The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41462

Chari A. Cohen, MPH¹, Amy B. Jessop, PhD, MPH², Molli C. Conti¹, and Joan Block, RN¹. (1) Hepatitis B Foundation, 700 East Butler Avenue, Doylestown, PA 18901, 215-489-4901, chari@hepb.org, (2) Department of Health Studies, Temple University, 304 Vivacqua Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122

The public is increasingly turning to the Internet to find health information and social support. In particular, individuals diagnosed with chronic illness are turning to electronic support groups (ESG’s) and “virtual communities.” However, little is known about the nature of ESG’s, the public's participation in them, and the benefits or harm associated with their use. This study examined the use of an Internet-based, electronic support group for patients with chronic hepatitis B. An online survey was used to assess the informational and supportive role the ESG plays in the lives of participants. Data were collected to determine member motivation for joining the ESG, medical and lifestyle changes made as a result of participation, member perspective regarding patient-physician communication, and the level of positive support exchanged online. Survey responses indicate that participants join the ESG primarily because they lack important disease-related information, and are not satisfied with their physician communication. Additionally, members use the information posted to the ESG to make behavioral and lifestyle changes related to diet, alcohol, exercise, and medication use. The ESG also plays a significant supportive role in the lives of participants. In addition to offering patient perspectives that can play an important role in shaping future health promotion programs, this study reaffirms that the information and support seeking behaviors of the public are changing, and are becoming more Internet-based. The public health community needs to be aware of these changes and prepared to meet the challenges that they will bring.

Learning Objectives: