Case Study #1: Unraveling Tobacco Cessation Misinformation on Social Media: A Public Health Case Study

Part 1 Collaborate with your partner on steps 1-10.

1. Read and familiarize yourself with the case study below.
2. Part 2:Individually you and your peer will submit a written analysis of your interpretation of the case study.
   1. Make a copy of the Case Study Worksheet Individual Analysis & Peer Evaluation Form for Group Work – Template (opens in a new window) by selecting the “use template” button.
   2. Complete steps 11-14 of the template individually.
   3. Compose a summary that includes your takeaways and a reflection (step 14 in the worksheet). Use the Assertion-Support-Analysis (ASA) Framework [Original Media] to write the summary.
   4. Cite at least 2 scholarly resources to support your responses to steps 11 through 14.
   5. Complete the Peer Evaluation portion of the worksheet.
   6. Submit your completed Partner Analysis and Individual Analysis documents below.

   Case Study:

   The County of Green Valley, a picturesque region in the Midwest, is home to a diverse population of approximately 250,000 residents. Its public health official, Dr. Sarah Mitchell, is grappling with a pressing issue that poses significant challenges to tobacco cessation efforts in the county. Social media platforms are inundated with misinformation and disinformation regarding tobacco use and cessation methods, leading to an ethical dilemma for the public health department. In this case study, we explore how primary sources of data in health outcome reporting can help Dr. Mitchell navigate this crisis. Additionally, we delve into the broader public health implications, both positive and negative, of social media use in Green Valley.

   Dr. Mitchell’s ethical dilemma arises from the widespread dissemination of inaccurate information on social media regarding tobacco cessation. Individuals, often with no medical background, are promoting dubious methods and discrediting established public health interventions. This misinformation threatens to undermine years of progress in tobacco cessation in Green Valley.

   Demographics of Green Valley:

   • Green Valley boasts a diverse demographic profile.
   • Population: Approximately 250,000 residents.
   • Age Distribution: A broad age range, with a significant proportion of both young adults and seniors.
   • Ethnicity: A mix of ethnicities, with a predominantly White majority (65%), followed by Hispanic (20%), African American (10%), and Asian (5%) populations.
   • Education: Varied education levels, with 30% holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher, while 20% have not completed high school.
   • Income: A diverse economic landscape, with a median household income of $55,000.
   • Social Media Usage: Over 70% of residents are active on social media platforms, primarily Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

   Questions to consider as you engage the template:

   • What are the specific challenges that Dr. Sarah Mitchell and her public health department are facing in addressing tobacco cessation misinformation on social media in Green Valley? How might these challenges differ from other regions or health issues?
   • Discuss the ethical dilemmas Dr. Mitchell encounters. How can public health officials balance the need for freedom of speech on social media with the responsibility to protect public health? Are there any potential legal or regulatory measures that could be employed to address misinformation?
   • Explore the role of demographics in the spread of misinformation. Are certain demographic groups in Green Valley more susceptible to believing and sharing misinformation about tobacco cessation on social media? How can public health campaigns be tailored to reach and educate these specific groups effectively?
   • Examine the effectiveness of social media as a tool for public health education and communication. What strategies can public health officials employ to harness the positive aspects of social media for promoting accurate tobacco cessation information while mitigating the negative effects of misinformation?

   Resources

   • The Assertion-Support-Analysis (ASA) Framework [Original Media]

   RequirementsPart 1

   • Citations not required
   • Word count not required
   • Plagiarism Submission

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   Part 2

   • Citation Requirements: Minimum of 2 peer-reviewed
     • Citations should be used to support the “S” in A-S-A
   • Summary word count: 500 words (paragraph format)
   • Plagiarism Submission
   • Submit Template/Assertion-Support-Analysis (ASA) Framework by the deadline