Features - Online support communities are valuable to psoriasis patients

A study recently published in the Archives of Dermatology evaluates the usefulness of online support communities and has found that psoriasis sufferers may find help concerning their emotional welfare which they otherwise may struggle to find in the medical community.

Online communities help psoriasis sufferers mainly with two aspects: they are a valuable source of information and offer psychological and social support.

The researchers looked at five online services, based in the UK, the USA and the Philippines, and carried out a web based online survey. A questionnaire with 29 questions relating to online experiences, log-on frequency and length, leading to perceived changes in their psoriasis was issued. The average age of participants was 40 years and most (60%) were female and 44% were married. The main factors influencing online use of support communities were convenience, access to good advice and lack of embarrassment. Most respondents (74%) rated their psoriasis severity as medium to severe and nearly half perceived improvements in severity and quality of life since becoming a member of a site.

Participants were asked which source was most helpful in dealing with their psoriasis and 86.5% rated the internet most helpful, followed by medical support (52%) and family (41%).

The researchers concluded that the medical profession should include advice on seeking social support in their treatment of psoriasis. The psychosocial aspect of the illness should be integrated to enhance sufferer’s long-term well-being and the online infrastructure should be built on to provide “personalized and integrated medical care to individuals affected by psoriasis.”

Written by Website Manager TalkPsoriasis, based on: The Role of Online Support Communities: Benefits of Expanded Social Networks to Patients With Psoriasis, published in: Archives of Dermatology (January 2009)

 

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