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Coulson NS, Talbot CV. Examining support marshalling within an asynchronous online peer support forum for individuals affected by dementia. J Health Psychol 2024:13591053241287029. [PMID: 39344997 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241287029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Online support communities may provide individuals affected by dementia opportunities for reciprocal peer support, however, the support marshalling strategies employed and their success remain unclear. Analysis of 100 randomly selected conversation threads from the Dementia Support Forum indicated that 29% (29/100) of opening posts included a direct support marshalling strategy (i.e. explicit support request) compared with 54% (54/100) labelled as indirect, with the remainder not seeking support. Within the direct marshalling posts, informational support was the most frequently requested (n = 23), followed by network support (n = 7), emotional support (n = 5) and esteem support (n = 1) with analysis of subsequent posts confirming that the types of support requested were present within responses. Regardless of whether a direct or indirect strategy was used, most posts received a response, typically on the same day. Other response facets were comparable, apart from thread duration with conversations elicited through a direct strategy being longer (M = 39.71 vs 14.62 days).
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Kim HM. Fitness self-presentations on social media and the impact of social support on physical activities. J Health Psychol 2024; 29:1281-1297. [PMID: 38384177 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241233370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Social media serves as one of the primary outlets for self-presentation and receiving social support. Even when individuals portray themselves negatively, it might not necessarily be intended for social disapproval. Conversely, positive self-presentation doesn't always guarantee social support. This study examined the relationship between positive and negative fitness self-presentations on social media and the reception of supportive feedback. Additionally, it investigated how social support might influence individuals' self-efficacy, motivation, and participation in physical activities (PA). Participants were fitness app users recruited from a crowdsourcing internet marketplace who had shared their fitness experiences on social media. The results indicated that both types of self-presentation received social support: presenters receiving more social support showed higher self-efficacy for PA. Moreover, fitness posters with higher self-efficacy in PA showed greater motivation for PA. This research suggests that fitness self-presentation allows users to receive social support, fostering confidence and motivation for engaging in PA.
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Wright WJA, Howdle C, Coulson NS, De Simoni A. Exploring the Types of Social Support Exchanged by Survivors of Pediatric Stroke and Their Families in an Online Peer Support Community: Qualitative Thematic Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e49440. [PMID: 38488858 PMCID: PMC10980984 DOI: 10.2196/49440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric stroke is relatively rare and underresearched, and there is little awareness of its occurrence in wider society. There is a paucity of literature on the effectiveness of interventions to improve rehabilitation and the services available to survivors. Access to online health communities through the internet may be a means of support for patients with pediatric stroke and their families during recovery; however, little research has been done in this area. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify the types of social support provided by an online peer support group to survivors of pediatric stroke and their families. METHODS This was a qualitative thematic analysis of posts from a pediatric stroke population on a UK online stroke community active between 2004 and 2011. The population was split into 2 groups based on whether stroke survivors were aged ≤18 years or aged >18 years at the time of posting. The posts were read by 2 authors who used the adapted Social Support Behavior Code to analyze the types of social support exchanged. RESULTS A total of 52 participants who experienced a pediatric stroke were identified, who posted a total of 425 messages to the community. About 41 survivors were aged ≤18 years at the time of posting and were written about by others (31/35 were mothers), while 11 were aged >18 years and were writing about themselves. Survivors and their families joined together in discussion threads. Support was offered and received by all participants, regardless of age. Of all 425 posts, 193 (45.4%) contained at least 1 instance of social support. All 5 types of social support were identified: informational, emotional, network, esteem support, and tangible aid. Informational and emotional support were most commonly exchanged. Emotional support was offered more often than informational support among participants aged ≤18 years at the time of posting; this finding was reversed in the group aged >18 years. Network support and esteem support were less commonly exchanged. Notably, the access subcategory of network support was not exchanged with the community. Tangible aid was the least commonly offered type of support. The exchanged social support provided insight into rehabilitation interventions and the unmet needs of pediatric stroke survivors. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence of engagement of childhood stroke survivors and their families in an online stroke community, with peer support being exchanged between both long- and short-term survivors of pediatric stroke. Engagement of long-term survivors of pediatric stroke through the online community was key, as they were able to offer informational support from lived experience. Further interventional research is needed to assess health and rehabilitation outcomes from engagement with online support groups. Research is also needed to ensure safe, nurturing online communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J A Wright
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Howdle
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Neil S Coulson
- Medical School, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anna De Simoni
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Primary Care, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Nyman F. Health care of the disadvantaged: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in later life. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1304494. [PMID: 38026408 PMCID: PMC10666629 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1304494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic diseases have emerged as the foremost causes of death and disability worldwide. This article employs an ethnographic approach to conduct a gerontological investigation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the third leading cause of global mortality, trailing only cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Methods This study is rooted in an extensive amalgamation of biomedical literature and official epidemiological data. Additionally, it offers enriched insights through an extensive ethnographic research methodology, encompassing ethnographic fieldwork, participant observation, interviews, and focus groups. Results The findings expound that individuals grappling with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often undergo intricate cognitive and emotional experiences, necessitating holistic solutions that consider psychological processes, contextual factors, and subjective age. These challenges extend beyond the purview of a purely medical perspective. Conclusion This article concludes that the lens of gerontology is invaluable in comprehending chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, particularly due to its association with old age and increased longevity. Among older individuals, diagnosing the condition presents a formidable challenge. Breathlessness, a cardinal symptom, often overlaps with normal age-related declines in pulmonary function, rendering COPD's insidious onset misconstrued as a consequence of aging-related changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Nyman
- Department of Psychology and Social Work, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
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Farah OK, Wang CN, Chung DE. The role of facebook support groups for women with benign urologic conditions. Neurourol Urodyn 2023; 42:1795-1801. [PMID: 37705338 DOI: 10.1002/nau.25283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the availability and content of patient support groups on social media platforms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five prevalent benign, urologic conditions affecting adult women were selected for analysis. Facebook support groups for these conditions were identified. Groups specific to one urologic condition and with at least 400 members were included, and groups for pediatric and malignant conditions were excluded. Each support group was analyzed for member count, posts per month, and period of activity. The 100 most recent posts in the largest support groups were manually reviewed and further categorized into content subsections. RESULTS A total number of 56 Facebook support groups were identified that satisfied the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Interstitial cystitis (IC) had 25 groups (68 466 members; 4825 posts), pelvic organ prolapse (POP) had 14 groups (72 342; 3067), UTI had nine groups (36 414; 3204), overactive bladder and/or urinary incontinence (OAB/UI) had seven groups (8246; 306), urinary retention had one group (1168; 118). Across all groups, post content was predominantly informational support (77.6%). Remaining post content was both informational and emotional support (10.0%), emotional support only (7.6%), or unrelated to either informational or emotional support (4.8%). CONCLUSION Individuals with benign urologic conditions are utilizing social media support groups predominantly to seek and share informational support from patient peers. The number of existing groups as well as the level of activity and number of members within individual support groups varies significantly between different urologic conditions. This suggests that there is an unmet need for accessible informational content for patients who suffer with benign urological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar K Farah
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Connie N Wang
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Doreen E Chung
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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Rui JR, Du Y. The more the better? How social support predicted perceived barriers to tuberculosis treatment across groups of different socioeconomic statuses. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 115:107874. [PMID: 37393682 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social support can lower perceived barriers to medical treatment, but this relationship may vary in groups of different socioeconomic statuses (SES). This study examined whether different types of social support predicted different types of perceived barriers to tuberculosis (TB) treatment and whether these relationships varied across different levels of SES. METHOD A paper-pencil survey covering 12 cities in Guangdong, China (N = 1386) was conducted in December 2020, which measured demographics, three types of perceived social support (informational, instrumental, and emotional) and barriers to TB treatment (cognitive, instrumental, and psychological). RESULTS Informational support and instrumental support were negatively related to cognitive barriers and instrumental barriers. These relationships were stronger among more educated individuals and urban residents. However, emotional support predicted psychological barrier positively, and this relationship was stronger among less educated individuals and rural residents. CONCLUSION High SES groups benefit more from individual-level support. Thus, there is a gap of social support, which reveals the power nature of social support exchanges. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS TB campaigns need provide support for low SES groups to compensate for their insufficient support. Campaigns need provide information about disease management and the legal and financial support for TB patients, and change tuberculosis-related norms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Raymond Rui
- Department of New Media and Communication, South China University of Technology, 382 Waihuan East Rd, Guangzhou, China, 510006; Center for Public Health Risk Surveillance and Information Communication in Guangdong Province.
