Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Aug 24, 2019
Open Peer Review Period: Aug 24, 2019 - Sep 25, 2019
Date Accepted: Oct 20, 2019
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
Mixed methods study exploring the characteristics and preferences for (online) support groups
ABSTRACT
Background:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, disabling and prevalent disorder. As there is no cure for OA, long-term self-management is paramount. Support groups can facilitate self-management among people living with OA. Understanding preferences in design and features of support groups, including online support groups (OSGs), among people with OA can inform future development of support group interventions for this condition.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate health and information-seeking behaviour, digital literacy, and preferences for the design of support groups in people with OA. The study also explored the perceived barriers and enablers to being involved in OSGs.
Methods:
An online survey study was conducted with a mixed methods design (quantitative and qualitative). Individuals aged ≥ 45 years with knee, hip or back pain for ≥3 months were recruited from an extant patient database of the Institute of Bone and Joint Research via email invitations. Quantitative elements of the survey included questions about sociodemographic background, health and information-seeking behaviour, digital literacy, prior participation in, and preferences for, support groups and OSGs. Respondents were classified into two groups (“Yes-SG” and “No-SG”) based on previous participation or interest in a support group. Group differences were assessed with Chi-square tests (significance level set at 5%). Responses to free-text questions relating to preferences regarding OSG engagement were analysed qualitatively using an inductive thematic analysis.
Results:
Four hundred and fifteen people with OA completed the survey (72% females; 61% lived in a major city). The Yes-SG group included 307 (74%) of the participants. Between the Yes-SG and No-SG groups, there were no differences in sociodemographic characteristics, health and information-seeking behaviour, and digital literacy. An online format was preferred by 49% of the Yes-SG group. Trained, peer facilitators are preferred, and trustworthiness of advice and information are highly prioritized by respondents. Qualitative analysis for OSG participation revealed five main themes. Lack of time and motivation were the main barriers identified. The main enablers were related to accessibility, enjoyment of the experience, and the content of the discussed information.
Conclusions:
These findings highlight the preferences in design features and content of (online) support groups and may assist in the further development of such groups. Clinical Trial: N/A
Citation
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