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Quality of Life Research

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Open Access 01-09-2017

Online support groups for head and neck cancer and health-related quality of life

Authors: Eamar Algtewi, Janine Owens, Sarah R. Baker

Published in: Quality of Life Research | Issue 9/2017

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the association between using online support groups (OSGs) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and the psychosocial factors that may influence this association among individuals with head and neck (H&N) cancer.

Method

A sample of 199 persons with H&N cancer using four OSGs completed an online questionnaire using six pre-validated measures for social network, self-efficacy, anxiety and depression, adjustment, empowerment and quality of life. In addition, socio-demographic as well as illness-related and OSGs-related information was collected.

Results

Participants who had better HRQoL had been using OSGs for a longer time than those who had worse HRQoL (B = 0.07, p < 0.05). Depression and adjustment were the only direct mediators in this association, whereas self-efficacy, anxiety and empowerment appeared as indirect mediators.

Conclusion

Participation in OSGs was found to be associated to better HRQoL either directly or indirectly through decreasing depression, anxiety and the negative adjustment behaviours and increasing self-efficacy and empowerment of the users. The study presented a potential model of pathways linking OSG use and HRQoL for those with H&N cancer. However, the model needs to be tested in future longitudinal studies and the associations proposed need to be explored in greater detail.

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Title: Online support groups for head and neck cancer and health-related quality of life
Authors: Eamar Algtewi
Janine Owens
Sarah R. Baker
Publication date: 01-09-2017
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Quality of Life Research / Issue 9/2017
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-017-1575-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Online support groups for head and neck cancer and health-related quality of life

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

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