With the rise of usage of the internet, online social networks have recently been gaining popularity. Joining these groups can be beneficial to patients with chronic medical illness, such as psoriasis.This was a cross-sectional online survey of psoriasis patients in the Philippines who are members of online support groups. The survey was conducted for a period of three months.The purpose of the research project was to describe the demographics, disease characteristics, activities and benefits of online support groups to Filipino patients with psoriasis. The extent to which members experience empowering processes and outcomes was also evaluated.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
124
Joining online support group
Demographic profile of online support users
The sociodemographic profile of the respondents such as age (mean, range), sex, civil status, level of formal education, employment status were described.
Time frame: 3 months
Disease characteristics of online support users
The overall health status (poor, average, good), psoriasis severity (mild, moderate, severe), duration of illness of online support groups were evaluated.
Time frame: 3 months
Activities performed and extent of participation of online support users
Participants were also asked regarding their attitudes and experiences with online communities, length of use, log-on frequency and nature of online activities.
Time frame: 3 months
Empowering processes and outcomes experienced by online support group members
The frequency with which empowering processes (exchange information, find recognition, share experiences, encounter emotional support, help others) occurred were measured on a 3-point scale (1-seldom to never, 2-sometimes, 3-often). The outcomes experienced (are better informed, feel more confident in relationship with physician, have improved acceptance, feel more confident with treatment, have enhanced social well-being, have increased optimism and control over the future, have enhanced self-esteem) were assessed on a 3-point scale (1-disagree, 2-neither agree nor disagree, 3-agree).
Time frame: 3 months
Correlation of variables
Intervariable correlation (overall health status/psoriasis severity with frequency/duration of usage, educational level/employment status with frequency of usage) were also be assessed for significance.
Time frame: 3 months
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