Description
- Abstract:
- Social media plays a vital role in the dissemination of health information. This research paper aims to provide new insight into how Twitter is used as a tool to spread both accurate and inaccurate messages about bone marrow/stem cell donation, offer evidence based strategies for how social media can be used to increase donation rates in young and minority populations, and present guidance for future research. A content analysis of manifest and latent themes was performed using the advanced search function of Twitter to find relevant Tweets. We examined 12 variables in a total of 87 Tweets. A quantitative analysis was also performed to examine associations between select post characteristics and engagement. The results of the analysis indicated that information presented in posts was generally accurate. However, 1 in 9 Tweets contained some aspect of misinformation. Four major themes were identified in Twitter posts; only the theme of urgency was found to be significantly associated with engagement. In conclusion, Twitter has the potential to inform and encourage a wide audience to sign up for the bone marrow and stem cell registry, as well as to complete the donation process if selected. Future research is needed to identify specific characteristics of Tweets that are tied to higher levels of engagement to allow individuals and organizations to target their message to the largest audience.
- Notes:
- Thesis (M. P. H.)--Brown University, 2021
Citation
Singleton, Mikaila,
"A Perfect Match: A Content Analysis of Tweets Regarding Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Registration and Donation"
(2021).
Public Health Theses and Dissertations.
Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.
https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:yzprxrhs/
Relations
Collection:
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Public Health Theses and Dissertations
Theses and Dissertations for the Public Health department....