Mo Phoenix K H, Coulson Neil S
School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong.
Patient Educ Couns. 2013 Dec;93(3):426-32. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2013.04.004. Epub 2013 May 10.
The Internet provides an opportunity for individuals with HIV/AIDS to obtain support and information in a timely and convenient manner. The present study examines the psychological effects of online support group use for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
A total of 340 HIV positive online support group users completed an online survey.
Results from structural equation modeling showed that individuals with higher levels of online support group participation had higher levels of empowering processes, which in turn, had higher levels of optimism toward life. Optimism was related to lower levels of loneliness and depression while loneliness was also related to higher levels of depression.
The findings suggest that participants with higher levels of online support group participation had better psychological health than those with lower levels of participation.
Findings suggest that the use of online support groups could be promoted to individuals with HIV/AIDS. Healthcare professionals should work to increase the motivation and confidence patients have in using online support groups. Health education should also be provided to patients with HIV/AIDS so to improve their skills and literacy in using online support groups.
互联网为感染艾滋病毒/艾滋病的个人提供了及时、便捷地获得支持和信息的机会。本研究探讨了使用在线支持小组对艾滋病毒/艾滋病感染者的心理影响。
共有340名艾滋病毒呈阳性的在线支持小组用户完成了一项在线调查。
结构方程模型的结果显示，在线支持小组参与度较高的个体具有较高水平的赋权过程，这反过来又使他们对生活的乐观程度更高。乐观与较低水平的孤独和抑郁相关，而孤独也与较高水平的抑郁相关。
研究结果表明，在线支持小组参与度较高的参与者比参与度较低的参与者心理健康状况更好。
研究结果表明，可以向艾滋病毒/艾滋病感染者推广使用在线支持小组。医疗保健专业人员应努力提高患者使用在线支持小组的积极性和信心。还应为艾滋病毒/艾滋病患者提供健康教育，以提高他们使用在线支持小组的技能和素养。