| | - Yuetong Du
- Department of New Media and Communication, South China University of Technology, 382 Waihuan East Rd, Guangzhou, China, 510006
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Rui JR. Health Information Sharing via Social Network Sites (SNSs): Integrating Social Support and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 38:2430-2440. [PMID: 35574665 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2074779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite its prevalence, research on health information sharing via social network sites (SNSs) is mostly descriptive and often lacks a coherent theoretical framework. By integrating social support and socioemotional selectivity theory, the present study takes a uses and gratifications approach to examining what factors affected health information sharing via WeChat, the most widely used SNS in China. Results of an online survey (N = 519) show that emotional and informational support provisions both predicted health information sharing via WeChat. In addition, age moderated the effects of both support provision. While the relationship between emotional support provision and health information sharing was stronger among older adults, the effect of informational support provision was marginally significantly stronger among younger adults. These findings provide additional understanding of health information sharing via SNSs by revealing its emotional meaning and demonstrating different sharing motivations in different age groups, which offers implications on health information design, dissemination, and discussions in different groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Raymond Rui
- Department of New Media and Communication, South China University of Technology
- Center for Public Health Risk Surveillance and Information Communication in Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
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Yang EF, Kornfield R, Liu Y, Chih MY, Sarma P, Gustafson D, Curtin J, Shah D. Using Machine Learning of Online Expression to Explain Recovery Trajectories: Content Analytic Approach to Studying a Substance Use Disorder Forum. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e45589. [PMID: 37606984 PMCID: PMC10481212 DOI: 10.2196/45589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smartphone-based apps are increasingly used to prevent relapse among those with substance use disorders (SUDs). These systems collect a wealth of data from participants, including the content of messages exchanged in peer-to-peer support forums. How individuals self-disclose and exchange social support in these forums may provide insight into their recovery course, but a manual review of a large corpus of text by human coders is inefficient. OBJECTIVE The study sought to evaluate the feasibility of applying supervised machine learning (ML) to perform large-scale content analysis of an online peer-to-peer discussion forum. Machine-coded data were also used to understand how communication styles relate to writers' substance use and well-being outcomes. METHODS Data were collected from a smartphone app that connects patients with SUDs to online peer support via a discussion forum. Overall, 268 adult patients with SUD diagnoses were recruited from 3 federally qualified health centers in the United States beginning in 2014. Two waves of survey data were collected to measure demographic characteristics and study outcomes: at baseline (before accessing the app) and after 6 months of using the app. Messages were downloaded from the peer-to-peer forum and subjected to manual content analysis. These data were used to train supervised ML algorithms using features extracted from the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) system to automatically identify the types of expression relevant to peer-to-peer support. Regression analyses examined how each expression type was associated with recovery outcomes. RESULTS Our manual content analysis identified 7 expression types relevant to the recovery process (emotional support, informational support, negative affect, change talk, insightful disclosure, gratitude, and universality disclosure). Over 6 months of app use, 86.2% (231/268) of participants posted on the app's support forum. Of these participants, 93.5% (216/231) posted at least 1 message in the content categories of interest, generating 10,503 messages. Supervised ML algorithms were trained on the hand-coded data, achieving F1-scores ranging from 0.57 to 0.85. Regression analyses revealed that a greater proportion of the messages giving emotional support to peers was related to reduced substance use. For self-disclosure, a greater proportion of the messages expressing universality was related to improved quality of life, whereas a greater proportion of the negative affect expressions was negatively related to quality of life and mood. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights a method of natural language processing with potential to provide real-time insights into peer-to-peer communication dynamics. First, we found that our ML approach allowed for large-scale content coding while retaining moderate-to-high levels of accuracy. Second, individuals' expression styles were associated with recovery outcomes. The expression types of emotional support, universality disclosure, and negative affect were significantly related to recovery outcomes, and attending to these dynamics may be important for appropriate intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie Fan Yang
- School of Communication and Mass Media, Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO, United States
| | - Rachel Kornfield
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yan Liu
- School of Journalism and Communication, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Yuan Chih
- College of Health Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | | | - David Gustafson
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - John Curtin
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dhavan Shah
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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van Gastel D, Antheunis ML, Tenfelde K, van de Graaf DL, Geerts M, Nieboer TE, Bongers MY. Social Support Among Women With Potential Essure-Related Complaints: Analysis of Facebook Group Content. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e32592. [PMID: 37535412 PMCID: PMC10436114 DOI: 10.2196/32592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social support groups are an important resource for people to cope with problems. Previous studies have reported the different types of support in these groups, but little is known about the type of reactions that sharing of personal experiences induce among members. It is important to know how and to what extent members of support groups influence each other regarding the consumption of medical care. We researched this in a web-based Facebook group of women sterilized with Essure. Essure was a device intended for permanent contraception. From 2015 onward, women treated with Essure for tubal occlusion raised safety concerns and numerous complaints. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the use of social support in a Facebook community named "Essure problemen Nederland" (EPN; in English, "Essure problems in the Netherlands"). METHODS All posts in the closed Facebook group EPN between March 8 and May 8, 2018, were included. In total, 3491 Facebook posts were analyzed using a modified version of the Social Support Behavior Codes framework created by Cutrona and Suhr in 1992. Posts were abstracted and aggregated into a database. Two investigators evaluated the posts, developed a modified version of the Social Support Behavior Codes framework, and applied the codes to the collected data. RESULTS We found that 92% of messages contained a form of social support. In 68.8% of posts, social support was provided, and in 31.2% of posts, social support was received. Informational and emotional support was the most frequently used form of provided social support (40.6% and 55.5%, respectively). The same distribution was seen with received social support: informational support in 81.5% and emotional support in 17.4% of cases. Our analysis showed a strong correlation between providing or receiving social support and the main form of social support (P<.001). In a total of only 74 (2.2%) cases, women advised each other to seek medical care. CONCLUSIONS The main purpose of women in the EPN Facebook group was to provide and receive informational or emotional support or both.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marjolijn L Antheunis
- Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Kim Tenfelde
- Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | | | - Marieke Geerts
- Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | | | - Marlies Y Bongers
- Research School GROW, University Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Healy E, O’Malley G, Mugo C, Kaggiah A, Seeh D, Muriithi A, Lopez AR, Kumar M, Guthrie B, Moreno M, John-Stewart G, Inwani I, Ronen K. "Whenever you need support, you first turn to the group": motivations and functions of WhatsApp groups for youth living with HIV. AIDS Care 2023; 35:437-446. [PMID: 35761786 PMCID: PMC9792620 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2088680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Social support is a critical component of achieving positive health outcomes for youth living with HIV (YLWH). Mobile health (mHealth) has significant potential for providing social support to YLWH. However, little is known about the domains of social support most needed by YLWH which mHealth interventions might address. Drawing on the spontaneous creation of WhatsApp support groups by YLWH in Nairobi, Kenya, we characterized Kenyan YLWH's social support needs and potential roles of social media groups in meeting them. We conducted interviews and focus-groups with 68 YLWH, 24 caregivers and 20 healthcare workers, and observed two YLWH-led WhatsApp groups for 6 weeks. Youth reported that existing support systems, including family and healthcare workers, already provided informational and instrumental support. However, they emphasized unmet companionship and emotional support needs, leading to isolation, hopelessness, and medication adherence challenges. Participants identified connection with other YLWH as a unique source of emotional and companionship support that allowed them to feel more secure and less isolated. Interviews and observed WhatsApp chats demonstrated that WhatsApp groups were a desirable medium for companionship support that overcame barriers to in-person connection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Healy
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Cyrus Mugo
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - David Seeh
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Alana R Lopez
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Brandon Guthrie
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Keshet Ronen
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
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11
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van Brakel V, Barreda-Ángeles M, Hartmann T. Feelings of presence and perceived social support in social virtual reality platforms. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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12
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Köstlin D, Siem B, Rohmann A. Social Support in Online Peer Groups for Celiac Disease. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1027/2512-8442/a000126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Abstract. Background: While there is considerable evidence for the positive effects of onsite peer support on health outcomes, few studies have addressed the impact of online peer support. Aims: This study differentiates between emotional (ES) and informational (IS) online peer support for people with celiac disease. We hypothesize that receiving ES and IS positively correlates with self-reported well-being and dietary compliance and that these relations would be moderated by the duration of illness. Method: We used a correlational, cross-sectional design ( N = 369). Results: Both functions of support were positively related to well-being and dietary compliance. The strengths of the positive relationships between ES and both outcomes and IS and well-being were independent of the duration of illness. IS was significantly positively related to dietary compliance among participants with a longer duration of illness, but unrelated among participants with a shorter duration. Limitations: Due to the correlational design, we cannot infer causality. Conclusion: Our findings advance the understanding of online support in contexts where proper self-management is crucial for health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothee Köstlin
- Department of Psychology, FernUniversität in Hagen, Hagen, Germany
| | - Birte Siem
- Institute for Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Anette Rohmann
- Department of Psychology, FernUniversität in Hagen, Hagen, Germany
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Sun CJ, Shato T, Steinbaugh A, Pradeep S, Amico KR, Horvath K. Virtual voices: examining social support exchanged through participant-generated and unmoderated content in a mobile intervention to improve HIV antiretroviral therapy adherence among GBMSM. AIDS Care 2023; 35:7-15. [PMID: 35156485 PMCID: PMC9374845 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2038364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is suboptimal among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Online interventions that incorporate social support represent new opportunities to improve adherence. This study focused on how social support was provided and sought within a technology-based ART adherence intervention. We coded and analyzed 1,751 messages. Within the social support messages, half of the time participants sought social support and half of the time they provided social support. Emotional and informational support were the most frequently exchanged forms. The most frequent topic that participants sought support around was interpersonal relationships (29%), followed by HIV care and treatment (28%). Similarly, 31% and 27% of messages in which participants provided support was related to HIV treatment and care and interpersonal relationships, respectively. HIV treatment and care issues most salient were ART adherence, lab results and upcoming tests, ART side effects, changes in ART regimens, and relationships with healthcare providers. Participants used the messaging feature in this intervention to spontaneously discuss and exchange support around HIV treatment and care. This analysis provided an opportunity to understand how participants informally interact with one another, how they seek and provide social support online, and their salient personal issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina J. Sun
