title: Online Health Communities and Chronic Disease Self-Management.
abstract: This research uses content analysis (N = 1,960) to examine the computer-mediated communication within online health communities for evidence of chronic disease self-management behaviors, including the perceived benefits and perceived barriers to participating in such behaviors. Online health communities act as informal self-management programs led by peers with the same chronic disease through the exchange of health information. Online health communities provide opportunities for health behavior change messages to educate and persuade regarding chronic disease self-management behaviors.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design , University of Colorado-Boulder.
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Willis
authors.affiliation: b Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management , University of Memphis.
authors.forename: Marla B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Royne
mesh_terms: D001168:Arthritis / Q000628:therapy; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D015438:Health Behavior; D058015:Health Communication; D006801:Humans; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D020407:Internet; D010379:Peer Group; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000073278:Self-Management / Q000379:methods*; D012944:Social Support