title: The Impact of Demographic Characteristics on Awareness and Usage of Support Groups.
abstract: There are support groups established for one's emotional and/or physical health; as a result, marketing has appeared in regards to the needs, benefits, and hesitations regarding these groups. This study addresses several types of individuals and situations that lend themselves to using support groups. The authors conducted a study designed to examine demographic characteristics as they relate to a person's decision to go to support groups for health conditions. Looking at the demographics of users and the types of support groups, the authors discuss diverse opportunities for support groups and their organizations to promote communication, improve marketing strategies, and create influential users.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Marketing and Decision Sciences , Salem State University , Salem , Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Linda Jane
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Coleman
authors.affiliation: b Attorney at Law , Central Virginia Legal Aid Society , Charlottesville , Virginia.
authors.forename: Nehal
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.affiliation: c Department of Accounting & Finance , Salem State University , Salem , Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Sanjay
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jain
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: age; demographics; gender; perception; support groups; usage