Expl0ration of online hashtag drives related to non-communicable diseases in social media platforms

Abstract

Background Social media is used extensively to disseminate major public health communications. Hashtags (#) are used in social media to share content and can enable content to reach millions. The health sector uses popular hashtags as a medium for promulgating health?related campaigns. As non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing, this study analyzed the use of hashtags including #diabetes_mellitus, #hypertension and #Coronary_artery_disease in the dissemination of health communication messages, in order to assess hashtag campaigns related to non-communicable diseases in social media. The study compared three different campaigns across three different platforms: Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Keywords

• Non-communicable diseases, social media, hashtag drives, health behaviour