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

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

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

Conditions
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Psoriasis

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Online support group


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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
Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Online support user<br> | Behavioral: Online support group<br>* Joining online support group<br>* Other names: Online social network, virtual online community;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Demographic profile of online support users | The sociodemographic profile of the respondents such as age (mean, range), sex, civil status, level of formal education, employment status were described. | 3 months | 
| Disease characteristics of online support users | The overall health status (poor, average, good), psoriasis severity (mild, moderate, severe), duration of illness of online support groups were evaluated. | 3 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Activities performed and extent of participation of online support users | Participants were also asked regarding their attitudes and experiences with online communities, length of use, log-on frequency and nature of online activities. | 3 months | 
| Empowering processes and outcomes experienced by online support group members | 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). | 3 months | 
| Correlation of variables | 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. | 3 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Online social network, Psoriasis, Filipino