N S Coulson1, N Greenwood. 1. Institute of Work, Health & Organisations, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. neil.coulson@nottingham.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: With increasing access to the Internet, there are new opportunities available to families to seek information, advice and support about childhood cancer online. METHODS: A total of 487 messages were retrieved from three childhood cancer online support groups and were analysed using deductive thematic analysis for the presence of support-intended communication using Cutrona and Suhr's social support typology. In addition, the messages were examined for negative experiences or disadvantages. RESULTS: The results revealed the presence of five types of social support: emotional, informational, esteem support and tangible assistance. In addition, some potential limitations of online support were identified, including a lack of responses and difficulties in maintaining relationships outside the online group context. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that online support groups may offer the potential to support family members of children with cancer. In particular, it may be a useful resource for those seeking emotional and information support. However, there may be limitations associated with the use of online support groups.
BACKGROUND: With increasing access to the Internet, there are new opportunities available to families to seek information, advice and support about childhood cancer online. METHODS: A total of 487 messages were retrieved from three childhood cancer online support groups and were analysed using deductive thematic analysis for the presence of support-intended communication using Cutrona and Suhr's social support typology. In addition, the messages were examined for negative experiences or disadvantages. RESULTS: The results revealed the presence of five types of social support: emotional, informational, esteem support and tangible assistance. In addition, some potential limitations of online support were identified, including a lack of responses and difficulties in maintaining relationships outside the online group context. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that online support groups may offer the potential to support family members of children with cancer. In particular, it may be a useful resource for those seeking emotional and information support. However, there may be limitations associated with the use of online support groups.
Authors: Ji Youn Shin; Dima Chaar; Jacob Kedroske; Rebecca Vue; Grant Chappell; Amanda Mazzoli; Afton L Hassett; David A Hanauer; Sun Young Park; Barton Debra; Sung Won Choi Journal: JAMIA Open Date: 2020-12-05
Authors: Isabel Rodríguez-Gallego; Fatima Leon-Larios; Isabel Corrales-Gutierrez; Juan Diego González-Sanz Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-03-04 Impact factor: 3.390