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Thembekile Shato
- Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Sharanya Pradeep
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - K. Rivet Amico
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Keith Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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Sallabank G, Blackburn NA, Threats M, Pulley DV, Barry MC, LeGrand S, Harper GW, Bauermeister JA, Hightow-Weidman LB, Muessig KE. Media representation, perception and stigmatisation of race, sexuality and HIV among young black gay and bisexual men. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2022; 24:1729-1743. [PMID: 34895082 PMCID: PMC9188628 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2021.2008506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Young Black gay and bisexual men who have sex with men experience stigma related to race, gender expression, sexuality and HIV status. Stigma impacts access to HIV care and prevention as well as interactions with healthcare providers. The amplification of stigma through popular media is under-researched in the health sciences. HealthMpowerment is a mobile phone optimised intervention to reduce sexual risk and support community-building for young Black gay and bisexual men (age 18-30). We analysed Forum conversations from 48 participants, 45.8% living with HIV. Of 322 stigma-relevant conversations, 18.9% referenced the media (e.g. television, news, social media) as a source of stigma. Forum conversations covered media representations of Black gay and bisexual men, media's influence on identity, and the creation of stigma by association with media representations. Cultural messages embedded in the media may accentuate stereotypes that influence perceptions of Black gay and bisexual men and disregard intersectional identities. HealthMpowerment provided a space to challenge stigmatising representations. Participants used HealthMpowerment to garner social support and celebrate positive media representations. Interventions for young Black gay and bisexual men should consider the influential role of media and include spaces for participants to process and address stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Sallabank
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Natalie A. Blackburn
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Megan Threats
- Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Information Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Deren V. Pulley
- Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Information Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Megan C. Barry
- Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sara LeGrand
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gary W. Harper
- Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - José A. Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Kathryn E. Muessig
- Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Li Y, Guo Y, Chen L. Predicting Social Support Exchanging Among Male Homosexuals Who are HIV-Positive in Social Media Context: The Role of Online Self-Disclosure. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2022; 69:2233-2249. [PMID: 34110274 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2021.1935623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated social support exchanges on social media among male homosexuals who are HIV-positive (MHHP) in China and explored how online self-disclosure relates to such activity. Analyses were based on 9,459 Weibo messages posted by 188 targeted users.Results showed that the informational and emotional support messages were prevalent in the Chinese context, and esteem social support was first found to be the most salient by the current investigation. Results of independent samples t-tests suggested that MHHP who engaged in significant self-disclosure on Weibo tended to have more frequent social support exchanges than those who did not. In particular, MHHP who expressed sex-seeking intentions and companionship seeking intentions were likely to post more supportive messages than those who did not express such intentions. Moreover, MHHP who disclosed their concerns over discrimination tended to post more emotional, informational, and esteem support messages than those who did not express discrimination concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Li
- Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Liang Chen
- School of Journalism and Communication, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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16
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Emotional Appeals and Social Support in Organizational YouTube Videos During COVID-19. TELEMATICS AND INFORMATICS REPORTS 2022. [PMCID: PMC9675638 DOI: 10.1016/j.teler.2022.100028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Through a content analysis of 106 organizational YouTube videos during COVID-19 from March to September 2020 and sentiment analysis of the 9398 audiences’ comments, this study aims to analyze the emotional appeals, social support, and preventive behaviors reflected in the organizational YouTube videos and how such message features influenced audience engagement and audience comments sentiment. We found that hope and happiness are the two emotions used most frequently. Emotional appeals changed over time. Though videos in March and April mainly adopted fear and anxiety appeals, humor became more dominant after May, 2020. Emotional appeals also increased views and positive comments. Videos providing informational and emotional support received more likes. Videos produced at different stages of the pandemic also promoted preventive behaviors differently, with more videos promoting wearing masks after May. Sports/entertainment industries produced videos that received more positive comments than other industries.
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Costa-Cordella S, Grasso-Cladera A, Rossi A, Duarte J, Guiñazu F, Cortes CP. Internet-based peer support interventions for people living with HIV: A scoping review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269332. [PMID: 36040950 PMCID: PMC9426879 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Peer support interventions for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) are effective, but their associated time and material costs for the recipient and the health system make them reachable for only a small proportion of PLWHA. Internet-based interventions are an effective alternative for delivering psychosocial interventions for PLWHA as they are more accessible. Currently, no reviews are focusing on internet-based interventions with peer support components. This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on psychosocial interventions for PLWHA based on peer support and delivered through the internet. We conducted a systematic scoping review of academic literature following methodological guidelines for scoping reviews, and 28 articles met our criteria. We summarized the main characteristics of the digital peer support interventions for PLWHA and how they implemented peer support in a virtual environment. Overall the reported outcomes appeared promising, but more robust evidence is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanella Costa-Cordella
- Centro de Estudios en Psicología Clínica y Psicoterapia (CEPPS), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto Milenio Depresión y Personalidad (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia Humana y Neuropsicología (CENHN), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Aitana Grasso-Cladera
- Centro de Estudios en Psicología Clínica y Psicoterapia (CEPPS), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia Humana y Neuropsicología (CENHN), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandra Rossi
- Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia Humana y Neuropsicología (CENHN), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javiera Duarte
- Centro de Estudios en Psicología Clínica y Psicoterapia (CEPPS), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto Milenio Depresión y Personalidad (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile
| | - Flavia Guiñazu
- Web Intelligence Centre, Facultad de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia P. Cortes
- Hospital Clínico San Borja Arriarán & Fundación Arriarán, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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18
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Burgess R, Feliciano JT, Lizbinski L, Ransome Y. Trends and Characteristics of #HIVPrevention Tweets Posted Between 2014 and 2019: Retrospective Infodemiology Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e35937. [PMID: 35969453 PMCID: PMC9412898 DOI: 10.2196/35937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twitter is becoming an increasingly important avenue for people to seek information about HIV prevention. Tweets about HIV prevention may reflect or influence current norms about the acceptability of different HIV prevention methods. Therefore, it may be useful to empirically investigate trends in the level of attention paid to different HIV prevention topics on Twitter over time. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to investigate temporal trends in the frequency of tweets about different HIV prevention topics on Twitter between 2014 and 2019. METHODS We used the Twitter application programming interface to obtain English-language tweets employing #HIVPrevention between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2019 (n=69,197, globally). Using iterative qualitative content analysis on samples of tweets, we developed a keyword list to categorize the tweets into 10 prevention topics (eg, condom use, preexposure prophylaxis [PrEP]) and compared the frequency of tweets mentioning each topic over time. We assessed the overall change in the proportions of #HIVPrevention tweets mentioning each prevention topic in 2019 as compared with 2014 using chi-square and Fisher exact tests. We also conducted descriptive analyses to identify the accounts posting the most original tweets, the accounts retweeted most frequently, the most frequently used word pairings, and the spatial distribution of tweets in the United States compared with the number of state-level HIV cases. RESULTS PrEP (13,895 tweets; 20.08% of all included tweets) and HIV testing (7688, 11.11%) were the most frequently mentioned topics, whereas condom use (2941, 4.25%) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP; 823, 1.19%) were mentioned relatively less frequently. The proportions of tweets mentioning PrEP (327/2251, 14.53%, in 2014, 5067/12,971, 39.1%, in 2019; P≤.001), HIV testing (208/2251, 9.24%, in 2014, 2193/12,971, 16.91% in 2019; P≤.001), and PEP (25/2251, 1.11%, in 2014, 342/12,971, 2.64%, in 2019; P≤.001) were higher in 2019 compared with 2014, whereas the proportions of tweets mentioning abstinence, condom use, circumcision, harm reduction, and gender inequity were lower in 2019 compared with 2014. The top retweeted accounts were mostly UN-affiliated entities; celebrities and HIV advocates were also represented. Geotagged #HIVPrevention tweets in the United States between 2014 and 2019 (n=514) were positively correlated with the number of state-level HIV cases in 2019 (r=0.81, P≤.01). CONCLUSIONS Twitter may be a useful source for identifying HIV prevention trends. During our evaluation period (2014-2019), the most frequently mentioned prevention topics were PrEP and HIV testing in tweets using #HIVPrevention. Strategic responses to these tweets that provide information about where to get tested or how to obtain PrEP may be potential approaches to reduce HIV incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Burgess
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Josemari T Feliciano
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Leonardo Lizbinski
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Yusuf Ransome
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
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Coulson NS, Buchanan H. The Role of Online Support Groups in Helping Individuals Affected by HIV and AIDS: Scoping Review of the Literature. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e27648. [PMID: 35881456 PMCID: PMC9364165 DOI: 10.2196/27648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Online support groups provide opportunities for individuals affected by HIV and AIDS to seek information, advice, and support from peers. However, whether and how engagement with online support groups helps individuals affected by HIV and AIDS remains unclear, as does the nature of the evidence on this topic. Objective This scoping review sought to explore whether engagement with HIV and AIDS–related online support groups benefits members in terms of psychosocial well-being and illness management, whether members experienced any negative aspects of these groups, and what types of social support are exchanged within HIV and AIDS–related online support groups. Methods A scoping review of English-language articles (including both qualitative and quantitative studies) was undertaken using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The databases searched included MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CENTRAL (Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials), and Scopus. Key findings were synthesized using a narrative and thematic approach. Results A total of 22 papers met the inclusion criteria from an initial pool of 3332 abstracts. These papers included 23% (5/22) quantitative studies, 9% (2/22) mixed methods studies, and 68% (15/22) qualitative studies published between 2007 and 2019. Cross-sectional evidence suggests that engagement with HIV and AIDS–related online support groups is empowering for members and may lead to a range of psychosocial benefits. Furthermore, qualitative evidence suggests that these groups provide an opportunity to connect with similar people and share experiences. This can help improve self-worth, reduce stigma, facilitate improved illness management, and gain greater confidence when interacting with health professionals. However, online support groups are not without their limitations as qualitative evidence suggests that users may encounter examples of interpersonal conflict between members as well as be exposed to challenging content. Finally, HIV and AIDS–related online support groups are avenues through which individuals can solicit support, most commonly informational or emotional. Conclusions HIV and AIDS–related online support groups may have some benefits for members, particularly in terms of providing social support. There is a need for a systematic review of this literature that includes an assessment of the methodological quality of the available evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil S Coulson
