Developing a model for online support group use,empowering processes and psychosocial outcomes for individuals living with HIV/AIDS |
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| Authors: | Phoenix K H Mo Neil S Coulson |
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| Institution: | 1. Centre of Health Behaviours Research, School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong phoenix.mo@cuhk.edu.hk;3. Institute of Work, Health and Organisations, International House, University of Nottingham , Nottingham NG7 1BB , UK |
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| Abstract: | This study examined the mechanism through which online support group (OSG) participation may promote patient empowerment among 340 individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Results from structural equation modelling revealed that greater use of OSGs was associated with more frequent occurrence of the empowering processes as measured by receiving useful information, receiving social support, finding positive meaning and helping others. Receiving useful information and finding positive meaning were related to higher levels of adaptive coping and lower levels of maladaptive coping, while receiving social support and helping others were related to higher levels of self-care self-efficacy, which in turn was related to higher levels of adaptive coping, and lower levels of maladaptive coping. Finally, higher levels of maladaptive coping were related to poorer quality of life, while higher levels of adaptive coping were related to better quality of life. Results suggest that OSG participation may offer some benefits for those living with HIV/AIDS. |
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| Keywords: | online support groups HIV/AIDS empowerment psychosocial outcomes |
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