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Reuman H, Kerr K, Sidani J, Felker J, Escobar-Viera C, Shensa A, Maurer SH. Living in an online world: Social media experiences of adolescents and young adults with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29666. [PMID: 35293691 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite widespread use, little is known about how adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer use social media (SM). This research characterized use and self-reported SM experiences among AYA with cancer. PROCEDURE AYA, aged 12-26 years, receiving cancer care completed a mixed-methods survey regarding SM experiences. Clinical information was obtained from the electronic medical record. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t tests, and qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Thirty-nine AYA with average age 16 (SD = 3.2) years participated. Most were Caucasian (92%) males (54%). Participants had leukemia/lymphoma (56%), solid tumors (33%), and brain tumors (10%). Nearly all (97%) used SM, with YouTube, Snapchat, and Instagram being the most popular. AYA self-reported lower SM use than their smartphone data indicated (2.8 hours/day, SD = 1.2 vs 3.4 hours/day, SD = 1.3; P < 0.001). Participants used SM to obtain information about their cancer (45%), post about cancer (47%), and read about others' cancer experience (50%). One-third made a friend with cancer through SM (32%). Qualitative results indicated that AYA had positive cancer-related SM experiences, including feelings of support (54%), community (27%), distraction (8%), and inspiration (8%). Most denied negative experiences (78%); however, 17% reported cyberbullying related to cancer. CONCLUSIONS AYA with cancer avidly use SM, noting it provides a sense of support and community. However, one-sixth reported cancer-related cyberbullying. AYA oncology providers have an opportunity to enhance positive and blunt negative SM interactions by addressing and guiding SM use in AYA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Reuman
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Jaime Sidani
- University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - James Felker
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - César Escobar-Viera
- Center for Behavioral Health, Media, and Technology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Internet Delivered Interventions on LGBTQA+ Mental Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ariel Shensa
- Department of Health Administration and Public Health, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Scott H Maurer
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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2
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Khan S, Gonzalez T, McKenzie R, Feng B. The Influence of Linguistic Agency and Causality Attribution in Support-seeking about Depression on Perceived Stigma and Support Messages. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 27:292-301. [PMID: 35866549 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2022.2104412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This experiment examined how two language features-linguistic agency and assignment of causality-of online support-seekers' messages regarding depression influenced viewers' perceived stigma and features of their support messages. Participants (N = 254) read and responded to an online support-seeking post about depression. Our results revealed that personal stigma toward a depressed individual was lower when the individual disclosed a biological cause for the depression and assigned agency to depression than agency to human. Additionally, when agency was assigned to depression with a biological rather than non-biological cause, more positive emotion words were utilized in participants' response posts. Cognitive process words were used more often in response to messages with non-biological causality than biological causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subuhi Khan
- Department of Communication, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Tessa Gonzalez
- Department of Communication, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Rachel McKenzie
- Department of Communication, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Bo Feng
- Department of Communication, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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3
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Zhu Y, Glowacki EM, Yang Y. A Social Ties-based Approach to Breast Cancer Patients' Quality of Life: Examining Group Ties and Individual Ties across Offline and Online Settings. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 36:741-751. [PMID: 31931622 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1712520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Supportive social ties positively impact cancer patients' health; however, little is known about the intertwined links between both offline and online ties, and individual and group ties. Using the common-identity/common-bond approach, we empirically tested the critical difference that individual and group ties exert on health across offline and online settings. Results from 356 female breast cancer patients showed group ties affect quality of life through sequential group identification and social support, while individual ties affect quality of life through sequential interpersonal bonds and social support. Offline group and online individual ties are stronger predictors of quality of life than online group and offline individual ties. A cluster analysis categorized participants into four distinguishable segments. People with stronger offline interpersonal bonds and online group identification reported a better quality of life. This offers insight into the social dynamics that are most consequential for health, and the potential theoretical pathways through which they operate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaguang Zhu
- Department of Communication, J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, University of Arkansas
| | - Elizabeth M Glowacki
- Postdoctoral Teaching Associate, College of Arts, Media and Design, Northeastern University
| | - Yin Yang
- Master Student, Department of Communication Studies, Marquette University
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4
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Pereira L, Sampson J, DiCola K. Factors Related to Linguistic Content in Video Narrative of Adolescents with Cancer and Healthy Controls. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLINGUISTIC RESEARCH 2019; 48:1185-1201. [PMID: 31222472 DOI: 10.1007/s10936-019-09652-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A long history exists of the utilization of narratives to help young people cope with stress and illness. Research is beginning to focus on video based story-telling for the purpose of intervention, however little research has been conducted to look at factors that influence the narrative content of these films. As a pilot, and within the context of a larger study, the current research was conducted with n = 10 adolescents with cancer and n = 10 healthy peers exploring participant characteristics (e.g. personality, quality of life, etc.) and their relationship with linguistic consent of the film. Despite little to no differences identified in demographic characteristics, results identified distinct differences between each group, suggesting that linguistic aspects of film narratives differ in adolescents with and without cancer. This research can serve to motivate future directions of exploration surrounding the content of film narratives and their relationship to patient well-being.
