Sumaira H Malik1, Neil S Coulson. 1. Institute of Work, Health and Organisations, University of Nottingham, UK. lwxsm5@nottingham.ac.uk
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine communication within an online infertility support group. METHODS: A content analysis of 3500 messages posted to infertility bulletin boards. RESULTS: The most frequently used self-help mechanisms were support or empathy (45.5%) and sharing personal experiences (45.4%), followed by the provision of information and advice (15.9%), gratitude (12.5%), friendship (9.9%), chit-chat (9.4%), requests for information or advice (6.8%) and universality (4.8%), with negative statements (0.3%) and creative expressions (0.2%) being the least frequent categories. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that online support groups can provide a viable alternative source of support for couples dealing with infertility. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Health care professionals interested in developing online support interventions should look to tailor support resources to the specific needs of patients at different stages of the infertility journey.
OBJECTIVE: To examine communication within an online infertility support group. METHODS: A content analysis of 3500 messages posted to infertility bulletin boards. RESULTS: The most frequently used self-help mechanisms were support or empathy (45.5%) and sharing personal experiences (45.4%), followed by the provision of information and advice (15.9%), gratitude (12.5%), friendship (9.9%), chit-chat (9.4%), requests for information or advice (6.8%) and universality (4.8%), with negative statements (0.3%) and creative expressions (0.2%) being the least frequent categories. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that online support groups can provide a viable alternative source of support for couples dealing with infertility. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Health care professionals interested in developing online support interventions should look to tailor support resources to the specific needs of patients at different stages of the infertility journey.
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