Description: |
In this project the meaning of online support groups for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and breast cancer is examined. The main research questions are: to what extent do patients use this type of peer-to-peer support? What are the reasons for (not) using online support groups? What are the advantages and disadvantages? And how do these initiatives empower patients?
To this aim, six studies are performed. In study 1 a content analysis is conducted on 1500 messages derived from various discussion groups for the aforementioned conditions. In study 2 a group of participants of various online discussion groups are (qualitatively and quantitatively) questioned about their use of these groups, the perceived advantages and disadvantages and if and how their participation empowers them. In the third study a representative sample of patients, derived from 2 hospitals, are asked to fill out a written questionnaire. Aim is to examine the use of Internet for health-related reasons and the participation in face-to-face and online support groups, and the factors that are associated to this. In study 4 a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is qualitatively questioned about reasons about why they do (not) engage in (online) peer-to-peer support. In the fifth study a survey is sent to all Dutch rheumatologists and oncologist to explore their experiences and attitudes with regard to their patients’ health-related Internet use. In study 6 webmasters of online support groups are interviewed to explore the factors that determine the success of online patients support groups according to the webmasters. |
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