BACKGROUND: Bulimia nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder with many physical, psychological and social consequences. Guided self-help (GSH) is recommended in the treatment of BN (NICE, 2004). One of the ways in which to provide GSH is via the internet using evidence-based packages with regular support from a clinician or trained support worker. AIMS: The aim of this community-based survey was to investigate attitudes towards online self-help for eating disorders and the support required whilst using such an approach. METHOD: Two-hundred and fifty-three participants with bulimic symptoms completed the survey. The sample was recruited primarily online. The mean age was 29.11 years (SD = 8.67; min = 16, max = 64). RESULTS: Attitudes towards online self-help (SH) for eating disorders were very positive. The inclusion of some form of support to accompany such an intervention was important to the majority of participants. Remote mediums of support such as e-mail, a forum and text messaging were most often selected as helpful. Most participants expressed a preference for weekly support contacts and for flexible support lengths that could respond to support needs as required. CONCLUSIONS: Online self-help for eating disorders is a desirable treatment option for many individuals. The information gathered regarding preferences in the type, medium, duration and frequency of support could be used in the development of future self-help strategies in order to maximize uptake, retention and outcomes.
BACKGROUND:Bulimia nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder with many physical, psychological and social consequences. Guided self-help (GSH) is recommended in the treatment of BN (NICE, 2004). One of the ways in which to provide GSH is via the internet using evidence-based packages with regular support from a clinician or trained support worker. AIMS: The aim of this community-based survey was to investigate attitudes towards online self-help for eating disorders and the support required whilst using such an approach. METHOD: Two-hundred and fifty-three participants with bulimic symptoms completed the survey. The sample was recruited primarily online. The mean age was 29.11 years (SD = 8.67; min = 16, max = 64). RESULTS: Attitudes towards online self-help (SH) for eating disorders were very positive. The inclusion of some form of support to accompany such an intervention was important to the majority of participants. Remote mediums of support such as e-mail, a forum and text messaging were most often selected as helpful. Most participants expressed a preference for weekly support contacts and for flexible support lengths that could respond to support needs as required. CONCLUSIONS: Online self-help for eating disorders is a desirable treatment option for many individuals. The information gathered regarding preferences in the type, medium, duration and frequency of support could be used in the development of future self-help strategies in order to maximize uptake, retention and outcomes.
Authors: Stefan Rennick-Egglestone; Rachel Elliott; Melanie Smuk; Clare Robinson; Sylvia Bailey; Roger Smith; Jeroen Keppens; Hannah Hussain; Kristian Pollock; Pim Cuijpers; Joy Llewellyn-Beardsley; Fiona Ng; Caroline Yeo; James Roe; Ada Hui; Lian van der Krieke; Rianna Walcott; Mike Slade Journal: Trials Date: 2020-07-20 Impact factor: 2.279
Authors: Mike Slade; Stefan Rennick-Egglestone; Joy Llewellyn-Beardsley; Caroline Yeo; James Roe; Sylvia Bailey; Roger Andrew Smith; Susie Booth; Julian Harrison; Adaresh Bhogal; Patricia Penas Morán; Ada Hui; Dania Quadri; Clare Robinson; Melanie Smuk; Marianne Farkas; Larry Davidson; Lian van der Krieke; Emily Slade; Carmel Bond; Joe Nicholson; Andrew Grundy; Ashleigh Charles; Laurie Hare-Duke; Kristian Pollock; Fiona Ng Journal: JMIR Form Res Date: 2021-05-27
Authors: See Heng Yim; Emma Bailey; Gemma Gordon; Nina Grant; Peter Musiat; Ulrike Schmidt Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2020-09-23 Impact factor: 5.428