A scoping review of the characteristics and benefits of online prostate cancer communities
Article
Article Title | A scoping review of the characteristics and benefits of online prostate cancer communities |
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ERA Journal ID | 6624 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Pyle, Denise (Author), Perry, Amanda (Author), Lamont-Mills, Andrea (Author), Tehan, Gerry (Author) and Chambers, Suzanne K. (Author) |
Journal Title | Psycho-Oncology: journal of the psychological, social and behavioral dimensions of cancer |
Journal Citation | 30 (5), pp. 659-668 |
Number of Pages | 10 |
Year | May 2021 |
Publisher | John Wiley & Sons |
Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
ISSN | 1057-9249 |
1099-1611 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.5618 |
Web Address (URL) | https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pon.5618 |
Abstract | Objective: Online prostate cancer communities (OPCaCs) have emerged as a new source of support, not bounded by geographic barriers, for men living with prostate cancer. This scoping review mapped the existing literature to explore the characteristics and benefits of OPCaCs, identify knowledge gaps, and direct future research. Methods: A six‐step methodological framework for scoping reviews was followed. Four electronic databases were searched for relevant studies. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts, and full texts, against predefined criteria: empirical research, post 1990, in English‐language peer‐reviewed journals; participants included prostate cancer survivors; and research explored online peer support. Data were extracted from the studies and quality assessed. Results: The search yielded 905 studies, with 21 selected for synthesis. Despite significant increases in online forum membership, in the last decade, nearly half of the research was conducted over a decade ago. Three studies were rated high quality, the rest moderate. All but one of the studies were observational and cross‐sectional. Men reported that sharing information helped them deal with their diagnosis and treatment side effects. They also gained a sense of camaraderie with men who shared similar experiences. Due to divergent methodologies and reporting standards, assessment regarding OPCaC efficacy is not possible. Conclusion: OPCaCs may be a cost‐effective and accessible resource for delivering peer support to men living with prostate cancer. While self‐reported evidence as to the benefits of OPCaCs exists, more longitudinal comparative studies, utilising consistent measurement approaches, are needed to support the claims. |
Keywords | cancer; cancer survivors; oncology; online social networking; prostatic neoplasms; psycho-oncology; scoping review; self-help groups; social media; social support |
Related Output | |
Is part of | An Exploration of Moderator Support for Online Suicidal Behaviors |
Contains Sensitive Content | Does not contain sensitive content |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 420302. Digital health |
520304. Health psychology | |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
This article is part of a UniSQ Thesis by publication. See Related Output. | |
Byline Affiliations | Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences |
Division of Research and Innovation | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q6286/a-scoping-review-of-the-characteristics-and-benefits-of-online-prostate-cancer-communities
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