Growth curve modeling of virtual events and online engagement in a palliative care peer support online health community for adolescents and young adults.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Online health communities (OHCs) have been identified as important outlets for social support and community connection for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) living with chronic illnesses. Despite evident benefits, there remains a gap in research on methods to maximize sustained patient engagement within OHCs. This study assessed per-patient daily commenting rates over time, as well as associations with program staff and volunteer-facilitated events and engagement.

Materials and methods

We utilized data from 662 daily patient, volunteer, and staff comment totals within a Discord server hosted through the Streetlight at UF Health Streetlight Gaming and Online Team, between January 2019 and January 2022. Multilevel models were used to assess per-patient daily commen

SUBMITTER: Walker AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9933052 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature