An Exploratory Study of Canadian Aboriginal Online Health Care Forums

Abstract

Internet-based discussion forums provide access to health information and social support, and serve as a resource for others. This investigation analyzed health-oriented Aboriginal Internet discussion forum (Forum A; Forum B) conversations. The findings were framed with Nutbeam's model of health literacy. Discussions within Forum B were centralized around issues of political activism and advocacy regarding Aboriginal health care. Activity in Forum A encouraged the development of "virtual" social capital, with health care discussions providing a "just-in-time" model for health education. Members of Forum A functioned as a smoking cessation self-help group and as health educators. The Internet provided a venue for the dissemination of health information and also served as a virtual voice for lifestyle coaching, political action, community building, and advocacy.

Clinical guidelines about diabetes and the accuracy of peer information in an unmoderated online health forum for retired persons

“…Some health forums are moderated by health professionals whereas others are not. Numerous reports have focused on content analysis and description of forum topics, user demographic characteristics, the conversations or activities occurring and the health literacy skills of the forum participants [9,12]. Little is known, however, about the accuracy of information provided on unmoderated health forum sites.…”

Functional health literacy and cancer care conversations in online forums for retired persons

“…Alternatively, prostate cancer patients found that participating in a self help group served as a significant and reliable source of emotional support, experiential cancer care information and of additional medical information [10]. Advances in information technology within the past few decades have created innovative strategies for accessing information, social support and political advocacy within a health context [11,12]. The availability of cancer care information, including that available online, has assisted patients in developing a sense of control, reducing anxiety, promoting self care and generating a sense of security and safety [7].…”

E‐Word‐of‐Mouth on health social networking sites: An opportunity for tailored health communication

“…usenet and bulletin board systems), including psychosocial (e.g. decreasing stress Sharf, ; Braithwaite et al ., ; Monnier et al ., ; Maloney‐Krichmar and Preece, ; Im and Chee, ; Donelle and Hoffman‐Goetz, ; Eichhorn, ; Ginossar, ; Macias and McMillan, ) and instrumental benefits (e.g. 24‐hour availability and anonymity) (Cline and Haynes, ).…”