuestionarios y realizado grupos focales; mediante la observación directa no participante. Los resultados muestran que pese a que los universitarios emplean las redes sociales cotidianamente, los temas de salud no abundan entre los más frecuentes de Facebook, supeditándose fundamentalmente a los que preocupan su desarrollo: sexualidad, obesidad y alimentación, dejando a un lado el conocer temas de salud pública y prevención de enfermedades. El recurso de utilización de Facebook para capacitarse en salud resulta poco recurrente en este grupo social. Asimismo, ponen de manifiesto el poco interés en temas de salud, y la necesidad de establecer estrategias que permitan promocionar la salud y prevenir enfermedades en la población universitaria.
Palabras clave: Redes sociales, Salud pública, Prevención de enfermedades, Promoción de la salud, Jóvenes universitarios
Abstract: Social networks have become one fast and efficient mean of communication and their use among the university students have grown in such way that for some it’s the main interaction channel with other people and groups, and to establish methods to acquire knowledge. This article has as objective to determine the importance and use of Facebook as tool of communication and healthcare learning by young students of Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Mexico. Questionnaires have been administered and focus groups have been used for interviews; through covert observation it has been found that even though university students use social networks and particularly Facebook on a daily basis, they don’t look for healthcare issues, sticking to the subjects they believe are more relevant to their development: sexuality, obesity and nutrition, leaving aside the knowledge on public healthcare subjects and preventive healthcare. The use of Facebook to learn about health is less frequent in this social group. Results show low interest in prevention subjects, and the need to establish strategies that help to decrease the cases of diseases that will impact the lives of many people.
Keywords: Social Networks, Public health, Preventive healthcare, Health promotion, University students
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