Exploring Online Social Support in Head and Neck Cancer Forums

Methods:   A total of 318 reply messages (offering support) from 89 postings (seeking support) , between 1^st January 2011 and 31^stDecember 2011,  were randomly selected from 18 different head and neck cancer forums.  The content of the messages offering support were analysed using the modified Social Support Behaviour Code (informational, emotional, esteem, network, and tangible support).  The content of the messages seeking support were analysed using a modified version of the Coursaris and Liu methodology (seeking informational, emotional, esteem, network and tangible support as well as expression of gratitude, congratulations, and sharing personal experience).

Results:   The most frequently offered types of social support by group members were informational (50.63%) and emotional (23.6%), followed by esteem (16.57%) and network support (6.48%), whereas little tangible assistance was offered (2.7 %).  The content of messages seeking support included group members sharing personal experience (35.13%), with the most frequent sought support being informational support (27.02 %).   

Conclusions:   The advantages of online cancer support groups are that they are inclusive; regardless of location, access, availability or user characteristics. The present findings suggest that such online support groups can be promising sources of head and neck cancer related informational and emotional support for the recipients, whether they are patients, family members or carers.