Investigating the beneficial experiences of online peer support for those affected by alopecia: an interpretative phenomenological analysis using online interviews

Moving beyond the individual: The impact and importance of sociocultural influences on visible difference

This paper examines sociocultural factors that shape the experiences of people living with visible differences, highlighting the impact of stigma, societal judgment and appearance-based discrimination, traditional and social media, and the importance of considering intersectionality and cultural context. Taking a sociocultural perspective, we examine how portrayals of visible difference in traditional and social media perpetuate stereotypes, promote unrealistic narrow beauty ideals and stigma. We show the value of considering how intersectional identities, such as gender, race, and sexuality, reveal the unique experiences of marginalized groups, and explore visible differences within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where stigma and human rights violations persist, advocating for culturally sensitive interventions at family, community, healthcare, and governmental levels. We demonstrate the importance of integrating visible difference and disability research, promoting pride in identity, and involving people with lived experience in research, healthcare and advocacy. Recommendations include incorporating social models of disability into visible difference research and practice and increasing the presence of visible difference in disability work, fostering inclusive representation in the media, leveraging social media to normalize differences, and expanding research to capture the diversity of experiences of visible difference, particularly in underrepresented groups and regions. This would advance understanding and inform policies and practices that enhance acceptance, reduce stigma, and support the well-being of individuals living with visible differences and their families.

Self-Stigma in Adults Living With Chronic Skin Disease: Development of the HautKompass Web-Based Program and Pilot Test of Its Usability, Acceptability, and Feasibility

Background

Self-stigma is common among people with chronic skin disease and can substantially impair quality of life and psychosocial well-being. Few interventions targeting skin disease-related self-stigma are available, especially in Germany.

Objective

This pilot study aims to develop a web-based self-guided program to reduce self-stigma among people with chronic skin disease, and test its usability, acceptability, and feasibility.

Methods

We developed the HautKompass program based on 2 systematic literature reviews and the expertise from psychodermatologists and patients. Its usability, acceptability, and feasibility were tested among adults with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, alopecia areata, and vitiligo. After completing the program, participants provided feedback on each session and on their overall experience using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire and study-specific feedback items. The program was considered feasible if the dropout rate was below 40% and participants spent 45 minutes or less per session. Data were analyzed descriptively.

Results

HautKompass is grounded in compassion-focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy and consists of 8 self-guided sessions. Of the 41 persons who provided informed consent and filled in the screening questionnaire, 29 were eligible for participation. A total of 27 participants started the program and 20 completed all sessions and the posttest questionnaire. Results indicated high usability (mean 26.12, SD 6.13; on a scale ranging from 8-32) and acceptability (mean 17.41, SD 3.12; on a scale ranging from 5-20). Users rated the program as helpful, the psychoeducation and exercise instructions as comprehensible, and the extent of the program as adequate. Criticism concerned the length of some sessions, the electronic voice used in exercises, and some of the examples being too "general" or "cliché." Regarding feasibility, the program's extent was deemed adequate, participants spent substantially less time on the individual sessions (mean 16.9, SD 4.4 minutes) than the predefined criterion and few participants dropped out after starting the program (n=7, 26%), indicating low barriers. Importantly, the majority of users dropped out within the first 2 sessions, possibly due to the slightly longer duration and focus on theory, or due to unmet expectations, highlighting areas for improvement.

Conclusions

Overall, HautKompass was found to be a usable, acceptable program with feasible implementation. Limitations of this pilot study include not testing accessibility for people with disabilities and the small, relatively young, and mostly female sample, which limits the generalizability of the findings. The feedback obtained was used to revise the program and the recruitment strategy prior to testing its effectiveness in a randomized controlled trial. If HautKompass is found to be effective in reducing skin disease-related self-stigma, it will be made widely available to improve psychosocial care for people with chronic skin disease and could be adapted for other skin diseases and visible differences in general.

"It's a kind of double-edged sword": exploring the social media-related experiences of adults with visible differences using photo-elicitation interviews

OBJECTIVES

Visible differences are associated with experiences of stigma, discrimination, anxiety, and social isolation. Social media provides a space to connect with others with the same condition, gain information and support, raise awareness, and challenge misconceptions. This study aimed to explore the social media experiences of adults with visible differences.

METHODS

An inductive qualitative design was employed, using online participant-driven, semi-structured photo-elicitation interviews with seventeen adults (14 female, 2 male, 1 non-binary) with a range of visible differences. Participants selected screenshots of social media posts which were used to guide the interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and identify common themes, using NVivo 14 software.

