Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39928401›Full record

ArticleJMIR infodemiology2025

Unveiling Topics and Emotions in Arabic Tweets Surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic: Topic Modeling and Sentiment Analysis Approach.

Farah Alshanik, Rawand Khasawneh, Alaa Dalky, Ethar Qawasmeh

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in JMIR infodemiology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Farah AlshanikDepartment of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer and Information Technology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.ORCID 0000-0001-5372-5070
Rawand KhasawnehDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.ORCID 0000-0003-4583-2727
Alaa DalkyDepartment of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.ORCID 0000-0001-9243-4962
Ethar QawasmehDepartment of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.ORCID 0009-0009-1273-4937

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe worldwide effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been profound, and the Arab world has not been exempt from its wide-ranging consequences. Within this context, social media platforms such as Twitter have become essential for sharing information and expressing public opinions during this global crisis. Careful investigation of Arabic tweets related to COVID-19 can provide invaluable insights into the common topics and underlying sentiments that shape discussions about the COVID-19 pandemic.

objectiveThis study aimed to understand the concerns and feelings of Twitter users in Arabic-speaking countries about the COVID-19 pandemic. This was accomplished through analyzing the themes and sentiments that were expressed in Arabic tweets about the COVID-19 pandemic.

methodsIn this study, 1 million Arabic tweets about COVID-19 posted between March 1 and March 31, 2020, were analyzed. Machine learning techniques, such as topic modeling and sentiment analysis, were applied to understand the main topics and emotions that were expressed in these tweets.

resultsThe analysis of Arabic tweets revealed several prominent topics related to COVID-19. The analysis identified and grouped 16 different conversation topics that were organized into eight themes: (1) preventive measures and safety, (2) medical and health care aspects, (3) government and social measures, (4) impact and numbers, (5) vaccine development and research, (6) COVID-19 and religious practices, (7) global impact of COVID-19 on sports and countries, and (8) COVID-19 and national efforts. Across all the topics identified, the prevailing sentiments regarding the spread of COVID-19 were primarily centered around anger, followed by disgust, joy, and anticipation. Notably, when conversations revolved around new COVID-19 cases and fatalities, public tweets revealed a notably heightened sense of anger in comparison to other subjects.

conclusionsThe study offers valuable insights into the topics and emotions expressed in Arabic tweets related to COVID-19. It demonstrates the significance of social media platforms, particularly Twitter, in capturing the Arabic-speaking community's concerns and sentiments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the prevailing discourse, enabling stakeholders to tailor effective communication strategies and address specific public concerns. This study underscores the importance of monitoring social media conversations in Arabic to support public health efforts and crisis management during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indexed as

COVID-19EmotionsSocial MediaArabsHumansMachine LearningMiddle EastPandemicsSARS-CoV-2COVID-19public discussionsentiment analysissocial mediatopic modelingTwitter

Identifiers

PMID39928401
PMCPMC11851025

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.