Document Type
Article
Peer Reviewed
1
Publication Date
2-1-2007
NLM Title Abbreviation
Cyberpsychol Behav
Journal/Book/Conference Title
Cyberpsychology & Behavior
PubMed ID
17305452
DOI of Published Version
10.1089/cpb.2006.9989
Start Page
80
End Page
85
Abstract
This descriptive study examines the use of an Internet information and chat website, hystersisters.com, which allows women to communicate with others who are contemplating or have recently had a hysterectomy. This study had three aims: (1) to determine if the site is successful in providing information and support, (2) to assess why particular Hystersisters were perceived to be helpful, and (3) to describe what, if anything, women found to be unhelpful about the site. Women (n 5 137), aged 25-65 years (M 5 39.8, SD 5 7.54) responded to a mail survey. The site was perceived to provide positive informational support (chi square 5 13.46, p 5 0.000) more than esteem or emotional support. Women found discussing recovery issues (chi square 5 5.727, p 5 0.017) to be most helpful. Thirty-nine percent indicated that something on the site was unhelpful. The website seems to accomplish the provision of positive informational support; however, this site was not always seen as helpful.
Keywords
Adult, Affect, Aged, Female, Helping Behavior, Humans, Hysterectomy/psychology/statistics & numerical data, Internet/utilization, Middle Aged, Social Support
Journal Article Version
Version of Record
Published Article/Book Citation
Cyberpsychology & Behavior, 10:1 (2007) pp.80-85. DOI:10.1089/cpb.2006.9989.
Rights
Copyright © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. , 2006. Posted by permission.
URL
https://ir.uiowa.edu/nursing_pubs/915