FINDINGS

Three over-arching themes were generated: (1) Filtered realities: feeling self-conscious in a landscape of appearance ideals; (2) Developing my online self: a pathway to accepting my offline self; and (3) A place to belong: building visible difference communities online.

DISCUSSION

Adults with visible differences face similar appearance pressures on social media to the general population; however, the visible nature of their condition makes it more difficult for them to adhere to these norms. However, some had learned to use social media in a positive way to develop confidence and it provided a space to connect and gain advice from experts by experience. Participants felt that social media was a platform to increase representation of visible differences and normalise conditions; yet they acknowledged that balancing authenticity with content that received the most favourable engagement was a challenge.

A mixed studies systematic review on the health and wellbeing effects, and underlying mechanisms, of online support groups for chronic conditions

This pre-registered systematic review aimed to examine whether online support groups affect the health and wellbeing of individuals with a chronic condition, and what mechanisms may influence such effects. In September 2024, literature searches were conducted across electronic databases (Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science and Google Scholar), pre-publication websites (MedRxiv and PsyArXiv) and grey literature websites. Qualitative and quantitative studies were included if they explored the impact of online support groups on the health and wellbeing outcomes of individuals with a chronic condition. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to appraise the quality of the included studies. In total 100 papers met the inclusion criteria with their findings presented in a thematic synthesis. Health and wellbeing outcomes were categorised as: physical health, mental health, quality of life, social wellbeing, behaviour and decision-making, and adjustment. Mechanisms reported in these studies related to exchanging support, sharing experiences, content expression, and social comparison. User and group characteristics were also explored. The included studies suggest that online support groups can have a positive impact on social wellbeing, behaviour, and adjustment, with inconclusive findings for physical health and quality of life. However, there is also the possibility of a negative effect on anxiety and distress, particularly when exposed to other group members' difficult experiences. Research comparing different online group features, such as platforms, size, and duration is needed. In particular, future research should be experimental to overcome the limitations of some of the cross-sectional designs of the included studies. The review was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research in Emergency Preparedness and Response. Pre-registration ID: CRD42023399258.

A research agenda for encouraging prosocial behaviour on social media

Many studies examine antisocial behaviours on social media-such as sharing misinformation or producing hate speech-but far fewer examine how platforms can incentivize more prosocial behaviour. We identify several ways in which social media platforms currently enable such behaviour, including (1) connecting new communities, (2) enabling collective problem-solving and (3) expanding the boundaries of philanthropy. However, we also discuss how some of the factors that enable prosocial behaviour can also empower malicious actors-as well as the challenge of creating prosocial behaviour that is sustainable and impactful offline. We then propose a research agenda to help scholars, policymakers and corporate leaders to identify the causal factors that shape prosocial behaviour on social media. This agenda focuses on (1) the size and shape of social networks, (2) platform affordances, (3) social norms and (4) how prosocial behaviour can be embedded within existing and future business models of social media.

Interventions to Reduce Skin-related Self-stigma: A Systematic Review

Self-stigma beliefs are common among people with visible chronic skin diseases and can negatively affect their quality of life and psychosocial wellbeing. Hence, evidence-based interventions are urgently needed. The objective for this systematic review was to summarize research on available interventions and evaluate their benefits and limitations. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted an electronic database search of four databases (EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science). Studies were eligible if they (a) investigated interventions to reduce self-stigma in adults with chronic skin disease, (b) were original empirical articles, and (c) were written in English or German. Two independent reviewers conducted the abstract and full text screening as well as data extraction. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists. The initial search yielded 5811 abstracts; of which, 23 records were eligible. Studies addressed a broad range of skin conditions, and interventions ranged from social skills training, counselling and self-help to psychosocial and behavioural interventions. Overall, interventions had mostly positive effects on self-stigma and related constructs. However, the study quality was heterogeneous, and further efforts to develop, thoroughly evaluate and implement interventions tackling self-stigma in multiple skin conditions and languages are warranted.

Peer advice for women living with HIV in the Southern USA

Peer advice can provide emotional, social and practical assistance for the sustained self-management of chronic conditions. For stigmatised diseases such as HIV, finding support can be challenging. Women living with HIV in the Southern USA are additionally impacted upon by region-specific barriers such as stigma, poverty and limited access to services. The effectiveness of peer advice has been studied, yet little is known about the advice shared amongst women living with HIV. Therefore, we aimed to qualitatively explore the context and content of the advice participants offered to other women. With the assistance of a Community Clinician Advisory Board, women were recruited from across the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention South Census Region. In-depth interviews were conducted with (N = 40) participants, aged 23 to 72 years (M = 51.2). Qualitative inductive thematic analysis was used to explore both the solicited and unprompted advice shared during individual interviews. Analysis of interview transcripts revealed three advice themes: Consistency in disease management Practical, non-medical advice; and Emotional and social support. The findings are valuable in shaping future peer-delivered programmes and interventions to enhance HIV care engagement, medication adherence, and the well-being of women living with HIV in the Southern USA.

