A Survey on the Role and Benefits of Online Social Networks on Filipino Patients With Psoriasis

With the rise of usage of the internet, online social networks have recently been gaining popularity. Joining these groups can be beneficial to patients with chronic medical illness, such as psoriasis.This was a cross-sectional online survey of psoriasis patients in the Philippines who are members of online support groups. The survey was conducted for a period of three months.The purpose of the research project was to describe the demographics, disease characteristics, activities and benefits of online support groups to Filipino patients with psoriasis. The extent to which members experience empowering processes and outcomes was also evaluated.

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Key information

Conditions

Psoriasis Skin Diseases Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

diagnosis of psoriasis
individuals who are willing to complete the online survey
proficiency in English
membership in an online psoriasis support network

Exclusion criteria

nonmembers
unwilling to participate in the study

Treatment and study plan

Online support group

Behavioral

Joining online support group

Other names: Online social network, virtual online community

Primary outcomes

Demographic profile of online support users

Time frame: 3 months

The sociodemographic profile of the respondents such as age (mean, range), sex, civil status, level of formal education, employment status were described.
Disease characteristics of online support users

Time frame: 3 months

The overall health status (poor, average, good), psoriasis severity (mild, moderate, severe), duration of illness of online support groups were evaluated.

Secondary outcomes

Activities performed and extent of participation of online support users

Time frame: 3 months

Participants were also asked regarding their attitudes and experiences with online communities, length of use, log-on frequency and nature of online activities.
Empowering processes and outcomes experienced by online support group members

Time frame: 3 months

The frequency with which empowering processes (exchange information, find recognition, share experiences, encounter emotional support, help others) occurred were measured on a 3-point scale (1-seldom to never, 2-sometimes, 3-often). The outcomes experienced (are better informed, feel more confident in relationship with physician, have improved acceptance, feel more confident with treatment, have enhanced social well-being, have increased optimism and control over the future, have enhanced self-esteem) were assessed on a 3-point scale (1-disagree, 2-neither agree nor disagree, 3-agree).
Correlation of variables

Time frame: 3 months

Intervariable correlation (overall health status/psoriasis severity with frequency/duration of usage, educational level/employment status with frequency of usage) were also be assessed for significance.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of the Philippines

Other

Collaborators

Philippine Dermatological Society

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2011
Primary completion: 2011
Study completion: 2011
First posted: Nov 4, 2011
Registry last updated: Nov 4, 2011

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed