Analyzing Knowledge Construction in Online Health Group Discussion

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (01) ◽  
pp. 1750009
Author(s):  
Achmad Ghazali ◽  
Alexei Tretiakov ◽  
Dematria Pringgabayu ◽  
Dany Muhammad Athory Ramdlany
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Knowledge Construction ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Online Discussions ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Information Integrity

The ongoing transition to the patient-centred healthcare paradigm suggests that patients adopt an active role in managing their health conditions. As a result, the Internet is becoming an important source of health-related information. Internet-based health support groups allow patients to access diverse information relevant to their particular situation by participating in online discussions. The quality of such information may have effects on the patients’ health outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of knowledge construction in health support group online discussions on perceived information quality, information quality from the perspective of information consumers, and on information integrity, that is, validity from the point of view of the current state of scientific knowledge. It was hypothesised that knowledge construction results in better perceived information quality and in higher information integrity. A health support group online discussion site devoted to weight management was used as a source of data. Quantitative content analysis was used with a discussion thread as a unit of analysis. Based on the findings, the study suggested that moderators of health support group online discussions should promote explicitation or lower level knowledge construction by encouraging clarifications and refinements of health-related recommendations. Moreover, participation of qualified health practitioners is desirable to promote health-related behaviours based on evidence-based knowledge and to expose recommendations that have uncertain or even dangerous effects.

Mutual Support Groups With Parents of Leukemic Children

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1974 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-118
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Lambi
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Similar Group ◽  
Mutual Support ◽  
Pediatric Department ◽  
Mutual Support Groups ◽  
Excellent Article

Having read the article, "Group Discussion With the Parents of Leukemic Children," by Heffron et al. (Pediatrics, 52:831, 1973) with great interest, I would like to suggest that similar group meetings are being held at other centers. I draw to your attention the excellent article, "Helping the Parents of Children With Leukemia," by Knapp and Hansen, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles (Social Work, Vol. 18, No. 4, July 1973). Dr. Brian McSheffrey and I, through our contact with leukemic children in the Pediatric Department of University Hospital, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, have been experimenting with mutual support group for parents of leukemic children since November 1971.

scholarly journals Supporting parents and healthy behaviours through parent-child meetings – a qualitative study in the Netherlands

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gülcan Bektas ◽  
Femke Boelsma ◽  
Carline L. Wesdorp ◽  
Jacob C. Seidell ◽  
Vivianne E. Baur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Parent Support ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Parent Support Group ◽  
Parent Support Groups ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Parent Child

Abstract Background The first 2 years of a child’s life have been found to be crucial to healthy growth and development. Parent support groups can help parents to promote health-related behaviours during this crucial period. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of parents who participated in a parent support group (Parent-Child Meetings) which promoted health-related behaviours of their children, and to determine whether and how these meetings supported them in promoting these behaviours. Methods We used a qualitative study design. The parent support group consisted of weekly Parent-Child Meetings organized in a multi-ethnic, relatively low-income neighbourhood in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Data on the experiences of parents was collected through participatory observations, informal conversations (n = 30 sessions) and semi-structured interviews (n = 13) between April 2019 and March 2020. The data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Results Parents indicated that they experienced the parent-child meetings as enjoyable and as providing them with socio-emotional support. They reported that the meetings increased their parenting knowledge, skills and practices regarding healthy behaviours of their children and that they used this knowledge in their daily lives. They also appreciated the practical information and advice provided by experts in the meetings. Parents indicated that the positive attitude of the experts was crucial in accepting and adopting their advice. Additionally, parents valued the interactive and hands-on workshops, which integrated health-related behaviours and active play with children, as it enabled them to learn while they played with their children. Conclusion This study indicated that parent-child meetings contributed to enhancing parental knowledge, skills and practices regarding healthy behaviours of their children. This could potentially benefit the health of children during the first 2 years of their lives. In particular, the peer support of other parents, the hands-on workshops, and the concrete advice and information provided in an informal setting were highly valued by parents. Future parent support groups could use these findings to improve their meetings or to start meetings that better suit the needs of parents with young children.

scholarly journals ThroughBlue: A support group for women affected by depression

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-63
Author(s):  
Trish McBride ◽  
Jane Fuller
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Australian Study ◽  
Therapeutic Value ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Way

Recent US research has validated the benefits and therapeutic value of peer support groups as a treatment component for depression, as has a 2008 Australian study of a women’s mental health support group. As facilitators working weekly with ThroughBlue, a support group of women who have experience of depression, we had already discovered the truth of their findings. This paper is a description of the way this Wellington group works, and may be of use to others looking to set up or facilitate similar groups elsewhere.

scholarly journals After the ordeal: health communication messages in a pregnancy-OSG

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Titi Nur Vidyarini
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Medical Expert ◽  
Online Support Group ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Use Of Internet

The increase use of internet open up a broad spectrum of usage. Among those are the use of sharing platform such as Instagram and facebook for particular communities. Support groups are essential part of health treatment and recovery, in this case for pregnancy condition. One can try to find solace and information through online support group. Online support group enable people from around the globe to communicate, discuss and encourage others with similar condition. This article delves the question of how women use internet-based health support group. The researcher conduct qualitative discourse analysis on an online pregnancy support group and various literatures which explores the use of internet-based support group. The findings show that women use online support group because they found lack of support offline, they need information and emotional support regarding their pregnancy loss and the recovery process, the role of medical expert and the spouses are perceived differently.

