Understanding the Role of Facebook Support Groups in Information Exchange for Cancer Patients in Romania
Keywords:
Facebook support groups, cancer patients, Romania, information exchange, information quality, online communitiesAbstract
The rise of online support groups, especially on social media platforms such as Facebook, has opened new opportunities for cancer patients to access emotional support, share information, and engage in peer-to-peer interactions. This research focused on understanding the role of Facebook support groups in providing information and support to cancer patients in Romania. Using a qualitative research approach and multimodal discourse analysis, the study examined the information exchange within four public and private Romanian cancer support groups on Facebook. The results demonstrated that these groups serve as a platform for emotional support, sharing personal experiences, and exchanging information on medical advice, treatment alternatives, and coping mechanisms.
Although misinformation presents a challenge, Facebook support groups have become crucial in offering emotional support, information, and a sense of community for cancer patients in Romania. This research emphasizes the significance of Facebook support groups for cancer patients in Romania and underlines the need to tackle misinformation while promoting evidence-based practices within these online communities.
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