Table 2.

Definition, Frequency, and Examples of CVD Tweets Themes (N = 1,251)

Theme	Definition	N (%)	Examples
1. Risk Factor	The Tweet contains some factor that would increase likelihood of the disease, which has not been diagnosed. The connection can be a direct description of the risk factor or an indirect association to feelings such as stress.	284 (27.36)	“Zero-Calorie Artificial Sweetener Poses Very Real Diabetes Threat <URL>”
2. Awareness	The Tweet contains a statement or piece of advice that the writer is putting out to the world as sound direction or fact. The validity of the message of awareness may be undetermined.	371 (35.74)	“Today is World #Health Day! This year’s theme is high blood pressure. Learn more at <URL>
3. Treatment and Management	Treatment and management for those who already have diabetes. The Tweet contains some factor that would aid the treatment of the disease.	176 (16.96)	“Remedies For High Blood Pressure Patients <URL> via <USER>”
4. Mechanisms	The tweet contains a notion of how the body works, or how the tweeter is perceiving the workings of the body, whether that perception is correct or incorrect.	30 (2.89)	“So you were at the hospital for high blood pressure only to go home and eat a cheeseburger and fries? I’m sure he doesn’t wanna live. Right?”
5. Outcomes	The tweet discusses outcomes or results of the disease. These tweets would include death and complications from the disease.	37 (3.56)	“RT <USER>: High blood pressure and cholesterol levels can cause heart disease. Know your numbers: <URL> #hearthealth”; “Research: Lack of cardiovascular fitness kills more than diabetes, smoking and obesity combined <URL>”
6. Symptoms	The tweet pertains to specific corporeal symptoms secondary to the disease, such as palpitations, lightheadedness, chest pain, headache, etc.	16 (1.54)	“Diabetes <91>The Silent Epidemic<92>. Here you can see the signs and symptoms if you are having #diabetes <URL>
7. Prevention	The Tweet contains some factor that would aid in the prevention of the disease.	83 (8.00)	“RT <USER>: To avoid diabetes, eat fruit, don’t drink fruit juice <URL>“; “RT <USER>: Dancing helps protect you against heart disease and also prevents high blood pressure.”
8. Support	The Tweet reveals feelings of support and encouragement through positive and hopeful language.	41 (3.95)	“<USER> hope you’re feeling better xx!”; “RT <USER>: <USER> We’re raising $ for a little girl dealing with Type 1 diabetes. Help is a RT away. <URL>”

Note. There are 213 (17%) tweets that cannot be categorized in any of the theme (e.g., “<USER> Ready #dsma”, “aka diabetes”).