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Buchanan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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20
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Flickinger TE, Waselewski M, Tabackman A, Huynh J, Hodges J, Otero K, Schorling K, Ingersoll K, Tiouririne NAD, Dillingham R. Communication between patients, peers, and care providers through a mobile health intervention supporting medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:2110-2115. [PMID: 35260260 PMCID: PMC10112280 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our team developed the HOPE app as a clinic-based platform to support patients receiving medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. We investigated the app's two communication features: an anonymous community message board (CMB) and secure messaging between patients and their clinic team. METHODS The HOPE (Heal Overcome Persist Endure) app was piloted with patients and MAT providers. Text from the CMB and messaging were downloaded and de-identified. Content analysis was performed using iteratively developed codebooks with team consensus. RESULTS The pilot study enrolled 28 participants; 25 were "members" (patients) and 3 were providers (physician, nurse, social worker). Of member-generated CMB posts, 45% described the poster's state of mind, including positive and negative emotions, 47% conveyed support and 8% asked for support. Members' secure messages to the team included 52% medical, 45% app-related, and 8% social topics. Provider's messages contained information exchange (90%) and relationship-building (36%). DISCUSSION Through the CMB, members shared emotions and social support with their peers. Through secure messaging, members addressed medical and social needs with their care team, used primarily for information exchange but also relationship-building. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The HOPE app addresses communication needs for patients in MAT and can support them in recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabor E Flickinger
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - Marika Waselewski
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alexa Tabackman
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Jacqueline Hodges
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kori Otero
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kelly Schorling
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Karen Ingersoll
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Nassima Ait-Daoud Tiouririne
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Rebecca Dillingham
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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21
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Alam F, Tao M, Lahuerta-Otero E, Feifei Z. Let's Buy With Social Commerce Platforms Through Social Media Influencers: An Indian Consumer Perspective. Front Psychol 2022; 13:853168. [PMID: 35496238 PMCID: PMC9051439 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.853168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the retail industry around the globe, including in the vast market of India. The response to the pandemic required stores to close and develop new ways to approach shoppers more efficiently. The worldwide usage of social media enabled the growth of social commerce (s-commerce). Influencers on s-commerce platforms use live broadcasting on their channels to promote endorsed products. The features of s-commerce influencers enhance users' trust in the online community and s-commerce intention, impacting their online purchasing intentions. In this study, we collected data from 379 Indian consumers to test the measurement and structural model using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to verify our conceptual framework. We found that trust in the online community and s-commerce intention are antecedents of online purchase intentions. Additionally, the results demonstrate that trust in Indian social media influencers and s-commerce intentions are vital for boosting consumers' purchase intention, verifying the hypothesized mediating effect of these factors. Based on these results, we suggest several managerial actions that could enhance the value of s-commerce for franchises, executives, e-retailers, and e-marketplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizan Alam
- School of Business Administrations, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics Dalian, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Faizan Alam
| | - Meng Tao
- School of Business Administrations, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics Dalian, Dalian, China
| | | | - Zhao Feifei
- School of Business Administrations, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics Dalian, Dalian, China
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22
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Ellison NB, Pyle C, Vitak J. Scholarship on well-being and social media: A sociotechnical perspective. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 46:101340. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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23
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Wright KB, Cai X, Fisher C, Rising CJ, Burke-Garcia A, Afanaseva D. A Content Analysis of Social Support Messages about Environmental Breast Cancer Risk within Blogs for Mothers. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 36:1796-1804. [PMID: 32744079 PMCID: PMC7855537 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1800241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bloggers can help stimulate online conversations among their readers about a variety of health topics, including breast cancer. However, in previous studies, researchers have not specifically examined supportive messages within an online blogger community that stem from an intervention where bloggers were provided with evidence-based information about breast cancer risk that they could tailor and disseminate to their readers. In the current study, we content analyzed 282 supportive messages within online conversations from participants in blogger communities over a 2-month period immediately following an intervention where the authors provided 74 bloggers who write about motherhood issues with an infographic based on evidence-based information from the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program (BCERP) about environmental breast cancer risk/prevention. Bloggers who shared information about their personal breast cancer risk generated a significantly higher number of blog reader comments than bloggers who did not share information about their personal breast cancer risk. Bloggers who cited breast cancer statistics in posts were more likely to draw esteem and emotional support from their readers. Bloggers' repetition of information from blog intervention messages was more likely to elicit esteem, informational, and emotional support from readers. Disclosure of a personal breast cancer diagnosis was associated with mixed types of social support messages. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed along with key limitations of the study and future directions for research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin B Wright
- Department of Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Xiaomei Cai
- Department of Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Carla Fisher
- UF Health Cancer Center, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Camella J Rising
- Department of Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
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Qian Y, Gui W, Ma F, Dong Q. Exploring features of social support in a Chinese online smoking cessation community: A multidimensional content analysis of user interaction data. Health Informatics J 2021; 27:14604582211021472. [PMID: 34082598 DOI: 10.1177/14604582211021472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Due to the rapid development of information technology, an increasing number of smokers choose online smoking cessation communities to interact with other individuals to help themselves quit smoking. Though it is well known that social support plays a key role in the process of smoking cessation, the features of social support that one can get from online smoking cessation communities remain unclear. We collected user interaction data from the largest Chinese online smoking cessation community, the quit smoking forum of Baidu Tieba. We selected 2758 replies from 29 active repliers and 408 correlated posts as our data set. Multidimensional content analysis is carried out from three aspects: posting scenarios, user quitting behavior stages, and types of social support. This article also explores the co-occurrence relationships of different types of social support by social network analysis. Results showed that users receive different compositions of social support in various posting scenarios and behavior stages. In most cases, emotional support is the most typical support the community provides. The community will provide more informational support when needed. Besides, informational support, especially personal experience and perceptual knowledge, has more diverse combination patterns with other types of social support. "Gratitude-Mutual assistance" and "Encouragement-Mutual assistance" are the most frequent co-occurrence relationships. The online smoking cessation community brings people who quit smoking together, and users provide rich types of social support for each other. Users can effectively obtain expected social support in different posting scenarios and smoking cessation stages. Smoking cessation projects should be designed to promote user communication and interaction, which positively affects achieving users' smoking cessation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qingxing Dong
- Wuhan University, China.,Central China Normal University, China
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25
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Jong W, Liang OS, Yang CC. The Exchange of Informational Support in Online Health Communities at the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Content Analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 2:e27485. [PMID: 34398165 PMCID: PMC8323823 DOI: 10.2196/27485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Online health communities (OHCs) provide social support for ongoing health-related problems. COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, has been an acute and substantial stressor worldwide. The disease and its impact, especially in the beginning phases, left many people with questions about the nature, treatment, and prevention of COVID-19. Unlike typical chronic ailments discussed on OHCs, which are more established, COVID-19, at least at the onset of the pandemic, is distinct in that it lacks a consensus of clinical diagnosis and an existing community foundation. Objective The study aims to investigate a newly formed OHC for COVID-19 to determine the topics and types of information exchange as well as the sources of information this community referenced during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Methods A total of 357 posts from a COVID-19 OHC on the MedHelp platform were annotated according to an open-coding process. Participants’ engagement patterns, topics of posts, and sources of information were quantified. Results Participants who offered informational support had a significantly higher percentage of responding more than once than those seeking information (P<.001). Among the information-seeking topics, symptoms and public health practice and psychological impacts were the most frequently discussed, with 26% (17/65) and 15% (10/65) of posts, respectively. Most informational support was expressed through feedback/opinion (181/220, 82.3%). Additionally, the most frequently referenced source of information was news outlets/websites, at 55% (11/20). Governmental websites were referenced less frequently. Conclusions The trends of this community could be useful in prioritizing public health responses to address the most common questions asked by the public during crisis communication and in identifying which venue of communication is most effective in reaching a public audience during such times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley Jong
- College of Medicine Drexel University Philadelphia, PA United States
| | - Ou Stella Liang
- College of Computing and Informatics Drexel University Philadelphia, PA United States
| | - Christopher C Yang
- College of Computing and Informatics Drexel University Philadelphia, PA United States
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26
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Peer Group Focused eHealth Strategies to Promote HIV Prevention, Testing, and Care Engagement. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 17:557-576. [PMID: 32794071 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-020-00527-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Electronic communication platforms are increasingly used to support all steps of the HIV care cascade (an approach defined as eHealth). Most studies have employed individual-level approaches in which participants are connected with information, reminders, or a healthcare worker. Recent growth in use of social media platforms, which create digital communities, has created an opportunity to leverage virtual peer-to-peer connection to improve HIV prevention and care. In this article, we describe the current landscape of peer group eHealth interventions in the HIV field, based on a review of published literature, an online survey of unpublished ongoing work, and discussions with practitioners in the field in an in-person workshop. RECENT FINDINGS We identified 45 published articles and 12 ongoing projects meeting our inclusion criteria. Most reports were formative or observational; only three randomized evaluations of two interventions were reported. Studies indicated that use of peer group eHealth interventions is acceptable and has unique potential to influence health behaviors, but participants reported privacy concerns. Evaluations of health outcomes of peer group eHealth interventions show promising data, but more rigorous evaluations are needed. Development of group eHealth interventions presents unique technological, practical, and ethical challenges. Intervention design must consider privacy and data sovereignty concerns, and respond to rapid changes in platform use. Innovative development of open-source tools with high privacy standards is needed.
