Original Paper
- Philip M Massey1*, MPH, PhD ;
- Amy Leader2*, MPH, DrPH ;
- Elad Yom-Tov3*, MSc, PhD ;
- Alexandra Budenz1*, MA ;
- Kara Fisher4*, MPH ;
- Ann C Klassen1*, PhD
1Department of Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
2Division of Population Science, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
3Microsoft Research Israel, Herzeliya, Israel
4Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
*all authors contributed equally
ABSTRACT
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. There are several vaccines that protect against strains of HPV most associated with cervical and other cancers. Thus, HPV vaccination has become an important component of adolescent preventive health care. As media evolves, more information about HPV vaccination is shifting to social media platforms such as Twitter. Health information consumed on social media may be especially influential for segments of society such as younger populations, as well as ethnic and racial minorities.