Health information and related data is part of the huge amount of data and information available from social media. Simply, patients and their families can obtain a wide range of health information online. The number of Saudi Internet users reached 19.6 million at the end of 2014. Saudi caregivers of autistic children are skeptical of the quality of online information. Although, participants are searching for and sharing information, they always search for more information. This is to support the initial findings found in any resources even within a specialist account. Repeatedly, participants critically make judgments about the credibility and accuracy of related health information. The majority of the Saudi caregivers who participated in the current study understand that social media enables many foundations and non-profit organizations to elevate public awareness of autism. Therefore, the researchers believe that there is a need for reviews and development of the status of autism information available online. In addition, it is central to evaluate the way Saudi caregivers are using health information related to autism. This review is for better utilization of social media in health care and patients' well-being.

Published in: International Conference on Information Society (i-Society 2016)

• Date of Conference: 9-11 November 2015
• DOI: 10.2053/iSociety.2015.0010
• ISBN: 978-1-908320-47-6
• Conference Location: Dublin, Ireland