scholarly journals Text Mining for Personalized Knowledge Extraction From Online Support Groups

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (12) ◽  
pp. 1446-1459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tharindu Rukshan Bandaragoda ◽  
Daswin De Silva ◽  
Damminda Alahakoon ◽  
Weranja Ranasinghe ◽  
Damien Bolton
Keyword(s):  
Text Mining ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Knowledge Extraction ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups

Investigation of the “alternative” effects of an online support group for mental health problems among Japanese adults: A cross-sectional study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osamu Kobori ◽  
Naoki Yoshinaga
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Online Support Group ◽  
Usage Frequency

BACKGROUND Owing to the rapid development of social networking services, online support groups vary widely both in goal and structure. Several studies have shown the potential effectiveness of online support groups, such as reducing psychological distress (eg depression) among individuals with mental health problems. However, online support groups often do not aim at effectiveness regarding distress-relief-related outcomes. OBJECTIVE The U2plus.jp (hereinafter U2plus) is an online support group for individuals with depression; in it, people support each other in structured ways while engaging in simple cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises. This study aimed to examine if usage frequency of the U2plus functions are associated with decreased stigma and increased consumer. METHODS In total, 355 U2plus users took part in an online survey. They were asked what therapy they had ever received, how often they logged into it and used each of its functions, and completed the following questionnaires: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Perceived Devaluation Discrimination Scale, and the General Help Seeking Scale. RESULTS Regarding the therapy they received, 89.3% (n=308) had been on medication for mental health problems, and 67.5% (n=233) had received psychotherapy or mental health counselling. Regarding the usage frequency, approximately 20% of the participants signed in to U2plus and used its functions more than once a week. The usage frequency of U2plus functions was not associated with perceived stigma. However, usage frequency of some functions was correlated to help seeking intentions from formal sources (eg doctors and psychologists). Moreover, 90% of the participants had a history of medication for their mental health. Additionally, the more depressed participants were, the more frequently they used U2plus. CONCLUSIONS It was suggested that online support groups may serve as an alternative treatment option for those who are already undergoing pharmacological treatment and are willing to seek help from whatever source they deem helpful.

Online support groups for women with breast cancer

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eilis McCaughan ◽  
Kader Parahoo ◽  
Irene Hueter ◽  
Laurel Northouse
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups

Online Support Groups and Therapy

2009 ◽  
pp. 79-99
Author(s):  
T. Mark Harwood ◽  
Luciano L’Abate
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups

scholarly journals Design, Delivery, Maintenance, and Outcomes of Peer-to-Peer Online Support Groups for People With Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders: Systematic Review

10.2196/15822 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. e15822
Author(s):  
Liam R Maclachlan ◽  
Kathryn Mills ◽  
Belinda J Lawford ◽  
Thorlene Egerton ◽  
Jenny Setchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Musculoskeletal Conditions ◽  
Quantitative Studies

Background Online support groups (OSGs) are one way for people with chronic diseases, their family or friends, and health professionals to communicate, gain information, and provide social support. As the number of peer-to-peer OSGs for chronic musculoskeletal conditions grows, it is important to gain insight into the different designs of groups available, who is accessing them, if and how they may be effective, and what strategies are being used to implement or increase consumer engagement. Objective The objectives of this systematic review of people with musculoskeletal conditions were to (1) describe the design features (functions, usage options, moderation, and expert input) of peer-to-peer OSGs, (2) describe the characteristics of the individuals using peer-to-peer OSGs, (3) synthesize the evidence on outcomes of participation, and (4) identify strategies used in the delivery and maintenance of OSGs. Methods A search comprising terms related to the population (people with musculoskeletal disorders) and the intervention (peer-to-peer OSGs) was conducted in 6 databases. Results were filtered from 1990 (internet inception) to February 2019. Studies identified in the search were screened according to predefined eligibility criteria using a 2-step process. Quantitative studies were appraised by 2 reviewers using the Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool. Qualitative studies were appraised by 2 different reviewers using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Extracted data were synthesized narratively. Results We examined 21 studies with low to moderate risk of bias. Of these studies, 13 studies included OSGs hosted on public platforms, 11 studies examined OSGs that were conducted in English, and 6 studies used moderators or peer leaders to facilitate engagement. Studies either reported the number of OSG members (n=1985 across all studies) or the number of posts (range: 223-200,000). The majority of OSG members were females who were not full-time employees and with varied levels of education. There were no randomized controlled trials measuring the efficacy of OSGs. Qualitative and quantitative studies identified empowerment, social support, self-management behavior, and health literacy as primary constructs to measure OSG efficacy. Neutral or marginal improvement was reported in these constructs. Sharing experiences and a greater level of engagement appeared to have an important influence on OSGs efficacy. The extent to which members posted on the website influenced engagement. Conclusions Across a diverse range of designs, languages, included features, and delivery platforms, peer-to-peer OSGs for chronic musculoskeletal conditions attract predominantly female participants of all ages and education levels. The level of participation of a member appears to be related to their perceived benefit, health literacy, and empowerment. Future studies are needed to identify which design and maintenance strategies have superior efficacy and whether there are concomitant improvements in health outcomes for people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions resulting from participation in OSGs. Trial Registration PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42018090326; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42018090326

scholarly journals Relación entre conductas prosociales y participación en grupos online en jóvenes con discapacidad motora