Group Experiences and Individual Differences in Stuttering

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (12) ◽  
pp. 4335-4350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth E. Tichenor ◽  
J. Scott Yaruss
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Affective States ◽  
Life Outcomes ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Group Experiences ◽  
History Of ◽  
Adults Who Stutter

Purpose This study explored group experiences and individual differences in the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings perceived by adults who stutter. Respondents' goals when speaking and prior participation in self-help/support groups were used to predict individual differences in reported behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Method In this study, 502 adults who stutter completed a survey examining their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings in and around moments of stuttering. Data were analyzed to determine distributions of group and individual experiences. Results Speakers reported experiencing a wide range of both overt behaviors (e.g., repetitions) and covert behaviors (e.g., remaining silent, choosing not to speak). Having the goal of not stuttering when speaking was significantly associated with more covert behaviors and more negative cognitive and affective states, whereas a history of self-help/support group participation was significantly associated with a decreased probability of these behaviors and states. Conclusion Data from this survey suggest that participating in self-help/support groups and having a goal of communicating freely (as opposed to trying not to stutter) are associated with less negative life outcomes due to stuttering. Results further indicate that the behaviors, thoughts, and experiences most commonly reported by speakers may not be those that are most readily observed by listeners.

Stuttering-Related Podcasts: Audio-Based Self-Help for People Who Stutter

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1131-1138
Author(s):  
Lauren E. Dignazio ◽  
Megan M. Kenny ◽  
Erik X. Raj ◽  
Kyle D. Pelkey
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Group Leaders ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Group Members

Purpose It is known that people who stutter (PWS) benefit from self-help experiences, such as attending support groups or conferences. However, limited research has been done to explore the listening of stuttering-related podcasts as a form of self-help for PWS. This study seeks to understand the reasons why PWS listen to stuttering-related podcasts and provide descriptions of their listening experiences. Method Thirty-three PWS who have listened to stuttering-related podcasts were recruited to participate in an online survey that included multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Responses were analyzed and grouped into descriptive themes. Results Participants reported listening to stuttering-related podcasts as a way to gain information and perspective. They also reported experiences that fit themes of empowerment and camaraderie, as a result of listening. Conclusions Stuttering-related podcasts seem to be a positive self-help tool for PWS. Stuttering support group leaders and/or speech-language pathologists may consider introducing their group members or clients who stutter to this type of audio-based self-help experience.

Measuring Relevant Information in Health Social Network Conversations and Clinical Diagnosis Cases (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Moreira ◽  
Raul Alonso-Calvo ◽  
Alberto Muñoz ◽  
Jose Crespo
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Online Discussions ◽  
Biomedical Knowledge ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health Social Network ◽  
Discussion System ◽  
Clinical Cases

BACKGROUND Internet and Social media is an enormous source of information. Health Social Networks and online collaborative environments enable users to create shared content that afterwards can be discussed. While social media discussions for health related matters constitute a potential source of knowledge, characterizing the relevance of participations from different users is a challenging task. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper is to present a methodology designed for quantifying relevant information provided by different participants in clinical online discussions. METHODS A set of key indicators for different aspects of clinical conversations and specific clinical contributions within a discussion have been defined. These indicators make use of biomedical knowledge extraction based on standard terminologies and ontologies. These indicators allow measuring the relevance of information of each participant of the clinical conversation. RESULTS Proposed indicators have been applied to two discussions extracted from PatientsLikeMe, as well as to two real clinical cases from the Sanar collaborative discussion system. Results obtained from indicators in the tested cases have been compared with clinical expert opinions to check indicators validity. CONCLUSIONS The methodology has been successfully used for describing participant interactions in real clinical cases belonging to a collaborative clinical case discussion tool and from a conversation from a Health Social Network.

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 ANALYSIS OF ONLINE INFORMATION ON SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS FOR CROHN’S DISEASE PATIENTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S52-S53
Author(s):  
Jooyoung Moon ◽  
Hanna Moon
Keyword(s):  
Crohn’S Disease ◽  
Crohn's Disease ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Online Support Group ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Group Meetings ◽  
Google Search

Abstract Background In 2018, the American College of Gastroenterology published guidelines for Crohn’s disease management that emphasized the importance of addressing the patient’s quality of life (QOL). Due to the unique challenges that they face, afflicted patients and their families benefit from support groups that provide psychosocial support. Hospitals have traditionally preferred in-person support group meetings, but there has recently been a great increase in the need for online meetings amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. With increasing usage of the Internet for health advice and assistance, it is important to assess the availability of information on support groups online. Methods Two independent investigators queried the terms “Crohn’s support group” using the Google search engine. The first 100 websites were analyzed and categorized into either informational websites (IW) or professional websites (PW) depending on their association. The mode of support group meetings was categorized as either online or in-person. Websites that included outdated events, were inaccessible, did not specify the mode of meeting, required additional contact, or were irrelevant were excluded. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-squared test of independence with significance level at p<0.05. Results A total of 56 websites (33 IW, 23 PW) met our inclusion criteria. IW offered online meetings more often than PW (60.6% and 39.1%, respectively; p=0.11). In contrast, PW offered in-person meetings more often than IW (73.9% and 69.7%, respectively; p=0.73). Excluded websites (30 IW, 14 PW) were further analyzed for their reason for elimination. For IW, the most frequent causes of exclusion in descending order were as follows: irrelevance (30.0%), outdated (26.7%), inaccessible (20.0%), did not specify the mode of meeting (13.3%), and redirected for further information (10.0%). Listing of outdated sessions was the most common reason for exclusion of PW from the study (57.1%), and the proportion was significantly higher than IW (26.7%) (p=0.01). Conclusion Crohn’s disease patients face unique challenges that require special attention. Support groups are an important means of alleviating stress, depression, and anxiety in order to improve their QOL. Yet, due to the COVID-19 social distancing policies, many are refrained from participating in in-person sessions. This study illustrates that more online support group meetings are needed and that professional websites should improve on making regular updates for future meeting sessions.

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