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27
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Shin WG, Woo CW, Jung WH, Kim H, Lee TY, Decety J, Kwon JS. The Neurobehavioral Mechanisms Underlying Attitudes Toward People With Mental or Physical Illness. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:571225. [PMID: 33281570 PMCID: PMC7689019 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.571225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Social factors play a significant role in the health outcomes of those struggling with mental or physical health issues. People with mental illness experience more social stigmatization and receive less concern for their welfare than do those with physical illness. However, the cognitive and neural mechanisms by which such a bias in attitude arises remain unclear. This functional MRI study examined whether a lack of self-other similarity during mental state attribution affects perceivers' theory of mind and, subsequently, how they value a patient's welfare. During scanning, participants were asked to respond to an expression of caring and sympathetic concern from either their own perspective or while adopting the perspective of patients labeled physically ill or mentally ill. Participants reported that physically ill patients would share their affective responses to the situations, but mentally ill patients would not. Furthermore, mentalizing about physically ill patients was associated with increased activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), a critical region for empathic concern and value-based decisions. In contrast, mentalizing about mentally ill patients preferentially engaged the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and anterior insula, regions previously implicated in empathic distress, in which activity correlated with individual differences in prejudice control. The findings indicate that a lack of perceived self-other similarity poses a challenge to the theory of mind and thus requires greater cognitive resources and neural computations. This might give rise to stereotyped beliefs about and prejudice against the mentally ill and failure to respond with appropriate empathy and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Gyo Shin
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Choong-Wan Woo
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Wi Hoon Jung
- Department of Psychology, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Hackjin Kim
- Department of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae Young Lee
- Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jean Decety
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jun Soo Kwon
- Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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28
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Green BM, Van Horn KT, Gupte K, Evans M, Hayes S, Bhowmick A. Assessment of Adaptive Engagement and Support Model for People With Chronic Health Conditions in Online Health Communities: Combined Content Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17338. [PMID: 32492651 PMCID: PMC7380984 DOI: 10.2196/17338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With the pervasiveness of social media, online health communities (OHCs) are an important tool for facilitating information sharing and support among people with chronic health conditions. Importantly, OHCs offer insight into conversations about the lived experiences of people with particular health conditions. Little is known about the aspects of OHCs that are important to maintain safe and productive conversations that support health. Objective This study aimed to assess the provision of social support and the role of active moderation in OHCs developed in accordance with and managed by an adaptive engagement model. This study also aimed to identify key elements of the model that are central to the development, maintenance, and adaptation of OHCs for people with chronic health conditions. Methods This study used combined content analysis, a mixed methods approach, to analyze sampled Facebook post comments from 6 OHCs to understand how key aspects of the adaptive engagement model facilitate different types of social support. OHCs included in this study are for people living with multiple sclerosis, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. An exploratory approach was used in the analysis, and initial codes were grouped into thematic categories and then confirmed through thematic network analysis using the Dedoose qualitative analysis software tool. Thematic categories were compared for similarities and differences for each of the 6 OHCs and by topic discussed. Results Data on the reach and engagement of the Facebook posts and the analysis of the sample of 5881 comments demonstrate that people with chronic health conditions want to engage on the web and find value in supporting and sharing their experiences with others. Most comments made in these Facebook posts were expressions of social support for others living with the same health condition (3405/5881, 57.89%). Among the comments with an element of support, those where community members validated the knowledge or experiences of others were most frequent (1587/3405, 46.61%), followed by the expression of empathy and understanding (1089/3405, 31.98%). Even among posts with more factual content, such as insurance coverage issues, user comments still had frequent expressions of support for others (80/213, 37.5%). Conclusions The analysis of this OHC adaptive engagement model in action shows that the foundational elements—social support, engagement, and moderation—can effectively be used to provide a rich and dynamic community experience for individuals with chronic health conditions. Social support is demonstrated in a variety of ways, including sharing information or validating information shared by others, expressions of empathy, and sharing encouraging statements with others.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ketki Gupte
- Health Union, LLC, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Megan Evans
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sara Hayes
- Health Union, LLC, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Amrita Bhowmick
- Health Union, LLC, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Nobles AL, Leas EC, Latkin CA, Dredze M, Strathdee SA, Ayers JW. #HIV: Alignment of HIV-Related Visual Content on Instagram with Public Health Priorities in the US. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2045-2053. [PMID: 31916098 PMCID: PMC10712936 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02765-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Instagram, with more than 1 billion monthly users, is the go-to social media platform to chronicle one's life via images, but how are people using the platform to present visual content about HIV? We analyzed public Instagram posts containing the hashtag "#HIV" (because they are self-tagged as related to HIV) between January 2017 and July 2018. We described the prevalence of co-occurring hashtags and explored thematic concepts in the images using automated image recognition and topic modeling. Twenty-eight percent of all #HIV posts included hashtags focused on awareness, followed by LGBTQ (24.5%) and living with HIV (17.9%). However, specific strategies were rarely cited, including testing (10.8%), treatment (10.3%), PrEP (6.2%) and condoms (4.1%). Image analyses revealed 44.5% of posts included infographics followed by people (21.3%) thereby humanizing HIV and stigmatized populations and promoting community mobilization. Novel content such as the handwriting image-theme (3.8%) where posters shared their HIV test results appeared. We discuss how this visual content aligns with public health priorities to reduce HIV in the US and the novel, organic messages that public health could help amplify.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia L Nobles
- The Center for Data Driven Health at Qualcomm Institute, California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric C Leas
- The Center for Data Driven Health at Qualcomm Institute, California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Health Policy, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Carl A Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Dredze
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John W Ayers
- The Center for Data Driven Health at Qualcomm Institute, California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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30
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Liu Y, Kornfield R, Shaw BR, Shah DV, McTavish F, Gustafson DH. Giving and receiving social support in online substance use disorder forums: How self-efficacy moderates effects on relapse. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2020; 103:1125-1133. [PMID: 31901364 PMCID: PMC7253337 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Individuals in recovery for substance use disorders (SUDs) increasingly use online social support forums, necessitating research on how communicating through these forums can affect recovery. This study examines how giving and receiving support within an SUDs recovery forum predict substance use, and considers whether effects vary according to participants' self-efficacy. METHODS We applied content analysis to 3440 messages that were posted by 231 participants in an online SUDs forum. Surveys assessed social support reception and substance use at three timepoints. We assessed relationships between giving and receiving support and substance use (risky drinking days, illicit drug use days), and the interactions between self-efficacy and social support in predicting substance use outcomes. RESULTS Receiving more emotional support was associated with reduced illicit drug use at 6 and 12 months. For those with low self-efficacy, giving more emotional support predicted less risky drinking at month 12, whereas giving more informational support predicted more risky drinking at month 12. CONCLUSION These results suggest conditional benefits of exchanging support in an online SUDs forum, depending upon type of support (informational versus emotional), the participants' role (giver or receiver), and their self-efficacy. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS We discuss implications for designing and using peer-to-peer support platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- School of Journalism & Communication, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Rachel Kornfield
- Department of Communication Studies, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Bret R Shaw
- Department of Life Sciences Communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Dhavan V Shah
- School of Journalism & Mass Communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Fiona McTavish
- Center for Health Enhancement System Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - David H Gustafson
- Center for Health Enhancement System Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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31
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Himelboim I, Xiao X, Lee DKL, Wang MY, Borah P. A Social Networks Approach to Understanding Vaccine Conversations on Twitter: Network Clusters, Sentiment, and Certainty in HPV Social Networks. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2020; 35:607-615. [PMID: 31199698 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2019.1573446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Individuals increasingly rely on the Internet, and social media in particular, for health-related information. A recent survey reports that 80% of Internet users search for health information online. In the present study, we employ Twitter data to understand content characteristics and the patterns of content flow of the conversations about the HPV vaccine debate. Approaching the HPV vaccine conversations on Twitter as a social network, we can identify key self-formed subgroups-clusters of users who create "siloes" of interactions and information flow. Combining network analysis, computer-aided content analysis, and human-coded content analysis, we explored the communication dynamics within the groups in terms of group members' affective and cognitive characteristics. Our findings show that positive emotion is positively correlated with cluster density, an indicator of strong ties and rapid information flow. In the case of negative emotion, we found that anger is a significant negative predictor for graph density. We also found a correlation between certainty and tentativeness; both at cluster as well as at tweet level, suggesting that clusters bring together people who are sure about the HPV vaccine and people who are exploring for answers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itai Himelboim
