Abstract
The novel settings provided by social media facilitate users to seek and share information on a wide array of subjects, including healthcare and wellness. Analyzing health-related opinions and discussions on these platforms complement traditional public health surveillance systems to support timely and effective interventions. This study aims to characterize the HIV-related conversations on Twitter by identifying the prevalent topics and the key events and actors involved in these discussions. Through Twitter API, we collected tweets containing the hashtag #HIV for a one-year period. After pre-processing the collected data, we conducted engagement analysis, temporal analysis, and topic modeling algorithm on the analytical sample (n = 122,807). Tweets by HIV/AIDS/LGBTQ activists and physicians received the highest level of engagement. An upsurge in tweet volume and engagement was observed during global and local events such as World Aids Day and HIV/AIDS awareness and testing days for trans-genders, blacks, women, and the aged population. Eight topics were identified that include “stigma”, “prevention”, “epidemic in the developing countries”, “World Aids Day”, “treatment”, “events”, “PrEP”, and “testing”. Social media discussions offer a nuanced understanding of public opinions, beliefs, and sentiments about numerous health-related issues. The current study reports various dimensions of HIV-related posts on Twitter. Based on the findings, public health agencies and pertinent entities need to proactively use Twitter and other social media by engaging the public through involving influencers. The undertaken methodological choices may be applied to further assess HIV discourse on other popular social media platforms.
Highlights
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a serious and challenging public health concern affecting an estimated 38 million people globally [1]
Engagement on the #HIV tweets was assessed on two dimensions i.e., favorites and retweets count
We extend the body of knowledge within the public health domain by examining the engagement factors, reasons for surges in the activity, and key topics being discussed about HIV on Twitter; a highly popular social media platform
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a serious and challenging public health concern affecting an estimated 38 million people globally [1]. Preventive and cautionary measures in the form of informational resources can potentially decrease the vulnerability of acquiring HIV. Affected people, their partners, and family members utilize various sources (e.g., primary care providers, community support groups, printed material, and online channels) to seek guidance and support about HIV. HIV surveillance systems play a significant role in public health monitoring. They inform and support HIV prevention and intervention initiatives such as United Nations 90–9090 and Ending the HIV epidemic: A plan for America by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The traditional data sources for monitoring HIV are often inaccurate, incomplete, unrepresentative, and partially
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