Characterizing HIV discussions and engagement on Twitter

Abstract The novel settings provided by social media facilitate users to seek and share information on a wide array of subjects, including healthcare wellness. Analyzing health-related opinions discussions these platforms complement traditional public health surveillance systems support timely effective interventions. This study aims characterize the HIV-related conversations Twitter identifying prevalent topics key events actors involved in discussions. Through API, we collected tweets containing hashtag #HIV for one-year period. After pre-processing data, conducted engagement analysis, temporal topic modeling algorithm analytical sample ( n = 122,807). Tweets HIV/AIDS/LGBTQ activists physicians received highest level engagement. An upsurge tweet volume was observed during global local such as World Aids Day HIV/AIDS awareness testing days trans-genders, blacks, women, aged population. Eight were identified that include “stigma”, “prevention”, “epidemic developing countries”, “World Day”, “treatment”, “events”, “PrEP”, “testing”. Social offer nuanced understanding opinions, beliefs, sentiments about numerous issues. current reports various dimensions posts Twitter. Based findings, agencies pertinent entities need proactively use other engaging through involving influencers. undertaken methodological choices may be applied further assess HIV discourse popular platforms.