How New Subscribers Use Cancer-Related Online Mailing Lists
Author Information
Author(s): Barbara K Rimer, Elizabeth J Lyons, Kurt M Ribisl, J Michael Bowling, Carol E Golin, Michael J Forlenza, Andreas Meier
Primary Institution: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hypothesis
How do new subscribers to cancer-related mailing lists use these resources shortly after joining?
Conclusion
Cancer-related online mailing lists are important for information seeking and support among cancer survivors.
Supporting Evidence
- 62% of respondents used mailing lists to obtain information on how to deal with cancer.
- 41% reported spending 1 to 3 hours per day reading and responding to list messages.
- 42% used mailing lists for support.
Takeaway
People with cancer use online mailing lists to find information and support from others who understand what they're going through.
Methodology
Web-based surveys were conducted with new subscribers to 10 cancer-related mailing lists.
Potential Biases
The low response rate may reflect biases in who chooses to participate in online surveys.
Limitations
The study only reports preliminary baseline data and cannot infer causal relationships.
Participant Demographics
{"age":"Most respondents were over age 50 (72%)","race":"98% were white","education":"55% were college graduates","insurance":"97% had health insurance"}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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