In recent years, cases of bloggers giving medical advice on social networks in Azerbaijan and worldwide have increased. These individuals, who have millions of followers, present themselves as "health experts," speak using medical terminology, and create videos related to healthcare. However, the majority of them have neither medical education nor clinical experience. This poses serious dangers both for society and the healthcare system. The main reason bloggers turn to medical content is simple: popularity, income, and influence. Since health topics attract the attention of a wide audience, it is easier to gain followers, receive advertisements, and build a personal brand.
Medianews.az presents an article from the "Kaspi" newspaper on the subject:
"Unprofessional interventions change the clinical picture of the disease"
Elshad Novruzov, Dean of the 1st Treatment and Prevention Faculty at Azerbaijan Medical University and a dermatologist-venereologist, states that currently there are excessive unprofessional interventions in the field of dermatology. Both bloggers and pharmacists working in pharmacies give dermatological advice to patients, and the consequences of this are clearly evident: "The creams advised either do not help the existing disease or cause only temporary relief of complaints. In other words, at best, they eliminate symptoms. The purpose of these creams is only to control the condition for a short period of time. However, this is not treatment. Such unprofessional interventions change the clinical picture of the disease. As a result, it becomes difficult for the doctor to make a diagnosis. What I mentioned is just an example of one disease. One of the most common cases is the incorrect advice given about dandruff in hair. They recommend soap, various ointments, and mixtures. However, the causes of dandruff can be different. Each requires a different treatment. It is impossible to treat all cases with a general advice."
The doctor notes that the main solution to the problem is the formation of a proper medical mindset among people. Every field has its own specialist, and through compulsory medical insurance everyone can consult a doctor. Nevertheless, people still tend to trust bloggers more: "Warnings have been issued regarding unethical posts on social networks. It would be good if such warnings were also issued to bloggers who give medical advice. Strengthening supervision and imposing fines when necessary is important."
"Recommendations without medical basis cause serious consequences"
Physician-therapist Malahat Qadirova also notes that the number of bloggers without medical knowledge presenting themselves as advisors on social networks has increased: "They spread dangerous 'advice' such as mixing medications in shampoos, using unapproved ampoules and mixtures, boiling and drinking various herbs, and taking weight loss drugs arbitrarily. None of these recommendations have any scientific or medical basis, and uncontrolled use can lead to very serious complications. People believe and try what they see on social networks, but end up facing negative results such as skin burns, allergic reactions, hormonal disorders, etc."
The specialist states that medicine is a field that requires knowledge, education, and responsibility. Each patient's problem demands an individual approach. "My recommendation is that people must absolutely consult a qualified doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment if they experience any symptoms or discomfort," the therapist added.
"This is about human health"
Vusal Mammadov, Editor-in-Chief of AzVision.az, says he frequently follows foreign social network pages. There, unlike here, the boundaries between being a doctor and a blogger are more clearly defined: "True, there are people who cross these boundaries in those countries as well, but most try to maintain this principle. They explain the mechanisms of medical topics but do not delve into treatment. For example, obesity is a current topic. Foreign bloggers explain how obesity develops in the body, what effects certain drugs can have, etc. But they never say 'Take this medicine and lose weight.' On the contrary, they say they are not authorized to do that and direct people to the relevant specialist. That is, blogging should be limited only to education and explanation of mechanisms. A blogger can never give instructions such as 'take this medicine' or 'do this procedure.' For that, a medical license is required. Lack of a license should create both legal and moral responsibility. Bloggers need to understand that this is about human health. If they do not understand the moral aspects, the relevant authorities should apply legal responsibility to them. Punishing a few could serve as a lesson for others as well."
According to the editor-in-chief, some bloggers recommend biologically active supplements — vitamins, minerals, and oils — to evade responsibility. Since these products are sold without a prescription in markets and pharmacies, their recommendations do not create legal responsibility. However, this can cause people to spend unnecessary money: "For example, if a patient has taken tests and a vitamin D deficiency is detected, the doctor prescribes vitamins in the appropriate dosage for this deficiency, which provides real benefit. But a person who takes vitamin D arbitrarily and without tests may get nothing but a financial loss."
V. Mammadov says that people should have a healthy mindset and consult a doctor instead of blindly trusting bloggers.
