Citizen science in public health: Social Media insights into bedbug infestations, control methods and psychosocial effects in Lusaka, Zambia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bedbugs are blood-feeding parasites that infest human dwellings, causing discomfort and distress. Individuals affected by such infestations often feel too ashamed to seek help publicly. Social media including Facebook provides a space where people freely share their experiences as it offers some level of anonymity, making it a platform for real-time, community-driven insights. This reflects the concept of informal citizen science, where individuals voluntarily share lived experiences.

Objective

This study investigated bedbug infestations in Lusaka using publicly available social media (Facebook) data.

Methods

A qualitative case study design was employed using inductive thematic analysis of 1566 publicly available Facebook comments and replies posted between

SUBMITTER: Munjita SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12553884 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature