scholarly journals Expert-Moderated Peer-to-Peer Online Support Group for People With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Mixed Methods Randomized Controlled Pilot and Feasibility Study (Preprint)

10.2196/32627 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thorlene Egerton ◽  
Belinda J Lawford ◽  
Penny K Campbell ◽  
Melanie L Plinsinga ◽  
Libby Spiers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Psychosexual distress in women with gynecologic cancer: a feasibility study of an online support group

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 930-935 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine C. Classen ◽  
Meredith L. Chivers ◽  
Sara Urowitz ◽  
Lisa Barbera ◽  
David Wiljer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Gynecologic Cancer ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Group

scholarly journals Engaging Older Adults With Parkinson’s Disease in Physical Activity Using Technology: A Feasibility Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 233372141984267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda Hermanns ◽  
Barbara K. Haas ◽  
Jerome Lisk
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Group ◽  
Activity Tracker

Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, presents unique and daily challenges. Living with PD may limit one’s physical activity and negatively affect quality of life (QOL). No studies were identified that utilized online technology to promote health in this population. The purposes of this study were to (a) assess the feasibility of an intervention that requires wearing a physical activity tracker and participating in an online support group, and (b) examine the effect of this intervention on the self-efficacy for physical activity and QOL of older adults with PD. A 12-week longitudinal pretest/posttest design was used to assess physical activity, engagement in an online support group, self-efficacy, and QOL. A postintervention questionnaire was used to capture the participants’ ( n = 5) experience using the physical activity tracker and an electronic tablet to engage in an online support group. The sample size of this feasibility study precluded robust quantitative analysis of QOL or self-efficacy. Findings from the open-ended questionnaire suggest technology was challenging for most participants, yet it did provide social support. Teaching effective interventions to promote self-management for increasing physical activity, and consequently improving QOL, is recommended. While technology can assist, older persons with PD may experience technological challenges.

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.

scholarly journals Exploring Unmet Needs from an Online Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group: A Qualitative Study

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 693
Author(s):  
Aravinthan Kadravello ◽  
Seng-Beng Tan ◽  
Gwo-Fuang Ho ◽  
Ranjit Kaur ◽  
Cheng-Har Yip
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Metastatic Breast Cancer ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Group ◽  
The Public

Background and Objective: Despite the increasing treatment options for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), unmet needs remain common, especially in low and middle-income countries where resources are limited and MBC patients face many challenges. They often join support groups to cope with their unmet needs. Currently, many MBC patients connect with each other via online support group in view of the constant availability of support and rapid information exchange. The objective of this study is to determine the unmet needs of women with MBC from an online support group. Material and Methods: Messages in an online support group of twenty-two MBC patients over a period of three years from August 2016 till August 2019 were thematically analyzed. Results: Three themes were generated, (1) unmet information needs (2) unmet financial needs (3) unmet support needs. Women needed information on side effects of treatment, new treatment options and availability of clinical trials. Although Malaysia has universal health care coverage, access to treatment remains a major challenge. When treatment was not available in the public hospitals, or waiting lists were too long, women were forced to seek treatment in private hospitals, incurring financial catastrophe. Insufficient private insurance and inadequate social security payments force many women to consider stopping treatment. Women felt that they were not getting support from their clinicians in the public sector, who were quick to stop active treatment and advise palliation. On the other hand, clinicians in the private sector advise expensive treatment beyond the financial capability of the patients. Women with families also face the challenge of managing their family and household in addition to coping with their illness. Conclusions: There is a need for healthcare professionals, policy makers, and civil society to better address the needs of MBC patients through patient-centered, multidisciplinary and multi-organizational collaboration.

Patient-reported barriers to online meetings: The case of a myeloma support group in western Kenya in the era of COVID-19.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e24036-e24036
Author(s):  
Mercy Oduor ◽  
Kelvin Manyega ◽  
Therese Lotodo ◽  
Austin Okuku ◽  
Diana Namaemba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Support Group ◽  
Patient Support Group ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Group Meetings

e24036 Background: Multiple myeloma is a chronic progressive disease that calls for extended survivorship support post-diagnosis. Pre- COVID-19, the AMPATH Multiple Myeloma Program had created support groups for myeloma survivors and their caregivers that regularly met for health education, emotional support, and social opportunities. With the enforcement COVID-19 prevention and control protocols physical support group meetings became impossible. The program shifted to the online platform to sustain peer to peer support for myeloma patients and caregivers. We aim to describe challenges faced with online patient support group meetings as this has not been well documented in a resource-constrained setting. Methods: Myeloma patients and caregivers at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital were contacted and a meeting date and time agreed. Participants were briefed on how to download and operate the zoom application in preparation for online meetings. A meeting link was shared with the expected attendees and a reminder sent two days before a meeting. Support group meetings were held for different groups among them myeloma survivors and caregivers. The meeting sessions were led by healthcare professionals – hematology consultants, social workers, nutritionist and psychosocial counsellors. Peer-to-peer sessions were also held. Results: Six online meeting sessions were held between June 2020 and December 2020. A total of 199 participants were expected to join the six different meetings but a low meeting turn-out of 25.6% was experienced. Participants were later contacted to unravel the reasons for a low turn-out. A total of 129 participants were contacted of which 88 responded. Out of the 88 respondents, 29% reported a tight work schedule, 25% short time meeting alerts, 20% did not have access to smartphones, and 8% had poor internet connectivity and another 8% reported no internet data bundles to connect to the internet. Conclusions: Low attendance of online meetings was observed. Participants cited scheduling and internet access as major obstacles to attending online support group meetings. Improved access to the internet through smartphones, reliable internet connection, and affordable data are needed in underserved communities to fully unlock the benefits of virtual platforms namely cost savings and effective information sharing.

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