- Social media Engagement and Evaluation, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
| | - Xizhu Xiao
- Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University
| | | | - Meredith Y Wang
- Department of Mass Communication, Stephen F. Austin State University
| | - Porismita Borah
- Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University
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32
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Zhou J, Wang C. Improving cancer survivors' e-health literacy via online health communities (OHCs): a social support perspective. J Cancer Surviv 2020; 14:244-252. [PMID: 31820215 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-019-00833-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer survivors should have adequate e-health literacy to help them better use online health information. Online health communities (OHCs) can offer cancer survivors different types of social support that can represent another resource to improve health outcomes. However, there is little knowledge of how these OHC are directly related to a cancer survivors' e-health literacy. This study explores how different types of social support in OHCs are associated with cancer survivors' e-health literacy. METHODS A questionnaire was developed to collect data from two Chinese OHCs used by cancer survivors. The questionnaire is composed of two parts: six sociodemographic variables (i.e., gender, age, city, education, tenure, and prior Internet experience), two scales for informational support behaviors (i.e., health knowledge seeking and provision of health knowledge), a measure of emotional support within such a setting, and a measure of e-health literacy. Based on 162 complete samples, we determined the measurement properties of the scales used, provided descriptive statistics on major sociodemographic variables and conducted bivariate and multivariable hierarchical regression. RESULTS For cancer survivors, females demonstrate higher levels of e-health literacy. Higher education level was related to higher e-health literacy. Health knowledge seeking, contributing to health knowledge, and emotional support were all positively associated with e-health literacy. The interaction effect between health knowledge and emotional support is positively associated with e-health literacy. CONCLUSIONS Informational support and emotional support, as two major subtypes of social support within resources available in OHCs, are positively associated with e-health literacy among cancer survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Cancer survivors might benefit from an active strategy for improving personal e-health literacy that includes more active informational involvement and emotional support rather than a passive lurking through e-health information and seeking and reading postings in OHCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zhou
- Shantou University Business School, No. 243 Daxue Road, Shantou, 515063, Guangdong, China
| | - Changyu Wang
- Jiangnan University School of Business, No. 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China.
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An Z, Meng J, Mendiola-Smith L. The role of identification in soliciting social support in online communities. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2019.106181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Smith FE, Jones C, Gracey F, Mullis R, Coulson NS, De Simoni A. Emotional adjustment post-stroke: A qualitative study of an online stroke community. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2019; 31:414-431. [PMID: 31855105 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2019.1702561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Understanding of emotional adjustment after stroke is limited. Under one-third of stroke survivors reporting emotional problems receive support. The aim of this study was to explore the process of emotional adjustment post-stroke and investigate the role played by participation in an online stroke community. We applied thematic analysis to 124 relevant posts within 114 discussion threads, written by 39 survivors and 29 carers. The contribution of online community engagement to emotional adjustment was explored using the Social Support Behaviour Code. Stroke survivors share common experiences of emotional adjustment and may not necessarily reach complete acceptance. Positive and negative trajectories of emotional adjustment were identified. Survivors progressed along, or moved between, positive and negative pathways not in a time-dependent manner but in response to "trigger events," such as physical setbacks or anti-depressant treatment, which may occur at any chronological time. An adapted version of Suhr's 1990 Social Support Behaviour Code showed that support provided through the online community took many forms, including advice, teaching, empathy and normalization of concerns. Participation in the stroke community was itself deemed to be a positive "trigger event." There is need to improve awareness of emotional adjustment and their "triggers" amongst stroke survivors, carers and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- F E Smith
- The Primary Care Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - C Jones
- The Primary Care Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - F Gracey
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - R Mullis
- The Primary Care Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - N S Coulson
- Division of Rehabilitation, Ageing and Wellbeing, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - A De Simoni
- The Primary Care Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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35
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Narasimha S, Wilson M, Dixon E, Davis N, Madathil KC. An Investigation of the Interaction Patterns of Peer Patrons on an Online Peer-Support Portal for Informal Caregivers of Alzheimer’s Patients. JOURNAL OF CONSUMER HEALTH ON THE INTERNET 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/15398285.2019.1682757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mackenzie Wilson
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Emma Dixon
- College of Information Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Nicole Davis
- School of Health Research, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Kapil Chalil Madathil
- Departments of Industrial and Civil Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
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36
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Zhou J, Wang G, Zhou T, Fan T. The role of off-topic discussions in online health support groups: insights from a content analysis of an online rectal cancer group. Support Care Cancer 2019; 28:3219-3226. [PMID: 31720804 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-05159-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Both off-topic discussions and exchanges of social support are important to the success of online health support groups. Analyzing their relationship could enhance our understanding of the nature of helpful interactions in online cancer support groups and ways promoting their success. METHODS A total of 15,284 messages were collected and analyzed from an online support group for rectal cancer. Two coders coded and categorized the messages into 211 threads using directed content analysis and a social support classification system. The relationship between off-topic discussions and social support was explored using the quadratic assignment procedure. RESULTS There are 91 threads of off-topic discussions, 83 threads of informational support, 22 threads of emotional support, seven threads of tangible support, five threads of network support, and three threads of esteem support. More of the off-topic discussions are associated with more emotional and tangible support. Both off-topic discussions and informational support are mutually influenced by the mediating role of emotional support. In addition, off-topic discussions and network support are mutually influenced by the mediating role of emotional and tangible support, and off-topic discussions and esteem support are mutually influenced by the mediating role of tangible support. CONCLUSIONS Off-topic discussions directly or indirectly promote different types of social support in an online rectal cancer support group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zhou
- Shantou University Business School, No. 243 Da Xue Road, Shantou, 515063, Guangdong, China.
| | - Guoxin Wang
- Shantou University Business School, No. 243 Da Xue Road, Shantou, 515063, Guangdong, China
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Henan Foreign Trade School, No. 91 Wenhua Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 476001, Henan, China
| | - Tingting Fan
- Shantou University Business School, No. 243 Da Xue Road, Shantou, 515063, Guangdong, China
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37
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Tikkanen SA, Peterson BL, Parsloe SM. Courtesy Stigma and Social Support: An Exploration of Fathers' Buffering Strategies and Blocking Rationalizations. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2019; 34:1543-1554. [PMID: 30067393 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2018.1504658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study extends scholarship on stigma management communication and social support by exploring the experiences of fathers of children living with a rare health condition, Sturge-Weber Syndrome. Findings from this interview-based interpretive study reveal that fathers assuaged the negative effects of stigma on their children-and courtesy stigma on themselves-by employing buffering strategies, including reactive and preemptive information sharing, preparatory conversations, and support blocking. Further, fathers offered three rationalizations for their blocking behaviors-reasoning that to accept support would violate social norms, as well as privacy expectations and that accepting support was not worth the effort (social exchange). These findings encourage scholars to continue to upend predominant constructions of masculinity and also call to question prevailing assumptions about the relationship between technology and privacy.
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Huang G, Cai M, Lu X. Inferring Opinions and Behavioral Characteristics of Gay Men with Large Scale Multilingual Text from Blued. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16193597. [PMID: 31561423 PMCID: PMC6801609 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Gay men in many countries are increasingly using geosocial networking applications (GSN apps), thus offering new opportunities for understanding them. This paper provides a comprehensive content analysis of posts and opinions on Blued, the world's largest gay social networking dating app, to infer and compare opinions and behavioral characteristics of gay men in different countries. Machine learning and linguistic programming approaches were used to extract themes and analyze sentiments of posts. The results show that the majority of posts are related to daily life activities, and less are related to sensitive topics. While most posts are positive or neutral, negative emotions, including anxiety, anger, and sadness, are mainly distributed in posts related to self-identification and sexual behaviors in China and to relationships in other countries. Voting items indicate that only 50.52% of the participants will take regular HIV tests while 50.2% would have casual sex when they are single. Additionally, 35.8% of the participants may try drugs when invited by friends. Our findings suggest an opportunity and necessity for researchers and public health practitioners to use open source data on GSN apps and other social medias to inform HIV interventions and to promote social inclusion for sexual minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Huang
- College of Systems Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China.
| | - Mengsi Cai
- College of Systems Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China.
| | - Xin Lu
- College of Systems Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China.