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Zhang M, Hudson JA. The Development of Temporal Concepts: Linguistic Factors and Cognitive Processes. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2451. [PMID: 30568621 PMCID: PMC6290033 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal concepts are fundamental constructs of human cognition, but the trajectory of how these concepts emerge and develop is not clear. Evidence of children's temporal concept development comes from cognitive developmental and psycholinguistic studies. This paper reviews the linguistic factors (i.e., temporal language production and comprehension) and cognitive processes (i.e., temporal judgment and temporal reasoning) involved in children's temporal conceptualization. The relationship between children's ability to express time in language and the ability to reason about time, and the challenges and difficulties raised by the interaction between cognitive and linguistic components are discussed. Finally, we propose ways to reconcile controversies from different research perspectives and present several avenues for future research to better understand the development of temporal concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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6
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Peat G, Rodriguez A, Smith J. Social media use in adolescents and young adults with serious illnesses: an integrative review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2018; 9:235-244. [PMID: 30514717 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2018-001646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adolescents and young adults with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions are often socially isolated because of the demands of their illness. Although adolescents and young adults have a noticeable online and social media presence, their motivations for using social media remain unclear. This article aims to summarise empirical research undertaken about how and why social media is used by adolescents and young adults with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. METHODS An integrative literature review was undertaken. Key healthcare research databases including CINHAL, MEDLINE and PSYCHINFO were searched for empirical studies reporting the use of social media by adolescents and young adults with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria; included articles were quality appraised and a thematic synthesis undertaken to identify key themes. RESULTS The reasons why adolescents and young adults with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions use social media are diverse, with differences relating to age and gender. However, this population in general uses social media to connect with others who have similar lived experiences. CONCLUSION Social media platforms can be useful adjuncts to the care of adolescents and young adults with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. However, current evidence is dominated by studies on social media use by adolescents and young adults with cancer. More research is required to gain a holistic understanding of how and why social media is used by this population and its perceived benefits and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Peat
- School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Joanna Smith
- School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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van Eenbergen MC, van de Poll-Franse LV, Krahmer E, Verberne S, Mols F. Analysis of Content Shared in Online Cancer Communities: Systematic Review. JMIR Cancer 2018; 4:e6. [PMID: 29615384 PMCID: PMC5904449 DOI: 10.2196/cancer.7926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The content that cancer patients and their relatives (ie, posters) share in online cancer communities has been researched in various ways. In the past decade, researchers have used automated analysis methods in addition to manual coding methods. Patients, providers, researchers, and health care professionals can learn from experienced patients, provided that their experience is findable. Objective The aim of this study was to systematically review all relevant literature that analyzes user-generated content shared within online cancer communities. We reviewed the quality of available research and the kind of content that posters share with each other on the internet. Methods A computerized literature search was performed via PubMed (MEDLINE), PsycINFO (5 and 4 stars), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ScienceDirect. The last search was conducted in July 2017. Papers were selected if they included the following terms: (cancer patient) and (support group or health communities) and (online or internet). We selected 27 papers and then subjected them to a 14-item quality checklist independently scored by 2 investigators. Results The methodological quality of the selected studies varied: 16 were of high quality and 11 were of adequate quality. Of those 27 studies, 15 were manually coded, 7 automated, and 5 used a combination of methods. The best results can be seen in the papers that combined both analytical methods. The number of analyzed posts ranged from 200 to 1,500,000; the number of analyzed posters ranged from 75 to 90,000. The studies analyzing large numbers of posts mainly related to breast cancer, whereas those analyzing small numbers were related to other types of cancers. A total of 12 studies involved some or entirely automatic analysis of the user-generated content. All the authors referred to two main content categories: informational support and emotional support. In all, 15 studies reported only on the content, 6 studies explicitly reported on content and social aspects, and 6 studies focused on emotional changes. Conclusions In the future, increasing amounts of user-generated content will become available on the internet. The results of content analysis, especially of the larger studies, give detailed insights into patients’ concerns and worries, which can then be used to improve cancer care. To make the results of such analyses as usable as possible, automatic content analysis methods will need to be improved through interdisciplinary collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mies C van Eenbergen
- Department of Research, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lonneke V van de Poll-Franse
- Department of Research, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Division of Psychosocial Research & Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Emiel Krahmer
- Tilburg Center for Cognition and Communication, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Suzan Verberne
- Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Floortje Mols
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
