title: Online support group use and psychological health for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Internet provides an opportunity for individuals with HIV/AIDS to obtain support and information in a timely and convenient manner. The present study examines the psychological effects of online support group use for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 340 HIV positive online support group users completed an online survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results from structural equation modeling showed that individuals with higher levels of online support group participation had higher levels of empowering processes, which in turn, had higher levels of optimism toward life. Optimism was related to lower levels of loneliness and depression while loneliness was also related to higher levels of depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings suggest that participants with higher levels of online support group participation had better psychological health than those with lower levels of participation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings suggest that the use of online support groups could be promoted to individuals with HIV/AIDS. Healthcare professionals should work to increase the motivation and confidence patients have in using online support groups. Health education should also be provided to patients with HIV/AIDS so to improve their skills and literacy in using online support groups.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong. Electronic address: phoenix.mo@cuhk.edu.hk.
authors.forename: Phoenix K H
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Mo
authors.forename: Neil S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Coulson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006266:Health Education; D006306:Health Surveys; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Depression; Empowering processes; HIV/AIDS; Loneliness; Online support groups; Optimism