- School of Software Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology, Shenzhen 518172, China.
- School of Business, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
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Strøm J, Høybye MT, Laursen M, Jørgensen LB, Nielsen CV. Lumbar Spine Fusion Patients' Use of an Internet Support Group: Mixed Methods Study. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e9805. [PMID: 31274113 PMCID: PMC6637729 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.9805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internet use within health care contexts offers the possibility to provide both health information and peer support. Internet Support Groups (ISGs) for patients may offer advantages, which are not found in face-to-face support. In patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion (LSF), ISGs could have a particular potential, as peer support on the web might bridge the decreased satisfaction with social life and social isolation found within these patients. ISGs might in this way contribute to increasing the functioning and overall health-related quality of life. However, LSF patients may generally belong to a group of citizens not prone to internet and online peer support. However, our knowledge of how LSF patients use ISGs is limited. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of users of an ISG and thematically explore the content of ISG interactions in Danish patients undergoing instrumented LSF because of degenerative spine disorders. METHODS Participants were recruited from a randomized controlled trial and included in a prospective cohort with a mixed methods design. Sociodemographic characteristics and information on psychological well-being (symptoms of anxiety and depression) were obtained at baseline and 1 to 5 weeks before surgery. Usage of the ISG was registered from baseline until 3 months after surgery. All posts and comments were collected, and content analysis was performed. RESULTS A total of 48 participants comprised the study population, with a mean age of 53 years (range 29-77). Of the participants, 54% (26/48) were female, 85% (41/48) were cohabitating, 69% (33/48) were unemployed, and the majority (69% [33/48]) had secondary education. Approximately one-third of the participants had symptoms of depression (35%, 17/48) and anxiety (29%, 14/48). Overall, 90% (43/48) of the participants accessed the ISG. No correlations were found between sociodemographic characteristics and access to the ISG. Women were more prone to be active users, contributing with posts (P=.04). Finally, active users contributing with posts or comments had viewed more pages, whereas passive users, users without posts or comments, had more interactions with the ISG (P<.001). The ISG contained 180 conversation threads, generating 354 comments. The 180 conversation threads in the ISG were constituted by 671 independent dialogue sequences. On the basis of those 671 dialogue sequences, 7 thematic categories emerged. CONCLUSIONS Sociodemographic characteristics were not predictors of ISG use in this study, and active use was found to be gender dependent. Content of interactions on the ISG emerged within 7 thematic categories and focused on social recognition, experience of pain or use of pain medication, experience of physical activity or physical rehabilitation, expression of psychosocial well-being, advising on and exploring the ISG, and employment, which seemed to correspond well with the prevalent occurrence of symptoms of anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janni Strøm
- Elective Surgery Centre, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark.,Section for Clinical Social Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mette Terp Høybye
- Elective Surgery Centre, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark.,Interacting Minds Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Malene Laursen
- Elective Surgery Centre, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark.,Section for Public Health, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lene Bastrup Jørgensen
- Elective Surgery Centre, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark.,Section for Public Health, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Claus Vinther Nielsen
- Section for Clinical Social Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,DEFACTUM, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus, Denmark.,Regional Hospital West Jutland, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus, Denmark
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Ferrell EL, Russin SE, Hardy RM. Informal caregiving experiences in posttraumatic stress disorder: A content analysis of an online community. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 47:757-771. [PMID: 30592051 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the experiences of individuals who self-identify as providing support to a friend, family member, or significant other with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We analyzed and coded a total of 345 posts from an online support forum, with reference to 13 categories (finances, life interference, venting/emotional expression, maltreatment, sexual behavior, distress, prevented expression, physical health, communication, no personal space, isolation, and compassion fatigue). Categories for coding were established a priori and based on previous literature about caregiving and supporting. Results suggested that informal PTSD caregivers experience concerns involving interpersonal relations, emotional turmoil, and barriers to care for themselves and the individual they are caring for. This study provides a preliminary examination of the experiences and concerns of PTSD caregivers. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
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Strøm J, Nielsen CV, Jørgensen LB, Andersen NT, Laursen M. A web-based platform to accommodate symptoms of anxiety and depression by featuring social interaction and animated information in patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion: a randomized clinical trial. Spine J 2019; 19:827-839. [PMID: 30500464 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately one-third of patients undergoing spine surgery have symptoms of anxiety and depression that correlate with pain, disability, and lower health-related quality of life. The use of web-based informative strategies before surgery and principles from cognitive behavioral therapy, have been applied in other patient groups, facilitating mobility and encouraging beneficial coping behavior. PURPOSE To examine the effect of a web-based Spine Platform featuring Interaction and Information by Animation (w-SPIINA) on symptoms of anxiety and depression, pain, disability, and health-related quality of life. STUDY DESIGN A single-center, two-arm, randomized controlled trial PATIENT SAMPLE: One hundred fourteen consecutive patients scheduled for instrumented lumbar spine fusion due to degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was the change in self-reported Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores from baseline to 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were change in HADS 1-day before surgery 2days and 6 months after and changes in self-reported disability measured on the Oswestry disability index (ODI), quality of life (EQ-5D-5L questionnaire), and the low back pain rating scale (LBPRS) 2days and 3 and 6 months after surgery. METHOD Patients were randomized to either a control group receiving a standard information regimen or an intervention group gaining access to w-SPIINA in addition to the standard regimen. The independent charity Helsefonden contributed $45,000, the Health Research Fund of the Regional Hospital Central Jutland contributed $10,000, and the Toyota foundation contributed $10,000 to remunerate a dedicated investigator. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference within the w-SPIINA group and the control group regarding changes in HADS at 3-month follow-up (p≥.37). Approximately 40% reached minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in the w-SPIINA group on the HADS at 3 months. In the control group 50% reached MCID on anxiety subscale and 35% on the depression subscale at 3 months. No statistically significant differences were found between groups with regard to the overall outcomes at any of the predefined time points. CONCLUSION Providing patients with access to w-SPIINA in addition to a standard information regimen had no additional effect on HADS and patient-reported outcomes1day before, 2days, 3 or 6 months after surgery. However, a high compliance and degree of interaction with w-SPIINA indicates that this mode of web-based support could be applicable in this group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janni Strøm
- Centre of Elective Surgery, Regional Hospital of Silkeborg, Silkeborg, Denmark; Department of Public Health, Section for Clinical Social Medicine and Rehabilitation, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Claus Vinther Nielsen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Clinical Social Medicine and Rehabilitation, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; DEFACTUM, Central Denmark Region, Denmark
| | - Lene Bastrup Jørgensen
- Centre of Elective Surgery, Regional Hospital of Silkeborg, Silkeborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Niels Trolle Andersen
- Department of Biostatistics, Section for Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Malene Laursen
- Centre of Elective Surgery, Regional Hospital of Silkeborg, Silkeborg, Denmark
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Biello KB, Grinsztejn B, Fernandes NM, Edeza A, Kamel L, Salhaney P, Veloso V, Mimiaga MJ. Development of a Social Network-Based Intervention to Overcome Multilevel Barriers to ART Adherence Among Adolescents in Brazil. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2019; 31:111-126. [PMID: 30917013 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2019.31.2.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Brazil's comprehensive HIV treatment program does not specifically address ART adherence challenges for adolescents-a group accounting for the largest number of incident HIV infections in Brazil. We conducted three focus groups with 24 adolescents (age 15-24) living with HIV in Rio de Janeiro, separately for cisgender men who have sex with men, heterosexual-identified cisgender men and women, and transgender women of any sexual orientation, and key informant interviews (n = 7) with infectious disease specialists and HIV/AIDS service organization staff. Content analysis identified socioecological barriers and facilitators to adherence, including individual (e.g., low knowledge, side effects, and substance use), interpersonal (e.g., stigma from partners and health care providers) and structural (e.g., transportation and medication access) barriers. Overlapping and unique barriers emerged by sexual/gender identity. A community-informed, theory-driven ART adherence intervention for adolescents that is organized around identity and leverages social networks has the potential to improve HIV treatment and health outcomes for Brazilian adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie B Biello
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
- Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Evandro Chagas Clinical Research Institute (IPEC)- FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Alberto Edeza
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Luciana Kamel
- Evandro Chagas Clinical Research Institute (IPEC)- FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Peter Salhaney
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Valdiléa Veloso
- Evandro Chagas Clinical Research Institute (IPEC)- FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
- Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Chen L, Baird A, Straub D. Fostering Participant Health Knowledge and Attitudes: An Econometric Study of a Chronic Disease-Focused Online Health Community. J MANAGE INFORM SYST 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/07421222.2018.1550547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Exploring the buffer effect of receiving social support on lonely and emotionally unstable social networking users. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Lewinski AA, Anderson RA, Vorderstrasse AA, Johnson CM. Developing Methods That Facilitate Coding and Analysis of Synchronous Conversations via Virtual Environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUALITATIVE METHODS 2019; 18:10.1177/1609406919842443. [PMID: 31130832 PMCID: PMC6534273 DOI: 10.1177/1609406919842443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Programs via the Internet are uniquely positioned to capture qualitative data. One reason is because the Internet facilitates the creation of a community of similar individuals who can exchange information and support related to living with a chronic illness. Synchronous conversations via the Internet can provide insight into real-time social interaction and the exchange of social support. One way to analyze interactions among individuals is by using qualitative methods such as content, conversation, or discourse analysis. This manuscript describes how we used content analysis with aspects from conversation and discourse analysis to analyze synchronous conversations via the Internet to describe what individuals talk about and how individuals talk in an Internet-mediated interaction. With the increase in Internet interventions that facilitate collection of real-time conversational data, this article provides insight into how combining qualitative methods can facilitate the coding and analysis of these complex data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison A. Lewinski
