Using Qualitative Analysis to Assess a Model of Support for Online Health Communities for People Living with Chronic Health Conditions (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Online health communities (OHC) can be a powerful tool to facilitate communication among patients, professionals and family members who live with or care for someone with a chronic health condition(s). Health Union LLC’s OHC model engages, empowers and encourages people to take an active role in their health by providing content that aligns with their needs and interests and by cultivating a safe environment where communication, understanding and meaningful relationships can thrive. OHCs included in this study target people living with multiple sclerosis, migraine, IBS, rheumatoid arthritis, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE Using qualitative methods we sought to determine if constructs in the Health Union OHC model are supported by themes identified in OHC participant comments. Key components of the model to be tested include: content tailored to needs of community, facilitation, and encouragement of social support, active moderation, opportunities for active and passive engagement, and transparency of community norms and rules. METHODS A sample of over 5800 comments exported from over 40 Facebook posts from 6 OHCs was analyzed using the Dedoose qualitative data analysis software. Comments from these Facebook posts were extracted, imported into Dedoose software and coded. Interrater reliability of initial coding was calculated using Pearson Correlation Coefficient. An exploratory approach was taken in the analysis and initial codes were grouped into thematic categories and then confirmed through thematic network/framework analysis using the Dedosse software tool. Thematic categories were compared for similarity and differences for each of the 6 OHCs, original post type, and by the extent of active moderation evident in each comment thread. RESULTS Qualitative thematic network analysis of posts and comments from 6 OHCs correspond to the primary components of the Health Union OHC model. This analysis suggests that the structural elements of the OHC model, including active site moderation, support high levels of community engagement and information sharing and mutual support of OHC participants. CONCLUSIONS Qualitative data from the 6 OHCs demonstrates the positive impact the community has on participants, often helping them reframe their health care experience and coping strategies. The principle of adaptive engagement is demonstrated by the thematic network analysis and illustrates the Health Union OHC model constructs. Different community segments have different patterns of engagement. Our primary focus on the content of participant comments in this analysis is a current limitation. While we also examine more passive methods of liking and sharing posts utilized by OHC participants, these may warrant further analysis. This study has practical significance as it helps to demonstrate the value of online health communities for people living with chronic health conditions by providing meaningful engagement, support, and information in an accessible environment.

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Qualitative Assessment of an Adaptive Engagement Model for Online Health Communities (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.13265 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Brian M. Green ◽

Katelyn Tente Van Horn ◽

Ketki Gupte ◽

Amrita Bhowmick

Keyword(s):

Network Analysis ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Qualitative Assessment ◽

Practical Significance ◽

Chronic Health ◽

Online Health Communities ◽

Health Communities ◽

Thematic Network Analysis

BACKGROUND Online health communities (OHC) can be a powerful tool to facilitate communication among patients, professionals and family members who live with or care for someone with a chronic health condition(s). Health Union LLC’s OHC Adaptive Engagement Model engages, empowers and encourages people to take an active role in their health. OHCs included in this study are for people living with multiple sclerosis, migraine, IBS, rheumatoid arthritis, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE This research uses qualitative methods to identify themes supporting the constructs of the Health Union OHC model. Key components of the model to be tested include: content tailored to needs of community, facilitation and encouragement of social support, active moderation, opportunities for active and passive engagement, and transparency of community norms and rules. METHODS A sample of over 5,800 comments exported from over 40 Facebook posts from 6 OHCs was analyzed using the Dedoose™ qualitative data analysis software. Comments from these Facebook posts were extracted, imported into Dedoose™ software and coded. Interrater reliability of initial coding was calculated using Pearson’ Correlation Coefficient. An exploratory approach was taken in the analysis and initial codes were grouped into thematic categories and then confirmed through thematic network analysis using the Dedoose™ software tool. Thematic categories were compared for similarity and differences for each of the 6 OHCs, and by content descriptive category. RESULTS Qualitative thematic network analysis of posts and comments from 6 OHCs correspond to the primary components of the Health Union OHC Adaptive Engagement Model. This analysis suggests that the structural elements of the model, including active site moderation, support high levels of community engagement and information sharing and mutual support of OHC participants. CONCLUSIONS Qualitative data from the 6 OHCs demonstrate the positive impact the community has on participants, often helping them reframe their healthcare experience and coping strategies. The principle of adaptive engagement is demonstrated by the thematic network analysis and illustrates the Health Union OHC Adaptive Engagement Model constructs. Different community segments have different patterns of was. This study has practical significance as it helps to demonstrate the value of online health communities for people living with chronic health conditions by providing meaningful engagement, support, and information in an accessible environment.

