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Callen S, Oxlad M. Support sought and offered online for miscarriage: content analysis of a Facebook miscarriage support group. Psychol Health 2024:1-20. [PMID: 39039665 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2024.2382790] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Responses to miscarriage can vary, with many, but not all, people describing inadequate support, feelings of isolation and significant psychological distress. Limited knowledge exists about the support that people seek and offer online following miscarriage. We aimed to explore how people impacted by miscarriage use an online Facebook support group to seek and offer support. METHODS AND MEASURES We employed directed content analysis to examine 270 opening posts and 3,484 responding comments within an 'open' Facebook support group for miscarriage. Opening posts and responding comments were coded into five social support categories using an existing support framework. RESULTS Informational Support, particularly medical information or advice, was the most commonly sought support in opening posts, followed by Emotional Support, where people expressed their grief-related feelings. In responding comments, Emotional Support and Informational Support were predominantly offered. CONCLUSION While not a substitute for appropriate medical care, people impacted by miscarriage seek and offer support online. Health professionals should be aware of this behaviour and discuss potential benefits and risks of online support with patients. A social support framework may usefully guide health professionals in identifying patients' support needs and in knowing how to support patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Callen
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Melissa Oxlad
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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2
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Kasson E, Filiatreau LM, Davet K, Kaiser N, Sirko G, Bekele M, Cavazos-Rehg P. Examining Symptoms of Stimulant Misuse and Community Support Among Members of a Recovery-Oriented Online Community. J Psychoactive Drugs 2024; 56:422-432. [PMID: 37381990 PMCID: PMC10755072 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2228781] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Misuse of prescription and non-prescription stimulants and related overdose deaths represent a growing public health crisis that warrants immediate intervention. We examined 100 posts and their respective comments from a public, recovery-oriented Reddit community in January 2021 to explore content related to DSM-V stimulant use disorder symptoms, access and barriers to recovery, and peer support. Using inductive and deductive methods, a codebook was developed with the following primary themes: 1) DSM-V Symptoms and Risk Factors, 2) Stigma/Shame, 3) Seeking Advice or Information, 4) Supportive or Unsupportive Comments. In 37% of posts community members reported taking high doses and engaging in prolonged misuse of stimulants. Nearly half of posts in the sample (46%) were seeking advice for recovery, but 42% noted fear of withdrawal symptoms or a loss of productivity (18%) as barriers to abstinence or a reduction in use. Concerns related to stigma, shame, hiding use from others (30%), and comorbid mental health conditions (34%) were also noted. Social media content analysis allows for insight into information about lived experiences of individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Future online interventions should address recovery barriers related to stigma and shame as well as fears associated with the physical and psychological impact of quitting stimulant misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Kasson
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Lindsey M. Filiatreau
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Kevin Davet
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Nina Kaiser
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Georgi Sirko
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Mehaly Bekele
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007
| | - Patricia Cavazos-Rehg
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
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Sharma A, Bath PA, Zhang Z. Social Support in a Diabetes Online Community: Mixed Methods Content Analysis. JMIR Diabetes 2023; 8:e41320. [PMID: 36607714 PMCID: PMC9945924 DOI: 10.2196/41320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with diabetes may experience different needs according to their diabetes stage. These needs may be met via online health communities in which individuals seek health-related information and exchange different types of social support. Understanding the social support categories that may be more important for different diabetes stages may help diabetes online communities (DOCs) provide more tailored support to web-based users. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore and quantify the categorical patterns of social support observed in a DOC, taking into consideration users' different diabetes stages, including prediabetes, type 2 diabetes (T2D), T2D with insulin treatment, and T2D remission. METHODS Data were collected from one of the largest DOCs in Europe: Diabetes.co.uk. Drawing on a mixed methods content analysis, a qualitative content analysis was conducted to explore what social support categories could be identified in users' posts. A total of 1841 posts were coded by 5 human annotators according to a modified version of the Social Support Behavior Code, including 7 different social support categories: achievement, congratulations, network support, seeking emotional support, seeking informational support, providing emotional support, and providing informational support. Subsequently, quantitative content analysis was conducted using chi-square post hoc analysis to compare the most prominent social support categories across different stages of diabetes. RESULTS Seeking informational support (605/1841, 32.86%) and providing informational support (597/1841, 32.42%) were the most frequent categories exchanged among users. The overall distribution of social support categories was significantly different across the diabetes stages (χ218=287.2; P<.001). Users with prediabetes sought more informational support than those in other stages (P<.001), whereas there were no significant differences in categories posted by users with T2D (P>.001). Users with T2D under insulin treatment provided more informational and emotional support (P<.001), and users with T2D in remission exchanged more achievement (P<.001) and network support (P<.001) than those in other stages. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to highlight what, how, and when different types of social support may be beneficial at different stages of diabetes. Multiple stakeholders may benefit from these findings that may provide novel insights into how these categories can be strategically used and leveraged to support diabetes management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter A Bath
- Health Informatics Research Group, Information School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Ziqi Zhang
