Sharing sensitive personal health information through facebook: The unintended consequences

Mowafa Househ*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to explore the types of sensitive health information posted by individuals through social network media sites such as Facebook. The researcher found several instances in which individuals, who could be identified by their user profiles, posted personal and sensitive health information related to mental and genetic disorders and sexually transmitted diseases. The data suggest that Facebook users should be made aware of the potential harm that may occur when sharing sensitive health information publicly through Facebook. Ethical considerations in undertaking such research are also examined.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUser Centred Networked Health Care - Proceedings of MIE 2011
PublisherIOS Press
Pages616-620
Number of pages5
ISBN (Print)9781607508052
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event23rd International Conference of the European Federation for Medical Informatics, MIE 2011 - Oslo, Norway
Duration: 28 Aug 201131 Aug 2011

Publication series

NameStudies in Health Technology and Informatics
Volume169
ISSN (Print)0926-9630
ISSN (Electronic)1879-8365

Conference

Conference23rd International Conference of the European Federation for Medical Informatics, MIE 2011
Country/TerritoryNorway
CityOslo
Period28/08/1131/08/11

Keywords

  • Facebook
  • Health information
  • Privacy
  • Social networking

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