Knowledge and awareness of insulin resistance among social media users: A cross-sectional study in Jordan

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is a growing public health concern associated with various metabolic disorders. Social media platforms have emerged as major sources of health information, yet their impact on public knowledge and behaviors related to IR remains unclear. This study evaluated the knowledge and awareness of IR among social media users and examined how social media influences health behaviors related to IR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September and November 2024 across the Jordanian public. Participants were selected through convenience sampling, and completed questionnaires assessing demographics, medical history, IR knowledge, and the impact of social media on health behaviors. RESULTS: Among the 730 participants, the mean age was 31 years, with 60.5% being females. Most participants (71.1%) sought health information online, while 21.5% relied on social media. A significant proportion (77.5%) reported changing health behaviors due to social media, particularly in diet (66.8%) and exercise (56.4%). However, only 41% agreed that social media positively influenced their IR awareness. Social media use was not significantly associated with IR knowledge ( P = 0.096), but those who used it for health information had higher IR knowledge compared to nonusers ( P < 0.05). Participants who changed behaviors based on social media content also demonstrated greater IR knowledge ( P = 0.002). A significant association was also reported between IR knowledge and social media-induced anxiety and fear of developing IR. Participants who perceived a medium to large effect of social media on increasing anxiety and fear had greater IR knowledge compared to those who perceived minimal effects ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Social media influenced health behaviors but had limited impact on improving IR knowledge compared to traditional healthcare sources. Social media shows potential as a public health tool, but the quality and reliability of information must be carefully managed to enhance awareness and reduce misinformation. Healthcare policymakers and educators should collaborate with credible health influencers to ensure sustainable healthy behavioral changes.