Patterns and factors associated with social media use among parents of children with cancer: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Parents of children with cancer increasingly use social media for information and support, yet platform preferences and associated factors remain understudied in Türkiye. METHOD: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2025 at a tertiary hospital with 152 parents using a content-validated questionnaire (CVI = 0.93). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square/Fisher's exact tests. Effect sizes were evaluated using Cramér's V based on Cohen's criteria. Bivariate analyses identified associations between parent characteristics and social media use. RESULTS: WhatsApp and Instagram were the most used platforms. Parents primarily sought disease information, peer connection, and emotional coping. Platform use varied significantly: fathers preferred information-oriented platforms (X, LinkedIn), while mothers favored peer connection and experience sharing. Disease recurrence was linked to increased information and support needs. DISCUSSION: Social media acts as a vital resource during periods of uncertainty. Findings emphasize the need for nurse-led, evidence-based digital communication strategies within pediatric oncology to support decision-making, counter misinformation, and enhance psychosocial care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses should assess parents' digital information seeking and implement structured support, such as guided peer networks, verified resource directories, and digital health literacy education, to mitigate misinformation and promote effective coping.