Computer-mediated support group intervention for parents.

Full Abstract

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a computer-mediated support group (CMSG) intervention for parents whose children had been diagnosed with cancer.

DESIGN AND METHODS:
An evaluative one-group, before-and-after research design. A CMSG, an unstructured listserve group where participants used their E-mail for communication, was conducted over a 4-month period. Participation in the CMSG was offered to parents in Iceland whose children had completed cancer treatment in the past 5 years. Outcome measures were done:
before the intervention (Time 1), after 2 months of intervention (Time 2) and after 4 months of intervention (Time 3) when the project ended. Measures included:
demographic and background variables; health related vulnerability factors of parents:
anxiety, depression, somatization, and stress; perceived mutual support; and use of the CMSG. Data were collected from November 2002 to June 2003. Twenty-one of 58 eligible parents participated in the study, with 71% retention rate for both post-tests.

FINDINGS:
Mothers' depression decreased significantly from Time 2 to Time 3 (p<.03). Fathers' anxiety decreased significantly from Time 1 to Time 3 (p<.01). Fathers' stress decreased significantly from Time 2 to Time 3 (p<.02). To some extent, mothers and fathers perceived mutual support from participating in the CMSG. Both mothers and fathers used the CMSG by reading messages. Messages were primarily written by mothers.

CONCLUSIONS:
Study findings support further development of CMSGs for parents whose children have been diagnosed with cancer.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
Using computer technology for support is particularly useful for dispersed populations and groups that have restrictions on their time. Computer-mediated support groups have been shown to be a valuable addition to, or substitute for, a traditional face-to-face mutual support group and might suit both genders equally.

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Author information

Author/s: Bragadóttir, Helga (H);

Affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Iceland and Landspítali-University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland. helgabra(-atsign-)his.is

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of nursing scholarship : an official publication of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing / Sigma Theta Tau (J Nurs Scholarsh), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-; vol 40 (issue 1) : pp 32-8

Dates: Created 2008/02/27; Completed 2008/05/22;

PMID: 18302589, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Humans
Iceland
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Male
Neoplasms - nursing
Parents - psychology
Self-Help Groups

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