Social support in cyberspace

What the research is looking at?

More and more people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are turning to the internet for information and support about the condition, particularly to online forums and social networking sites (such as Facebook). 

But little is known about how many people with IBD are involved in online forums, how they came to be involved, or how helpful they find them. 

This project aims to map the use of online forums, and consider whether there are any problems with accessing information and support in this way. It will also look at the topics of conversation in these forums, and how forum members help each other in dealing with IBD-related challenges. 

Interviews will be conducted with individuals who have joined a range of online support groups, in order to learn more about their online experiences. 

Conclusions: 

This is an ongoing study with no conclusions as yet. 

What do researchers think this could mean for people with IBD? 

Researchers hope the project will result in guidance and recommendations about how online forums could be used and developed to support people with IBD in the future. 

Who's leading the research: Dr Neil Coulson, Institute of Work, Health and Organisations, University of Nottingham 
Our funding: £34,139 over 12 months 
Official title of the application: “Social support in cyberspace: the role of online support communities for individuals living with IBD.”
Tags: technology