Patients' attitudes toward internet cancer support groups.
OBJECTIVE
To explore patients' attitudes toward Internet cancer support groups (ICSGs) through an online forum.


METHODS
Qualitative study using a feminist perspective.


METHODS
Internet and real settings.


METHODS
16 patients with cancer.


METHODS
An online forum was held for one month with six discussion topics. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.


METHODS
Attitudes toward ICSGs.


RESULTS
Through the data-analysis process, four themes were found related to patients' attitudes toward ICSGs. First, the participants universalized patients' needs for and attitudes toward ICSGs. Second, most of the participants wanted to use ICSGs for emotional support, information, and interactions. Third, many of the participants used ICSGs because they could reach out to other patients with cancer without traveling and without interrupting their busy schedules. Finally, many participants were concerned about the security of interactions on ICSGs, so they wanted ICSGs that could ensure privacy and safeguard the anonymity and confidentiality of what they shared online.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients view ICSGs positively. Additional studies should examine gender-specific and multilanguage ICSGs by recruiting more ethnic minority patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite concerns about the security of Internet interactions, ICSGs would be an excellent source of social support that is acceptable to patients with cancer.
Im
Eun-Ok
EO
The School of Nursing, The University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA. eim@mail.utexas.edu
Chee
Wonshik
W
Lim
Hyun-Ju
HJ
Liu
Yi
Y
Guevara
Enrique
E
Kim
Kyung Suk
KS
D001294:Attitude to Health; D004644:Emotions; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D018907:Privacy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support