- Information Retrieval Research Group, Information School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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McCall T, Threats M, Pillai M, Lakdawala A, Bolton CS. Recommendations for design of a mobile application to support management of anxiety and depression among Black American women. Front Digit Health 2022; 4:1028408. [PMID: 36620185 PMCID: PMC9816326 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2022.1028408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Black American women experience adverse health outcomes due to anxiety and depression. They face systemic barriers to accessing culturally appropriate mental health care leading to the underutilization of mental health services and resources. Mobile technology can be leveraged to increase access to culturally relevant resources, however, the specific needs and preferences that Black women feel are useful in an app to support management of anxiety and depression are rarely reflected in existing digital health tools. This study aims to assess what types of content, features, and important considerations should be included in the design of a mobile app tailored to support management of anxiety and depression among Black women. Focus groups were conducted with 20 women (mean age 36.6 years, SD 17.8 years), with 5 participants per group. Focus groups were led by a moderator, with notetaker present, using an interview guide to discuss topics, such as participants' attitudes and perceptions towards mental health and use of mental health services, and content, features, and concerns for design of a mobile app to support management of anxiety and depression. Descriptive qualitative content analysis was conducted. Recommendations for content were either informational (e.g., information to find a Black woman therapist) or inspirational (e.g., encouraging stories about overcoming adversity). Suggested features allow users to monitor their progress, practice healthy coping techniques, and connect with others. The importance of feeling "a sense of community" was emphasized. Transparency about who created and owns the app, and how users' data will be used and protected was recommended to establish trust. The findings from this study were consistent with previous literature which highlighted the need for educational, psychotherapy, and personal development components for mental health apps. There has been exponential growth in the digital mental health space due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, a one-size-fits-all approach may lead to more options but continued disparity in receiving mental health care. Designing a mental health app for and with Black women may help to advance digital health equity by providing a tool that addresses their specific needs and preferences, and increase engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terika McCall
- Division of Health Informatics, Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States,Center for Medical Informatics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA), Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States,Correspondence: Terika McCall
| | - Megan Threats
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA), Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States,School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Malvika Pillai
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States,Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | | | - Clinton S. Bolton
- Rex Bariatric Specialists, Rex/UNC Hospitals, Raleigh, NC, United States
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Hooper A, Schweiker C, Kerch C. Social support in a parenting Facebook group during the COVID-19 pandemic. FAMILY RELATIONS 2022; 72:FARE12804. [PMID: 36718195 PMCID: PMC9877729 DOI: 10.1111/fare.12804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Objective This paper includes a mixed methods content analysis of a parenting Facebook group focused on COVID-19. We analyze participants' posts to identify the types of support parents sought and gave. Background The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased parental stress and challenges related to children's development. Many families turned to social media as a source of information and social support. Method We analyzed 1,180 posts from a large, closed Facebook group focused on parenting during COVID-19. We coded posts using a modified version of social support theory and supplemented this analysis with codes related to giving and receiving support, post format, and topic. Results Participants frequently offered informational support, typically reposting content from other sources. There were fewer instances of soliciting support, but these posts had significantly more comments. The most common topics discussed were parenting and child development, remote schooling support, literacy, and adult mental health. Conclusion Findings illustrate the benefits and challenges of online support communities for parents, especially those on social media platforms. Implications These results suggest areas where parents may need or want support during and after COVID-19 and ways in which social media can serve as a form of parenting social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Hooper
- Curriculum and InstructionThe University of AlabamaTuscaloosaAL
| | | | - Cailin Kerch
- Curriculum and InstructionThe University of AlabamaTuscaloosaAL
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Rothschild N, Aharony N. Motivations for sharing personal information and self-disclosure in public and private Facebook groups of mentally ill people. ASLIB J INFORM MANAG 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/ajim-02-2022-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThis study explores the motivations for sharing personal information and self-disclosure by mentally ill people in public and private Facebook groups. The purpose of the self-disclosure comparison between public and private groups is to understand how mentally ill people use different kinds of online communication channels in order to advance their goals and needs concerning their illness.Design/methodology/approachThe study was carried out using questionnaires distributed in Facebook groups for people with mental illnesses. A total of 123 full and valid questionnaires were received. Statistical analysis was performed on the data.FindingsFindings revealed that there are no significant differences between public and private groups concerning motivations for self-disclosure and that both types of groups create a safe and supportive place for mentally ill people. However, findings suggest that participants in public groups tend to display higher social involvement than those who participate in private groups.Originality/valueThis is a path breaking study on the entire subject of discourse of people with mental illnesses in private Facebook groups and its importance is derived from this. The study clarified and emphasized the importance of the sense of belonging to a community. Moreover, findings encourage people with mental illnesses to make use of social media channels to meet their social and personal needs.
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Ghate R, Hossain R, Lewis SP, Richter MA, Sinyor M. Characterizing the content, messaging, and tone of trichotillomania on YouTube: A content analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 151:150-156. [PMID: 35486996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trichotillomania is associated with secrecy and reluctance to seek help due to shame and lack of knowledge. Social media can connect people with similar lived experience. However, there is no literature regarding online communities related to trichotillomania. This study is a content analysis of depictions of trichotillomania on YouTube to identify the potential role of social media in this disorder. METHODS We used a cross-sectional observational study to examine the 100 most-viewed YouTube videos for trichotillomania content until June 2018. Up to 96 variables were abstracted from each video including demographics, characteristics of the videos, and depictions of trichotillomania. RESULTS View counts ranged from 9,186 to 15,597,149. Uploaders had a mean age of 20.1 years, were mostly female (85%) and appearing Caucasian (63%). Nearly half of the videos were self-filmed stories (48%). Most had a neutral message (44%), provided strategies to stop hair-pulling (31%), or focused on stimulating discussion (17%). Approximately half had a factual tone (51%) and many were hopeful (44%). Videos accurately described hair-pulling and associated characteristics. LIMITATIONS This study was limited to an analysis of video content. Future research should examine the comments on the videos as well as other social media platforms. It may also be important to assess the socioeconomic status of video uploaders and ensure the broader accessibility of positive messages on trichotillomania. CONCLUSIONS People with trichotillomania may find positive messages, information, and helpful recommendations on YouTube. This may represent an under-leveraged venue to improve clinical outcomes for people with trichotillomania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Ghate
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rahat Hossain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen P Lewis
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret A Richter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Sinyor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Reilly R, Stephens J, Micklem J, Tufanaru C, Harfield S, Fisher I, Pearson O, Ward J. Use and uptake of web-based therapeutic interventions amongst Indigenous populations in Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America and Canada: a scoping review. Syst Rev 2020; 9:123. [PMID: 32475342 PMCID: PMC7262751 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-020-01374-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Barriers to receiving optimal healthcare exist for Indigenous populations globally for a range of reasons. To overcome such barriers and enable greater access to basic and specialist care, developments in information and communication technologies are being applied. The focus of this scoping review is on web-based therapeutic interventions (WBTI) that aim to provide guidance, support and treatment for health problems. OBJECTIVES This review identifies and describes international scientific evidence on WBTI used by Indigenous peoples in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA for managing and treating a broad range of health conditions. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies assessing WBTI designed for Indigenous peoples in Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand, that were published in English, in peer-reviewed literature, from 2006 to 2018 (inclusive), were considered for inclusion in the review. Studies were considered if more than 50% of participants were Indigenous, or if results were reported separately for Indigenous participants. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE Following a four-step search strategy in consultation with a research librarian, 12 databases were searched with a view to finding both published and unpublished studies. CHARTING METHODS Data was extracted, synthesised and reported under four main conceptual categories: (1) types of WBTI used, (2) community uptake of WBTI, (3) factors that impact on uptake and (4) conclusions and recommendations for practice. RESULTS A total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria. The WBTI used were interactive websites, screening and assessment tools, management and monitoring tools, gamified avatar-based psychological therapy and decision support tools. Other sources reported the use of mobile apps, multimedia messaging or a mixture of intervention tools. Most sources reported moderate uptake and improved health outcomes for Indigenous people. Suggestions to improve uptake included as follows: tailoring content and presentation formats to be culturally relevant and appropriate, customisable and easy to use. CONCLUSIONS Culturally appropriate, evidence-based WBTI have the potential to improve health, overcome treatment barriers and reduce inequalities for Indigenous communities. Access to WBTI, alongside appropriate training, allows health care workers to better support their Indigenous clients. Developing WBTI in partnership with Indigenous communities ensures that these interventions are accepted and promoted by the communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Reilly
- Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. .,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Jacqueline Stephens
- Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jasmine Micklem
- Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Catalin Tufanaru
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Harfield
- Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ike Fisher
- Institute of Urban Indigenous Health, Windsor, Queensland, Australia
| | - Odette Pearson
- Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - James Ward
- Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Zhu P, Shen J, Xu M. Patients' Willingness to Share Information in Online Patient Communities: Questionnaire Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e16546. [PMID: 32234698 PMCID: PMC7160706 DOI: 10.2196/16546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Online patient communities provide new channels for users to access and share medical information. In-depth study of users’ willingness to share information in online patient communities is of great significance for improving the level of information sharing among the patient community and the long-term development of communities. Objective The aim of this study was to build a model of factors affecting patients’ willingness to share medical information from the perspective of both positive and negative utilities. Specifically, we aimed to determine the influence of online information support and privacy concerns, as well as the moderating effect of disease severity and information sensitivity of different patients on their willingness to share. Methods Data from 490 users with experience in online patient communities were collected through a questionnaire survey, and structural equations were applied to empirically verify the model hypotheses. Results Privacy concerns negatively affected the patients’ willingness to share information (P<.001), whereas online information support positively affected patients’ willingness to share information (P<.001), and information sensitivity negatively moderated the impact of online information support on sharing willingness (P=.01). Disease severity positively moderated the impact of privacy concerns on sharing willingness (P=.05). However, the hypotheses that information sensitivity is a negative moderator and disease severity is a positive moderator of the impact of privacy concerns on sharing willingness could not be supported. Conclusions To improve the level of user information sharing, the online patient community should design a safe user registration process, ensure the confidentiality of information, reduce the privacy concerns of users, and accurately identify the information needs of patients to provide personalized support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Zhu
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiang Shen
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Man Xu
- Business School, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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