"Hair is your crown and glory" - Black women's experiences of living with alopecia and the role of social support

BACKGROUND

Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that results in hair loss, mainly from the scalp. There are three specific types of autoimmune alopecia: alopecia areata (AA; small patches of hair loss), alopecia totalis (AT; total hair loss from the scalp) and alopecia universalis (AU; total hair loss from the scalp and body). Whilst research has explored the experiences of White women living with alopecia, there is a lack of research exploring the impact of alopecia on women in the Black community. The current study aimed to explore Black women's experience of living with autoimmune types of alopecia with a focus on the cultural importance of hair within the Black community and the impact of social support.

PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE

Seven Black women (age range: 37-68 years; mean age: 51 years) were recruited purposively through alopecia support group organisations and social media to participate in a semi-structured interview; four participants were diagnosed with AA, two participants were diagnosed with AU, and one participant was diagnosed with AT. One-to-one interviews were conducted online, and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to guide data collection and analysis.

RESULTS

Participants discussed the significance of hair specifically within the Black community and the complex relationship between psychological wellbeing, coping and seeking support.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel area, specific to Black women's psychological experience of alopecia, acknowledges the influence of cultural and ethnic differences. The findings suggest that proactive awareness from health professionals and social support groups are needed due to the nuances of Black women's alopecia experience to provide better support and to enhance the quality of life for Black women to manage their alopecia.

Characterization of online support group resources for patients with dermatologic conditions

Dermatologic conditions can have significant quality of life effects on patients. The internet is a first-line accessible resource for patients to seek support and community in managing dermatologic diagnoses. The accessibility and content of online support resources for patients with dermatologic conditions is unclear so we sought to characterize these resources. We conducted online searches utilizing incognito Google, Yahoo, and Bing search engines and identified a total of 36 support group resources. 9 links were for single dermatology support groups and 27 links were for databases of support groups for different dermatologic conditions. We tallied number totals and percentages of online support resources and found wide variability of material in terms of the readability of the group websites, as well as content, medium, and hosts of the groups. Furthermore, we observed an imbalance in representation of resources for certain dermatologic conditions as opposed to others, further highlighting the strong need for the creation of easy-to-access support groups for patients across the spectrum of dermatological disease.

Current Utilization of Qualitative Methodologies in Dermatology: A Scoping Review

The focus of this review was to determine how qualitative methods are used in dermatology research and whether published manuscripts meet current standards for qualitative research. A scoping review of manuscripts published in English between January 1, 2016 and September 22, 2021 was conducted. A coding document was developed to collect information on authors, methodology, participants, research theme, and the presence of quality criteria as outlined by the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research. Manuscripts were included if they described original qualitative research about dermatologic conditions or topics of primary interest to dermatology. An adjacency search yielded 372 manuscripts, and after screening, 134 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies utilized interviews or focus groups, and researchers predominantly selected participants on the basis of disease status, including over 30 common and rare dermatologic conditions. Research themes frequently included patient experience of disease, development of patient-reported outcomes, and descriptions of provider and caregiver experiences. Although most authors explained their analysis and sampling strategy and included empirical data, few referenced qualitative data reporting standards. Missed opportunities for qualitative methods in dermatology include examination of health disparities, exploration of surgical and cosmetic dermatology experiences, and determination of the lived experience of and provider attitudes toward diverse patient populations.

A mixed methods systematic review of digital interventions to support the psychological health and well-being of people living with dermatological conditions

Background

Dermatological conditions can have a substantial impact on psychological as well as physical health yet dedicated face-to-face psychological support for patients is lacking. Thus, individuals may require additional support to self-manage dermatological conditions effectively. Digital technology can contribute to long-term condition management, but knowledge of the effectiveness of digital interventions addressing psychological (cognitive, emotional, and behavioural) aspects of dermatological conditions is limited.

Objectives

To identify, determine the effectiveness, and explore people’s views and experiences of digital interventions supporting the psychological health of people with dermatological conditions.

Methods

A mixed methods systematic review informed by JBI methodology. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO. Eight electronic databases were searched for papers written between January 2002 and October 2021. Data screening and extraction were conducted in Covidence. The methodological quality of studies were scrutinised against JBI critical appraisal tools. Intervention characteristics were captured using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist and guide. Data were synthesised using a convergent segregated approach. The results were reported in a narrative summary.