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Sinha A, Porter T, Wilson A. The Use of Online Health Forums by Patients With Chronic Cough: Qualitative Study. J Med Internet Res 2018; 20:e19. [PMID: 29367181 PMCID: PMC5803533 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.7975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Online health discussion forums are used by different patient groups for sharing advice and information. Chronic cough is a common problem, and people with chronic cough use online health forums alongside formal medical therapies. Objective The objective of this study was to assess how chronic cough sufferers use online health forums, including the treatment advice they share with one another and the possible clinical uses of online forums in chronic cough. Methods Three open-access health forums were searched for threads related to chronic cough. Identified threads were screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria adapted from the British Thoracic Society (BTS) Guidelines related to chronic cough diagnosis. Included data were subjected to qualitative thematic analysis. All study data were cross-validated by a second author and discrepancies were resolved. Results In total, 96 threads were included in the analysis, consisting of posts by 223 forum users. Three main themes were identified: the effect of chronic cough on the lives of patients, the treatment advice shared between users, and the provision of support within forums. Conclusions Chronic cough symptoms had impacts on multiple aspects of patients’ health and well-being. To try and combat these issues, forum users suggested a variety of treatments to one another, ranging from mainstream traditional therapies to odd alternative remedies. The provision of support and empathy were also prominent themes in discussion threads. Online forums themselves may provide increasing benefit to users through the addition of a moderator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashnish Sinha
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Porter
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Wilson
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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Warner EL, Ellington L, Kirchhoff AC, Cloyes KG. Acquisition of Social Support and Linguistic Characteristics of Social Media Posts About Young Adult Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2017; 7:196-203. [PMID: 29099664 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2017.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Social media (SM) is a burgeoning source of social support for young adults (YAs). We explored the language used to communicate about YA cancer on Instagram and for indicators of social support (i.e., number of likes and comments). METHODS Instagram posts using #youngadultcancer were randomly selected (N = 50). Text and hashtags were collected, and posts were coded for gender (female and male), treatment status (active treatment and survivorship), type of user (individual and organization), and caregiver status (yes and no). Indicators of social support, valence (e.g., positive vs. negative terms), and lexical content (e.g., emotional terms and pronouns) were measured using Yoshikoder and Linguistic Inquiry Word Count and compared by gender, treatment status, type of user, and caregiver status. RESULTS Survivors' posts had more likes compared to those in active treatment (mean: 54.5 vs. 32.3, p = 0.03). Individuals' posts had more comments than those of organizations (mean: 5.3 vs. 1.2, p = 0.01). More positive (30%) than negative (13%) terms were used by survivors (p < 0.01) and those in active treatment (20% vs. 9%, p = 0.04). Individuals' used more positive than negative language (p < 0.01), whereas organizations used equally positive and negative terms. Survivors used more emotional terms (79.6% vs. 34.9%, p < 0.01) and fewer pronouns (mean: 39.5 vs. 71.7, p = 0.01) than those in active treatment. Organizations (71.0%) used more emotional terms than individuals (55.9%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS We describe how Instagram users communicate about YA cancer and whether the language they use garners social support. Studying online language use may help YA patients, caregivers, and organizations use SM to gain social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Echo L Warner
- 1 Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute , Salt Lake City, Utah
- 2 College of Nursing, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Lee Ellington
- 1 Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute , Salt Lake City, Utah
- 2 College of Nursing, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Anne C Kirchhoff
- 1 Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute , Salt Lake City, Utah
- 3 Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
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Crook B, Love B. Examining the Light and Dark of an Online Young Adult Cancer Support Community. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2017; 27:938-948. [PMID: 27742764 DOI: 10.1177/1049732316672638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The young adult (YA) cancer community represents an understudied population in interpersonal and health communication scholarship. Through qualitative analysis, this study sought to advance a dark side perspective by exploring the content of messages shared in an online support forum for YAs with cancer. Our findings highlight a variety of complexities YAs face in an online cancer support community, including the light and dark of soliciting support, disclosing to a community, advocacy online, negative sentiment evaluating health care services, and asynchronous communication. Understanding the light and dark nuances involved with participating in an online YA support forum advances a dark side perspective on the scholarly research in health communication that can ultimately help care providers recommend resources and coach YAs to optimally and effectively use and navigate online support groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brad Love
- 1 The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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Beaunoyer E, Arsenault M, Lomanowska AM, Guitton MJ. Understanding online health information: Evaluation, tools, and strategies. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2017; 100:183-189. [PMID: 27595436 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2016.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Considering the status of the Internet as a prominent source of health information, assessing online health material has become a central issue in patient education. We describe the strategies available to evaluate the characteristics of online health information, including readability, emotional content, understandability, usability. METHODS Popular tools used in assessment of readability, emotional content and comprehensibility of online health information were reviewed. Tools designed to evaluate both printed and online material were considered. RESULTS Readability tools are widely used in online health material evaluation and are highly covariant. Assessment of emotional content of online health-related communications via sentiment analysis tools is becoming more popular. Understandability and usability tools have been developed specifically for health-related material, but each tool has important limitations and has been tested on a limited number of health issues. CONCLUSION Despite the availability of numerous assessment tools, their overall reliability differs between readability (high) and understandability (low). Approaches combining multiple assessment tools and involving both quantitative and qualitative observations would optimize assessment strategies. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Effective assessment of online health information should rely on mixed strategies combining quantitative and qualitative evaluations. Assessment tools should be selected according to their functional properties and compatibility with target material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Beaunoyer
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marianne Arsenault
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Anna M Lomanowska
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Matthieu J Guitton
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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