Twitter (X) as a Communication and Education Tool for Brazilian Cardiologists: Profile, Influence and Challenges

Abstract

Background

Twitter (recently renamed to X) is a popular social media that can be used for health communication. There are few studies analyzing the profile of Brazilian cardiologists active on the platform.

Objectives

To identify the profile of Brazilian cardiologists on Twitter (X), their online influence and reach, as well as their bios’ description.

Methods

A total of 1,083 accounts of Brazilian cardiologists were created between 2006 and 2021. Data were collected using the FollowerWonk tool and analyzed using the IRAMUTEQ software.

Results

Most profiles were of men (76.5%) and 0.8% was institutional profiles. Most profiles had less than 100 followers (71%) and low social authority (81.8%). The 20 most influential profiles were mostly of men (80%) and highly concentrated in the southeast of Brazil (68%).

Conclusions

Brazilian cardiologists prefer a personal and direct communication in social medias, rather than an institutional representation. There is a gender disparity among Brazilian cardiologists on Twitter (X), with a predominance of men. The most influential profiles were of men, and mostly located in the southeastern Brazil.