Results

Twenty-three papers were identified from 4,883 references, including 15 randomised controlled trials. Nineteen interventions were condition-specific, 13 were delivered online, 16 involved an educational component, and 7 endorsed established, evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Improvements in knowledge, mood, quality of life, the therapeutic relationship, and reduced disease severity in the short to medium term, were reported, although there was substantial heterogeneity within the literature. Thirteen studies captured feedback from users, who considered various digital interventions as convenient and helpful for improving knowledge, emotion regulation, and personal control, but technical and individual barriers to use were reported. Use of established qualitative methodologies was limited and, in some cases, poorly reported.

Conclusion

Some web-based digital psychological interventions seem to be acceptable to people living with mainly psoriasis and eczema. Whilst some digital interventions benefitted cognitive and emotional factors, heterogeneity and inconsistencies in the literature meant definitive statements about their effectiveness could not be drawn. Interdisciplinary and patient-centred approaches to research are needed to develop and test quality digital interventions supporting the psychological health of adults living with common and rare dermatological conditions.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=285435], identifier [CRD42021285435].

The experience of fathers during the covid-19 UK maternity care restrictions

OBJECTIVE

During the COVID-19 pandemic fathers in the UK were excluded from many aspects of maternity care to reduce escalating transmission rates. This study explores the experiences of fathers who had a baby during the pandemic to understand what effect these maternity restrictions had on them and their relationship to the baby.

DESIGN

A qualitative interview study of the experiences of fathers whose baby was born during the pandemic-related UK maternity restrictions.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Non-probability voluntary response sampling of 20 fathers: including 13 primiparous fathers and 7 multiparous fathers. Eligibility criteria were that fathers lived in the UK and had a baby born on or after the 23rd March 2020; the start of the most severe COVID-19 maternity restrictions. Participants were interviewed remotely via telephone using semi-structured interviews which were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

FINDINGS

Four themes, including ten sub-themes, were identified that described fathers' experiences of the maternity restrictions and the father-baby relationship. The themes were: (1) The impact on paternal experience: this theme describes a collective negative paternal maternity experience as a result of the restrictions. Notably, father exclusion produced feelings of isolation and a sense of loss, along with a disconnection from the pregnancy. (2) The impact on the father-baby relationship: this theme discusses the adverse consequence of the restrictions on initial father-baby bonding. (3) Observed impact on mothers: the observed detrimental impact that excluding fathers had on maternal mental health and well-being. Finally, (4) Fatherhood in the 'new normal': the change of daily living during the pandemic aided profound family relationship building, improving long-term father-baby bonding, compared to pre-pandemic conditions.

KEY CONCLUSIONS

The findings provide evidence of undesirable consequences the pandemic-related UK maternity restrictions had on birth partners. With restrictions to maternity care implemented across the globe, these concerns may be applicable at an international scale.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This study adds to other contemporary literature on this subject and can inform discussion among maternity services of the importance of including fathers for improved parental well-being and initial infant bonding.

"Dear hair loss"-illness perceptions of female patients with chemotherapy-induced alopecia

OBJECTIVE

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is one of the most common and distressing side effects of chemotherapy treatment. This study aims to assess the illness perceptions of female patients dealing with CIA, and their associations with demographic and clinical characteristics, coping strategies, and quality of life. The secondary aim was to compare the illness perceptions of patients with CIA with other samples, to help elucidate the specific perceptions of patients with CIA.

METHOD

Forty female patients at risk of severe hair loss due to chemotherapy treatment were included at the oncological daycare unit of a teaching hospital in the Netherlands. Patients were asked to complete the Brief-Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) and the Hair Quality of Life (Hair-QoL) questionnaire.

RESULTS

Illness perceptions indicated that although patients understood their hair loss, they lacked being able to make sense of managing it, negatively impacting patients' lives. Psychological quality of life was significantly correlated with the B-IPQ domains: consequences, degree of concern, and emotional response. Social quality of life was significantly correlated with psychological quality of life. Patients with CIA felt significantly less able to manage their hair loss, compared to patients with breast cancer and psoriatic arthritis.

CONCLUSION

As patients' beliefs of being able to manage their hair loss are important for adopting and maintaining adequate coping behaviors, additional effort of health care providers in fostering patients' sense of control is indicated, focusing on patients' strengths during and after chemotherapy treatment. In the context of developing interventions for patients with CIA, consequences, concern, and emotional response are the major dimensions that should be taken in account to help patients deal with hair loss.

