JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Cyber-victimisation of people with long-term conditions is a disturbing phenomenon. Limited research was done to examine its impact, which was mostly done using quantitative methods and focused on children. Research focusing on the cyber-victimisation of adults with chronic conditions is scarce and lacks qualitative input from the ‘victims’ as experts in their own experiences.

Objective:

This study aims to understand the impact of cyber-victimisation on the self-management of chronic conditions among individuals living with long-term conditions in the UK.

Methods:

This paper reports the findings from the qualitative phase of a phenomenologically-informed mixed-method research. The biographical disruption concept was used to conceptualise the study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants with chronic conditions who experienced cyber-victimisation.

Results:

Cyber-victimisation has imposed direct and indirect impacts on the self-management of chronic conditions. This impact was demonstrated in six overarching themes that emerged from this study: 1)Biomedical events included overall health deterioration of existing conditions, new diagnoses, and subjective physical complaints, 2) The impact on mental health included psychological consequences and developing psychiatric conditions following or during this traumatic experience, 3) The multi-level impact theme focused on the exacerbation of existing vulnerability and involved unplanned changes to victims’ health management priorities, 4) The impact of complexity reflected the struggle to get formal support and how this lead to further health complications, 5) Social network involvement signified the effects of social isolation, victim-blaming and experiencing deception, 6) Disability discrimination theme was focused on prejudice, issues in inclusion and the hostility in society.

Conclusions:

People with long-term conditions experienced different forms of cyber-victimisation, all of these were disruptive, with complex impacts on health directly or indirectly. Awareness-raising campaigns, training to support channels, participatory and multidisciplinary research are indicated to initiate change.