- Durham Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ruth A. Anderson
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Constance M. Johnson
- School of Nursing, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Saberi P, Neilands TB, Lally MA, Hosek SG, Hightow-Weidman L. The Association between Use of Online Social Networks to Find Sex Partners and Sexually Transmitted Infection Diagnosis among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women Living with HIV. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2019; 18:2325958219867324. [PMID: 31389285 PMCID: PMC6900576 DOI: 10.1177/2325958219867324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Adolescent Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions to examine the association between the use of social media sites to find sex partners and recent diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among 13- to 24-year-old men who have sex with men and transgender women living with HIV. We used linear regression to determine the relationship between the number of STIs and the number of social media sites used to find sex partners with each type of sex act included in the analysis. Secondary analyses substituted frequency of social media site use for number of social media sites. Among 741 participants, for every 1 social media account used to find sex partners, there was a 2.53% (95% confidence interval: 0.28-5.54) increase in STIs. This association was mediated through condomless receptive anal intercourse or condomless insertive anal intercourse but not barrierless oral intercourse. Similar but attenuated associations were found when frequency of social media site use was substituted for number of social media sites. Future research should examine innovative interventions on these social media sites with respect for its users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parya Saberi
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San
Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Torsten B. Neilands
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San
Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michelle A. Lally
- Department of Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University and
Lifespan Hospital System, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Sybil G. Hosek
- Department of Psychiatry, Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL,
USA
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Eijkholt M, Sparling A. Health, honesty and happiness: Authenticity and anonymity in social media participation of individuals with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2018; 27:121-126. [PMID: 30368224 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can impair social participation and lead to isolation. Online platforms could help to increase this participation for individuals with MS, circumventing potential physical, emotional and cognitive barriers. Yet, minimal research has examined the differential impact of online versus face-to face interaction on happiness. OBJECTIVE In our study we analyzed the relationship between honesty, anonymity, and happiness in individuals diagnosed with MS, who reported using online social networks. METHODS We merged answers of 440 individuals from the Davidson Social Participation Survey with the NARCOMS Enrollment and Update Surveys. Descriptive analysis, T-tests, Pearson correlations and OLS multivariate regression analysis were conducted. RESULTS Individuals reported they could be more honest in face-to face interactions than with online contacts, regardless of whether they were anonymous or identifiable. Happiness was associated with honesty or authenticity in in-person interactions. We found a negative association between happiness and honesty for anonymous participants online, and no association between happiness and honesty when using real names. Consistent results emerged for individuals using patient-specific and generic platforms. CONCLUSION Our study implies that anonymity may not improve happiness of individuals with MS. We need to address structural barriers to enable their in-person interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen Eijkholt
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Law, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, Netherlands.
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Where and How to Look for Help Matters: Analysis of Support Exchange in Online Health Communities for People Living with HIV. INFORMATION 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/info9100259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Research is scarce on how direct and indirect support seeking strategies affect support exchange in online health communities. Moreover, prior research has relied mostly on content analysis of forum posts at the post level. In order to generate a more fine-grained analysis of support exchange, we conducted content analysis at the utterance level, taking directness of support seeking, quality of provision, forum type, and seeker gender into account. Our analysis of four popular online support forums for people living with human immunodeficiency virus found that type of support sought and provided, support seeking strategy, and quality of emotional support provision differed in care provider/formal forums versus social/informal forums. Interestingly, indirect support seeking tended to elicit more supportive emotional responses than direct support seeking strategies in all forums; we account for this in terms of type of support sought. Practical implications for online support communities are discussed.
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De Silva D, Ranasinghe W, Bandaragoda T, Adikari A, Mills N, Iddamalgoda L, Alahakoon D, Lawrentschuk N, Persad R, Osipov E, Gray R, Bolton D. Machine learning to support social media empowered patients in cancer care and cancer treatment decisions. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205855. [PMID: 30335805 PMCID: PMC6193663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A primary variant of social media, online support groups (OSG) extend beyond the standard definition to incorporate a dimension of advice, support and guidance for patients. OSG are complementary, yet significant adjunct to patient journeys. Machine learning and natural language processing techniques can be applied to these large volumes of unstructured text discussions accumulated in OSG for intelligent extraction of patient-reported demographics, behaviours, decisions, treatment, side effects and expressions of emotions. New insights from the fusion and synthesis of such diverse patient-reported information, as expressed throughout the patient journey from diagnosis to treatment and recovery, can contribute towards informed decision-making on personalized healthcare delivery and the development of healthcare policy guidelines. Methods and findings We have designed and developed an artificial intelligence based analytics framework using machine learning and natural language processing techniques for intelligent analysis and automated aggregation of patient information and interaction trajectories in online support groups. Alongside the social interactions aspect, patient behaviours, decisions, demographics, clinical factors, emotions, as subsequently expressed over time, are extracted and analysed. More specifically, we utilised this platform to investigate the impact of online social influences on the intimate decision scenario of selecting a treatment type, recovery after treatment, side effects and emotions expressed over time, using prostate cancer as a model. Results manifest the three major decision-making behaviours among patients, Paternalistic group, Autonomous group and Shared group. Furthermore, each group demonstrated diverse behaviours in post-decision discussions on clinical outcomes, advice and expressions of emotion during the twelve months following treatment. Over time, the transition of patients from information and emotional support seeking behaviours to providers of information and emotional support to other patients was also observed. Conclusions Findings from this study are a rigorous indication of the expectations of social media empowered patients, their potential for individualised decision-making, clinical and emotional needs. The increasing popularity of OSG further confirms that it is timely for clinicians to consider patient voices as expressed in OSG. We have successfully demonstrated that the proposed platform can be utilised to investigate, analyse and derive actionable insights from patient-reported information on prostate cancer, in support of patient focused healthcare delivery. The platform can be extended and applied just as effectively to any other medical condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daswin De Silva
- Research Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Weranja Ranasinghe
- Research Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
- Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tharindu Bandaragoda
- Research Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Achini Adikari
- Research Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nishan Mills
- Research Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lahiru Iddamalgoda
- Research Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Damminda Alahakoon
- Research Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Raj Persad
- North Bristol, NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Evgeny Osipov
- Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Richard Gray
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
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Brigden A, Barnett J, Parslow RM, Beasant L, Crawley E. Using the internet to cope with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in adolescence: a qualitative study. BMJ Paediatr Open 2018; 2:e000299. [PMID: 30167477 PMCID: PMC6109806 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2018-000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents are increasingly using online resources for health purposes. Previous studies suggest that online provision of information about chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is neither balanced nor consistent with evidence-based practice. However, little is known about how adolescents with CFS/ME use the internet for their condition and whether this is helpful or harmful. METHODS Nine indepth, semistructured, qualitative interviews were conducted with young people (aged 12-17) recruited from a specialist paediatric CFS/ME service. Interviews explored the types of online resources accessed, motivations for doing so and how resource use related to patterns of coping. RESULTS Around the time of diagnosis, participants focused on gathering facts about CFS/ME and therefore used official resources (eg, National Health Service sites) that were considered reliable. This transitioned to exploring patient-led and peer-led spaces: health forums, Facebook and YouTube. Participants accessed these regularly, over the long term, and valued these sites for the personal stories, emotional content and interactive technology. Patient-led and peer-led sites supported coping, encouraging active behavioural management, providing social support and addressing stigmatised aspects of the condition. CFS/ME put a strain on normal adolescent life, such as identity and friendships. Online resources allowed participants to adapt and maintain a sense of normality. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents who use the internet find online resources helpful in seeking information and social support for their condition. Healthcare services should improve their online resources to meet the needs of younger users, providing evidence-based content in ways that are relevant to adolescents and that can meet the needs for social support, as well as providing information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amberly Brigden
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Julie Barnett
- Department of Psychology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Roxanne Morin Parslow
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lucy Beasant
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Esther Crawley
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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