Characteristics of cancer patients in Internet cancer support groups

Eun Ok Im, Wonshik Chee, Yi Liu, Hyun Ju Lim, Enrique Guevara, Hsiu Min Tsai, Maresha Clark, Melinda Bender, Hyunjeong Shin, Kyung Suk Kim, Young Hee Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe characteristics of cancer patients who were attending Internet cancer support groups and to provide direction for future research. A total of 204 cancer patients were recruited through Internet cancer support groups by posting the study announcement on the Web sites of such groups. The participants were asked to fill out Internet survey questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics and health/disease status. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including t tests, analysis of variance, and Chi-square tests. Findings indicate that cancer patients recruited through Internet cancer support groups tended to be middle-aged, well-educated, female, and middle class. The findings also indicate that there were significant differences in some characteristics according to gender and ethnicity. Based on the findings, some implications are suggested for future research using and developing Internet cancer support groups.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)334-343
Number of pages10
JournalCIN - Computers Informatics Nursing
Volume25
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007 Nov
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cancer patients
  • Internet cancer support groups
  • Sociodemographic characteristics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Informatics
  • Nursing (miscellaneous)

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