Shielded from the real world: perspectives on Internet cancer support groups by Asian Americans.
BACKGROUND
Despite positive reports about Internet cancer support groups (ICSGs), ethnic minorities, including Asian Americans, have been reported to be less likely to use ICSGs. Unique cultural values, beliefs, and attitudes have been considered reasons for the low usage rate of ICSGs among Asian Americans. However, studies have rarely looked at this issue.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to explore (a) how Asian Americans living with cancer who participated in ICSGs viewed ICSGs, (b) what facilitated or inhibited their participation in ICSGs, and (c) what cultural values and beliefs influenced their participation in ICSGs.


METHODS
The study was a 1-month qualitative online forum among 18 Asian American cancer patients recruited through a convenience sampling method. Nine topics on the use of ICSGs organized the forum discussion, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis.


RESULTS
Four themes emerged from the data analysis process: (a) "more than just my family," (b) "part of my family," (c) "anonymous me," and (d) "shielded from the real world."


CONCLUSIONS
The overarching theme was Asian Americans' marginalized experience in the use of ICSGs.


CONCLUSIONS
Offering the most current information on cancer and cancer treatment is essential for nursing practice in developing a culturally competent ICSG for Asian Americans. Also, emotional familiarity should be incorporated into the design of the ICSG, and the ICSG needs to be based on nonjudgmental and nondiscriminative interactions.
Im
Eun-Ok
EO
School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78701, USA. eim@mail.utexas.edu
Lee
Bokim
B
Chee
Wonshik
W
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001213:Asian / Q000193:education / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D054521:Cultural Competency; D005190:Family / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D019513:Feminism; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D012945:Social Values