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Public health implications of #ShoutYourAbortion

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Wasim Ahmed

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Abstract

ObjectivesSocial media platforms such as Twitter allow members of the public to raise awareness for issues, causes and events. This study investigated the hashtag #ShoutYourAbortion that was created to combat the stigma that can be associated with the medical procedure of abortion.Study designA mixed method and case study approach was used.MethodsTwitter data were retrieved and analysed by social network analysis, a subset of tweets were qualitatively coded and the location of tweets was examined.ResultsIt was found that a sizable group of users shared tweets denouncing the hashtag and the these users formed a cluster in themselves. The study also identified two narratives: anti-abortion and pro-abortion content.ConclusionThe results have implications for public health organisations and agencies interested in devising digital health campaigns. That is, when devising health campaigns, it is essential to consider the tone of the campaign and whether it is likely to provoke citizens who may have opposing views. Moreover, future campaigns could communicate information surrounding the dangers of unsafe abortions and the broad spectrum of reasons that women may seek abortion, for example, when the child and/or mothers health is at risk.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Ahmed W

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Public Health

Year: 2018

Volume: 163

Pages: 35-41

Print publication date: 01/10/2018

Online publication date: 27/07/2018

Acceptance date: 01/06/2018

ISSN (print): 0033-3506

ISSN (electronic): 1476-5616

Publisher: Elsevier

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2018.06.010

DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2018.06.010

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