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-66
Author(s):  
Raquel Suriá Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Prosocial Behavior ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Motor Disability ◽  
Virtual Spaces ◽  
Las Mujeres ◽  
Los Grupos

Objetivos. Los objetivos del presente estudio identifican la conducta prosocial de los jóvenes usuarios de los grupos de apoyo online en función del nivel de participación en estos espacios virtuales. Asimismo, se examina si existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la conducta prosocial en función del sexo, edad y grado de severidad de discapacidad.Método. Participaron 114 jóvenes con discapacidad motora (65,8% usuarios participantes activos y un 34,2% usuarios participantes pasivos). El rango de edad fue 20 y 35 años (M = 28,22; DT = 4,02). Contestaron la Escala para la Medición de la Conducta Prosocial en Adultos (2005).Resultados. Los resultados indicaron una conducta prosocial más desarrollada en los jóvenes usuarios participantes de los grupos de apoyo online. Los resultados indican que las mujeres puntúan significativamente más que los varones en todas las dimensiones de conducta prosocial. Además, con la edad aumentan progresivamente las puntuaciones en este constructo.Discusión. Los resultados de este trabajo pueden resultar útiles, pues resaltan que la participación en los grupos de apoyo online podría contribuir en el diseño de programas que potencien la conducta prosocial de los jóvenes con discapacidad motora.Abstract Objectives. The objectives of this study identify prosocial behavior of motor young users of online support groups depending on the participation in these virtual spaces. In addition, to identify significant differences in prosocial behavior according to the gender, age and grade of severity of disability.Method. A total of 114 young people with motor disability participated (65,8% active participants users and 34,2% no active participants users). Aged 20 y 35 (M = 28,22; SD = 4,02). They completed the Prosocialness Scale for Adults (2005).Results. The results indicated more developed prosocial behavior in young participants users of online support groups.  The results indicate that females score significantly higher than males on all dimensions of prosocial behavior. Moreover, the scores in this construct increase progressively with age.Discussion. The results of this study can be useful as they highlight that online support groups could help to design prosocial behavior programs for young with motor disability.

scholarly journals Lifetime Prevalence of Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors in a Sample of 591 Patients Reporting a Prospective Clinical Diagnosis of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeline Divine ◽  
Tory A. Eisenlohr-Moul
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Medical Diagnosis ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Symptoms ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Hormone Sensitive ◽  
And Behaviors

ObjectiveSuicide is the second leading cause of death among Americans ages 10 to 34 (Mars et al., 2019). Recent increases in suicide rates among females are particularly alarming. A large body of evidence points to menstrual cycle influences on self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (STBs) among large, unique subsets of hormone-sensitive people who show changes in emotional and behavioral symptoms which may lead to increased STB risk in the perimenstrual weeks.MethodThis sample represents 591 individuals reporting a prospective medical diagnosis of PMDD, recruited through online support groups focused on PMDD. Participants completed the eC-SSRS online.ResultsMost of the participants were Caucasian and identified as cisgender females; approximately 15% of participants identified as a sexual minority; and roughly 15% identified as a racial or ethnic minority. Mean age was 34.2 (SD=7.8). Of the prospectively diagnosed individuals with PMDD who agreed to respond to questions about suicide, 87% reported lifetime suicidal ideation and 32% reported suicidal behavior.ConclusionsThese high STB rates among females with a prospective PMDD diagnosis evidence the need to include those with STBs in PMDD pathophysiology and treatment studies and amend clinical practice guidelines for PMDD to recommend frequent screenings for STB risk.

Do online support groups help individuals affected by HIV/AIDS?: A systematic review of the quantitative and qualitative literature (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Stewart Coulson ◽  
Heather Buchanan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Illness Management ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hiv Aids

BACKGROUND Online support groups provide opportunities for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS to seek information, advice and support from peers. However, if and how engagement with online support groups helps individuals affected by HIV/AIDS remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the evidence (both quantitative and qualitative) around the benefits of online support groups for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS in terms of psychosocial wellbeing and/or illness management. In addition, the review sought to identify and describe any negative aspects experienced by individuals as well as the types of social support exchanged within such online groups. METHODS A systematic review of English language articles was undertaken using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases searched included Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CENTRAL (Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials) and SCOPUS. Key findings were critically synthesized using a narrative and thematic approach. RESULTS 22 papers met the inclusion criteria from an initial pool of 4501 abstracts. These papers included 5 quantitative, 2 mixed-methods and 15 qualitative studies published between 2007 and 2019. CONCLUSIONS Some cross-sectional and qualitative studies suggest there may be an association between engagement and a range of psychosocial processes and outcomes. However, studies with robust methodological designs are needed to definitively establish whether HIV/AIDS-related online support groups improve psychosocial well-being and/or illness management. Qualitative data highlights users can have negative experiences in terms of interpersonal conflict and the challenges of encountering negative content. In addition, there may be aspects of the internet-mediated nature of the online communication which compromise member experiences. Finally, HIV/AIDS-related online support groups are venues through which individuals can solicit support, most commonly informational or emotional support. Future research should seek to examine the impact of engagement with online support groups over time including appropriate control or comparison groups. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

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