Association Between Social Media Use and Orthodontic Knowledge, Attitudes, and Treatment Decision-Making Among Young Adults in Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Social media has become an important source of health information and may be associated with patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and decisions regarding orthodontic treatment. However, evidence from Libya remains limited. This study was conducted to evaluate the association between social media and orthodontic knowledge, attitudes, and decision-making regarding orthodontic treatment among young adults in Libya. A cross-sectional online survey among young adults in Libya was conducted between January and June 2026. A structured online questionnaire was distributed to Libyan adults aged 18–35 years using convenience sampling. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, social media use, orthodontic knowledge, attitudes toward social media content, and treatment-related decision-making. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Pearson correlation, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 27. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.  A total of 450 questionnaires were distributed, and 412 complete responses were analyzed. TikTok (37.9%) and Instagram (30.6%) were the most commonly used platforms for orthodontic information. The mean knowledge score was 7.99 ± 1.72, with 57.7% demonstrating good knowledge. Positive attitudes toward orthodontic information on social media were observed in 41.2% of participants. Social media encouraged 58.7% of participants to consider orthodontic treatment, while 65.0% reported that online images influenced their treatment expectations. Frequent online searching for orthodontic information (AOR=3.12), daily social media use exceeding three hours (AOR=2.36), positive attitudes (AOR=2.81), and good knowledge (AOR=1.74) were significantly associated with social media-related decision-making. Social media use was significantly associated with reported orthodontic knowledge and treatment-related decision-making among young adults in Libya. Evidence-based digital communication by orthodontists is essential to improve public awareness and reduce misinformation.