Preliminary exploration of online social support among adults with asthma.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the qualitative and quantitative differences between moderated and unmoderated on-line social support groups focused on asthma.


METHODS
A retrospective study of a single months duration of Internet postings to four public on-line support groups focused on asthma.


METHODS
Content analysis of random set of messages.


RESULTS
Preliminary data indicate a quantitative and qualitative difference between moderated and unmoderated groups. Patterns of differences point to variations in the content of messages and the types of social support sought and provided.
Kirshner
Michael
M
Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR, USA.
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D009862:Online Systems; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012657:Self-Help Groups