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Assessment of Adaptive Engagement and Support Model for People With Chronic Health Conditions in Online Health Communities: Combined Content Analysis (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.17338 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Brian M Green ◽

Katelyn Tente Van Horn ◽

Ketki Gupte ◽

Megan Evans ◽

Sara Hayes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Content Analysis ◽

Insurance Coverage ◽

Software Tool ◽

Health Condition ◽

Chronic Health Conditions ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Chronic Health ◽

Online Health Communities ◽

Health Communities

BACKGROUND With the pervasiveness of social media, online health communities (OHCs) are an important tool for facilitating information sharing and support among people with chronic health conditions. Importantly, OHCs offer insight into conversations about the lived experiences of people with particular health conditions. Little is known about the aspects of OHCs that are important to maintain safe and productive conversations that support health. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the provision of social support and the role of active moderation in OHCs developed in accordance with and managed by an adaptive engagement model. This study also aimed to identify key elements of the model that are central to the development, maintenance, and adaptation of OHCs for people with chronic health conditions. METHODS This study used combined content analysis, a mixed methods approach, to analyze sampled Facebook post comments from 6 OHCs to understand how key aspects of the adaptive engagement model facilitate different types of social support. OHCs included in this study are for people living with multiple sclerosis, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. An exploratory approach was used in the analysis, and initial codes were grouped into thematic categories and then confirmed through thematic network analysis using the Dedoose qualitative analysis software tool. Thematic categories were compared for similarities and differences for each of the 6 OHCs and by topic discussed. RESULTS Data on the reach and engagement of the Facebook posts and the analysis of the sample of 5881 comments demonstrate that people with chronic health conditions want to engage on the web and find value in supporting and sharing their experiences with others. Most comments made in these Facebook posts were expressions of social support for others living with the same health condition (3405/5881, 57.89%). Among the comments with an element of support, those where community members validated the knowledge or experiences of others were most frequent (1587/3405, 46.61%), followed by the expression of empathy and understanding (1089/3405, 31.98%). Even among posts with more factual content, such as insurance coverage issues, user comments still had frequent expressions of support for others (80/213, 37.5%). CONCLUSIONS The analysis of this OHC adaptive engagement model in action shows that the foundational elements—social support, engagement, and moderation—can effectively be used to provide a rich and dynamic community experience for individuals with chronic health conditions. Social support is demonstrated in a variety of ways, including sharing information or validating information shared by others, expressions of empathy, and sharing encouraging statements with others.

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Using Qualitative Analysis to Assess a Model of Support for Online Health Communities for People Living with Chronic Health Conditions

Iproceedings ◽

10.2196/11774 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. e11774

Author(s):

Brian M Green ◽

Kaitlyn Van Horn ◽

Ketki Gupta ◽

Amrita Bhowmick ◽

Michael Booth

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Analysis ◽

Chronic Health Conditions ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Chronic Health ◽

Online Health Communities ◽

Health Communities

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Assessment of Adaptive Engagement and Support Model for People With Chronic Health Conditions in Online Health Communities: Combined Content Analysis

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/17338 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (7) ◽

pp. e17338

Author(s):

Brian M Green ◽

Katelyn Tente Van Horn ◽

Ketki Gupte ◽

Megan Evans ◽

Sara Hayes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Content Analysis ◽

Insurance Coverage ◽

Software Tool ◽

Health Condition ◽

Chronic Health Conditions ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Chronic Health ◽

Online Health Communities ◽

Health Communities

Background With the pervasiveness of social media, online health communities (OHCs) are an important tool for facilitating information sharing and support among people with chronic health conditions. Importantly, OHCs offer insight into conversations about the lived experiences of people with particular health conditions. Little is known about the aspects of OHCs that are important to maintain safe and productive conversations that support health. Objective This study aimed to assess the provision of social support and the role of active moderation in OHCs developed in accordance with and managed by an adaptive engagement model. This study also aimed to identify key elements of the model that are central to the development, maintenance, and adaptation of OHCs for people with chronic health conditions. Methods This study used combined content analysis, a mixed methods approach, to analyze sampled Facebook post comments from 6 OHCs to understand how key aspects of the adaptive engagement model facilitate different types of social support. OHCs included in this study are for people living with multiple sclerosis, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. An exploratory approach was used in the analysis, and initial codes were grouped into thematic categories and then confirmed through thematic network analysis using the Dedoose qualitative analysis software tool. Thematic categories were compared for similarities and differences for each of the 6 OHCs and by topic discussed. Results Data on the reach and engagement of the Facebook posts and the analysis of the sample of 5881 comments demonstrate that people with chronic health conditions want to engage on the web and find value in supporting and sharing their experiences with others. Most comments made in these Facebook posts were expressions of social support for others living with the same health condition (3405/5881, 57.89%). Among the comments with an element of support, those where community members validated the knowledge or experiences of others were most frequent (1587/3405, 46.61%), followed by the expression of empathy and understanding (1089/3405, 31.98%). Even among posts with more factual content, such as insurance coverage issues, user comments still had frequent expressions of support for others (80/213, 37.5%). Conclusions The analysis of this OHC adaptive engagement model in action shows that the foundational elements—social support, engagement, and moderation—can effectively be used to provide a rich and dynamic community experience for individuals with chronic health conditions. Social support is demonstrated in a variety of ways, including sharing information or validating information shared by others, expressions of empathy, and sharing encouraging statements with others.

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Chronic health conditions and adolescent friendship: perspectives from social network analysis

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health ◽

10.1515/ijamh-2018-0293 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Emily Long ◽

Tyson Barrett ◽

Ginger Lockhart

Keyword(s):

Social Network ◽

Social Network Analysis ◽

Network Analysis ◽

Network Structure ◽

Chronic Health Conditions ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Exponential Random Graph Models ◽

Chronic Health ◽

Social Network Structure ◽

Adolescent Friendship

Abstract Objective The current study uses methods from social network analysis to examine the relationship between chronic health conditions (CHCs) and adolescent friendships. Particular attention is given to the processes of peer marginalization, peer withdrawal and homophily related to CHCs. Methods Exponential random graph models were used to investigate the extent to which a CHC is associated with patterns in adolescent friendship connections, while controlling for important social network properties and covariates. The study uses cross-sectional data from six small US high schools (n = 461) within the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Results Findings demonstrate no significant differences between adolescents with CHCs and adolescents without CHCs in the number of incoming friendship nominations (peer marginalization) or outgoing friendship nominations (peer withdrawal). In addition, similarity in CHCs (homophily) was not significantly related to friendship between two individuals. Conclusions In sum, the presence of an adolescent CHC was not significantly associated with adolescent social network structure, including peer marginalization, peer withdrawal, and homophily related to CHCs, after controlling for alternative social network processes. Although previous literature suggests that adolescents with CHCs experience negative social consequences, the current findings demonstrate that the social network structure of adolescents with CHCs did not differ significantly from that of their peers without CHCs. Thus, findings from the current study suggest that CHCs are not related to objective reductions in social connections.

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