Online Support Groups as a Source of Empowerment for People with Type 2 Diabetes

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2019 Aug 21:264:1893-1894. doi: 10.3233/SHTI190700.

Abstract

People with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) control much of their illness by making daily decisions regarding their health behaviours. They require certain skills, information, and support, which might not be obtainable from healthcare providers, and they may seek support through other media, such as online support groups (OSGs). This study seeks to understand the role of OSGs in empowering people with T2D by thematically analysing threads and posts from two UK OSGs.

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus; Patient Empowerment; Self-Help Groups; Type 2.

MeSH terms

  • Decision Making
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Power, Psychological*
  • Self-Help Groups