Getting People Talking: Gyt's Use of Social Media

Kachur, Rachel

Tuesday, March 13, 2012: 3:55 PM

Greenway Ballroom H/I/J

Rebecca Schmidt, BA, MPA, Center for Threat Preparedness, West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, Charleston, WV and Rachel Kachur, MPH, Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA

GYT-related Facebook posts and comments were analyzed to assess campaign reach and engagement. Two reviewers coded all posts and comments from the CDC and GYT Facebook pages during April 2011. Facebook analytics showed audience demographics and engagement. 44% (CDC Facebook) and 78% (GYT Facebook) of fans were in the target age. The CDC Facebook page (4 GYT posts; 60 user comments) elicited positive and negative views of CDC recommendations, and stigma related to STDs. The GYT Facebook page (96 posts; 20 user comments) provided education or information. Facebook metrics increased for both sites during April, indicating a successful effort.

B1.3 Getting People Talking: Gyt's Use of Social Media