Understanding Visitors' Needs in an Online Infertility Forum
Author Information
Author(s): Wolfgang Himmel, Juliane Meyer, Michael M Kochen, Hans Wilhelm Michelmann
Primary Institution: University of Goettingen
Hypothesis
What are the information needs and satisfaction levels of patients visiting an Internet expert forum on infertility?
Conclusion
Visitors to the forum often seek emotional support and specific medical advice, indicating unmet psychological needs.
Supporting Evidence
- 84% of visitors answered the questionnaire.
- 55.2% of respondents were satisfied with the experts' answers.
- Many visitors sought emotional support, indicating unmet psychological needs.
Takeaway
People looking for help with infertility often go online to ask questions and get support, but they also want to talk about their feelings.
Methodology
An electronic questionnaire was posted on an expert forum website, and responses were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.
Potential Biases
Participants may have felt pressured to provide favorable evaluations of the experts' responses.
Limitations
Response rates may be overestimated due to potential biases in participation and social pressure to respond positively.
Participant Demographics
99.2% female, mostly in stable partnerships, and better educated than the general population.
Statistical Information
P-Value
.015
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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