title: Impacts of online peer support for children with asthma and allergies: It just helps you every time you can't breathe well".
abstract: Children with asthma and allergies experience social isolation and gaps in social support particularly from peers. The objective of this pilot study was to design and test an accessible online support intervention for these children. Support was delivered by peer mentors with asthma and allergies and a professional. Weekly support groups were conducted over 8 weeks using Go to Meeting and Club Penguin. Quantitative measures and a qualitative interview were administered. Significant increases in perceived support and support-seeking coping and trends in decreased loneliness emerged at post-test. Participants also reported increased self-confidence and satisfaction with the intervention.
authors: Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary.
authors: Miriam
authors: M
authors: Stewart
authors: Nicole
authors: N
authors: Letourneau
authors: Jeffrey R
authors: JR
authors: Masuda
authors: Sharon
authors: S
authors: Anderson
authors: Shawna
authors: S
authors: McGhan
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001249:Asthma / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D020407:Internet; D008132:Loneliness; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D061108:Social Media; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Allergies; Asthma; Children; Peer support; Social support