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Social interactions in an online self-management program for rheumatoid arthritis

Department of Health Psychology, University of Missouri, School of Health Professions One Hospital Drive, DC116.88, Columbia, MO 65212, shigakiC{at}health.missouri.edu

Karen L. Smarr

Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, 800 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65201

Yang Gong

University of Missouri, Department of Health Management and Informatics, DC006.00, Five Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212

Kathleen Donovan-Hanson

University of Missouri, School of Medicine, DC021.00, One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212

Chokkalingam Siva

University of Missouri, School of Medicine, DC043.0, One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212

Rebecca A. Johnson

University of Missouri, School of Nursing S413 Nursing Building, Columbia, MO 65212

Bin Ge

University of Missouri, Medical Research Office, 136 Hadley Hall, Columbia, MO 65212

Dale R. Musser

Department of Engineering, University of Missouri, 107 Engineering Building West, Columbia, MO 65212

Objective: To evaluate social interactions among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), participating in an empirically based, cognitive-behavioural, self-management (SM), and peer-support program, delivered in an online format.

Methods: Thirty individuals with RA were recruited online. Subjects were a subset of participants in the treatment arm of a waiting-list controlled study testing the effectiveness of a 10-week, online, SM education and peer support program. Primary outcomes were process variables describing social activity in the online environment during active treatment. Qualitative review of discussion board posts was undertaken to gain insight into participants' perceptions of social interactions.

Results: Participants spent a large proportion of logged-in time accessing educational materials and community-level activity was vibrant, with members utilizing the discussion board and e-mail. The Chat feature was less well-used. Discussion board posts regarding RAHelp were very positive, especially in regard to perceived supportiveness and bonding among participants, and a sense of feeling uniquely understood by others who have RA. Concern arose in response to periods in which the discussion board was `too quiet.'

Discussion: Our work complements the emerging literature supporting acceptance and utility of Internet-based programming as a venue for SM education and social interaction among individuals with chronic illness.

Key Words: Arthritis • chronic illness • internet • self-management • social support.

Chronic Illness, Vol. 4, No. 4, 239-246 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1742395308097862


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