Online participation: a content analysis of differences in utilization of two online cancer communities by men and women, patients and family members.

Full Abstract

The Internet provides a new modality for health communication by facilitating the creation of virtual communities. These communities have the potential to influence health behavior beyond traditional FTF support groups. This study utilized content analysis of 1,424 e-mail messages posted to 2 online cancer communities to examine uses of these groups. Findings revealed (a) similarities in the content of communication in the 2 virtual communities, (b) gender differences in participation, and (c) differences in utilization of these online groups between patients and family members. These results are discussed in light of the diverse uses of online cancer communities that they reveal, the role of family members in support seeking and provision, and gender communication styles in health computer-mediated communication.

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Author information

Author/s: Ginossar, Tamar (T);

Affiliation: Department of Communication & Journalism, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA. tginossar@yahoo.com

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Health communication (Health Commun), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2008 Jan-Feb; vol 23 (issue 1) : pp 1-12

Dates: Created 2008/04/29; Completed 2008/06/03;

PMID: 18443988, 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.

Electronic Mail - utilization
Family - psychology
Female
Health Behavior
Humans
Internet
Lung Neoplasms - psychology

Lung Neoplasms - psychology
Male
Patient Education as Topic
Patients - psychology
Self-Help Groups
Sex Factors
Social Support

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