A descriptive study on communicating about cancer online : utilizing communication for information and support in an online environment
Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: People with a chronic illness like cancer often use the Internet to participate in online health discussions and connect with people with similar medical conditions through an online community. The purpose of this study was to explore how people affected by cancer utilize communication in an online community to access information, advice, and support. This research examines the messages of a discussion forum within an online cancer community using content and thematic analyses. This study finds that people within an online cancer community (1) give/seek information more often than they \ngive/seek emotional support, (2) give information and emotional support more than they seek them, and (3) utilize storytelling within a majority of messages.
Author: Angelita Faller
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Ball State University
OpenAlex ID: W1036364390