(250 words) Provide background information regarding smoking cessation and the impact it has on population health. 

Social media health surveillance due 9/17/2020

1. Background Information on Smoking Cessation and Population Health

Smoking cessation refers to the process of quitting smoking and is considered to be one of the most effective ways to improve population health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use is responsible for the death of more than 8 million people every year, and approximately 1.2 million of these deaths occur among non-smokers due to exposure to second-hand smoke (WHO, 2021). Smoking cessation not only reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases but also has a significant impact on reducing healthcare costs and improving quality of life.

Despite the known health benefits of smoking cessation, many people struggle to quit smoking due to various factors such as addiction, lack of access to resources and support, and social and environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to explore innovative ways to support and encourage individuals to quit smoking.

2. Infodemiology and Social Media Platforms for Data Collection

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter offer a unique opportunity to collect and analyze near real-time data on smoking cessation, also known as “infodemiology”. Infodemiology involves the study of information available on the internet to inform public health policies and practices. Researchers can use keywords such as “quit smoking”, “smoking cessation”, and “nicotine replacement therapy” to collect data on social media platforms related to smoking cessation (Bravo et al., 2021).

Social media platforms can also be used to conduct surveys and gather information on individual attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to smoking cessation. This data can be used to inform the development of smoking cessation programs and policies that are tailored to the needs of specific populations.

3. Value of Social Media in Informing and Gauging Public Attitudes

Social media offers significant value in terms of informing and gauging public attitudes towards smoking cessation. By analyzing social media data, public health officials and policymakers can gain insights into the factors that influence smoking cessation behavior, as well as the attitudes and beliefs of different population groups towards smoking cessation. This information can be used to develop targeted smoking cessation programs and policies that are more effective in promoting smoking cessation among different population groups. Social media can also be used to disseminate information on smoking cessation and to provide support to individuals who are trying to quit smoking.

4. Evidence of Disparities in Access to Smoking Cessation Resources

There is evidence to suggest that disparities exist in access to smoking cessation resources, including information, resources, and assistance. For example, individuals from low-income communities and those with limited education are less likely to have access to smoking cessation resources and are more likely to continue smoking (Widome et al., 2020). Additionally, marginalized populations such as racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with mental health and substance use disorders face additional barriers to accessing smoking cessation resources. Social media can be used to identify and address these disparities by providing tailored information and resources to specific population groups and by creating supportive online communities for individuals who are trying to quit smoking.

References: Bravo, C. A., Hoffman-Goetz, L., & Freitas, A. (2021). Health behaviors, engagement, and equity in infodemiology research using social media: A scoping review. Journal of medical internet research, 23(5), e24986. Widome, R., Joseph, A. M., Hammett, P., Van Ryn, M., Nelson, D. B., Nyman, J. A., … & Fu, S. S. (2020). Opportunities and challenges in engaging smokers who are marginalized or low-income in tobacco control clinical trials: A qualitative study. Nicotine & Tobacco Research,