Twitter is a free, online social networking service through which users can read and send brief messages of up to 140-characters called “Tweets.” BASHH (@BASHH_UK) currently has 3479 followers on Twitter. These include professionals working in sexual health, sexual health services with their own Twitter accounts and members of the public. Twitter disseminates messages instantly and can influence a wide audience. It can be used to keep health professionals and patients informed about relevant research and headline news. For example, recent Twitter themes have included discussions about PrEP and gonorrhoea resistance. Twitter is also used for sharing practical information such as conference deadlines.

Aims: 

To evaluate the reach of BASHH on Twitter by reporting BASHH’s Twitter activity.

Methods: 

Using Twitter Analytics, data was obtained on the number of Tweets and Tweet Impressions for each of the last 4 months. Tweet Impressions are counted as the number of times each Tweet is seen. The number of visits to BASHH’s Twitter profile, mentions by other Twitter users and number of new followers are also recorded. 

Discussion: 

BASHH’s Twitter activity is reaching a large audience and increasing. All individuals working in sexual health and HIV should consider using Twitter to support wider engagement with their professional network.

BASHH on Twitter: social media for sexual health