The Impact of Peer Support on Patient Outcomes in Adults With Physical Health Conditions: A Scoping Review

Little is known about the impact of peer support programmes on physical health populations or on the methods used to evaluate such programmes. The present study undertakes a scoping review of research related to peer support programmes or interventions in physical health populations, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The search was carried out across the Medline, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases and focused on papers that evaluated peer support intervention(s) in adults with physical health conditions. The search identified an initial 7,903 records, which were narrowed down to 21 records that met the inclusion criteria; their findings were narratively synthesized. The scoping review found considerable heterogeneity among eligible records in terms of their study design, outcome measurements and findings reported. Qualitative methods of evaluation generated more consistent findings compared to objective outcome measures and suggested that peer support was beneficial for patients' health and wellbeing by reducing feelings of isolation and creating a sense of community as well as providing an opportunity for information consolidation. The scoping review highlights the inconsistencies in methods used to evaluate peer support interventions and programmes in healthcare settings among different physical health populations. It also draws attention to the lack of peer support research in particular areas, including in acute physical health populations such as in major trauma. The scoping review emphasizes the need for future studies to address this gap in peer support research.

Feasibility of Social Media Recruitment for Orofacial Cleft Genetic Research

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the feasibility of unpaid social media advertising to recruit participants affected with an orofacial cleft (OFC) for a genetic study.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective analysis of recruitment based on enrollment and participation in a genetic study. Participants completed a series of enrollment surveys, provided saliva samples, and completed postparticipation feedback surveys.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were eligible if they or a minor in their care were affected by an OFC, the affected participant was not adopted, and the mother of the affected individual had not taken antiseizure medication during pregnancy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Success of recruitment was evaluated from the number of enrolled participants and sample return rate.

RESULTS

In the first 12 months of recruitment, 313 individuals completed initial screening surveys; of these, 306 participants were eligible. A total of 263 individuals completed all online surveys and were sent DNA sample kits. One hundred sixty-two subject DNA samples were returned within 12 months of sending, for a return rate of 62%. Approximately two-thirds (66.3%) of all returned samples were sent back within the first 6 weeks after receiving DNA kits.

CONCLUSIONS

Unpaid social media advertising enabled the recruitment of a large cohort of participants in a short time (12 months). The resulting study population was limited in racial and ethnic diversity, suggesting that other recruitment strategies will be needed for studies seeking specific demographic or socioeconomic groups. Nonetheless, social media recruitment was efficient and effective for recruiting participants for a genetic study in comparison to traditional clinic-based modes of recruitment.

The role of Facebook groups in the management and raising of awareness of antidepressant withdrawal: is social media filling the void left by health services?

BACKGROUND

Antidepressant withdrawal is experienced by about half of people who try to reduce or come off their medication. It can be a debilitating, long lasting process. Many clinicians misdiagnose or minimise symptoms, inadvertently prolonging suffering. Most are unable to help patients safely taper off. There has been little research into the peer support communities that are playing an increasingly important role in helping people withdraw from psychiatric medications.

METHODS

To illustrate the growth and activities of Facebook withdrawal groups, we examined 13 such groups. All were raising awareness of, and supporting individuals tapering off, antidepressants and were followed for 13 months. A further three groups were added for the last 5 months of the study.

RESULTS

In June 2020, the groups had a total membership of 67,125, of which, 60,261 were in private groups. The increase in membership for the 13 groups over the study period was 28.4%. One group was examined in greater detail. Group membership was 82.5% female, as were 80% of the Administrators and Moderators, all of whom are lay volunteers. Membership was international but dominated (51.2%) by the United States (US). The most common reason for seeking out this group was failed clinician-led tapers.

DISCUSSION

The results are discussed in the context of research on the prevalence, duration and severity of antidepressant withdrawal. We question why so many patients seek help in peer-led Facebook groups, rather than relying on the clinicians that prescribed the medications. The withdrawal experiences of tens of thousands of people remain hidden in these groups where they receive support to taper when healthcare services should be responsible. Further research should focus on the methods of support and tapering protocols used in these groups to enable improved, more informed support by clinicians. Support from Governments and healthcare agencies is also needed, internationally, to address this issue.

Online peer to peer support: Qualitative analysis of UK and US open mental health Facebook groups

Objective

This research aimed to gain further understanding of how open Facebook groups are used for online peer to peer support and identify any similarities and/or differences between UK and US groups.

Method

A systematic search of mental health related open Facebook groups was conducted using relevant key words. The posts from 14 UK and 11 US groups were acquired over a three month period and content thematically analysed using Nvivo.

Results

Findings support previous research which evidences that online peer to peer support is beneficial for users seeking mental health information. Said support can increase feelings of connectedness, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide a platform for comparison of perspectives relating to personal experiences. Group membership may offer hope and increase feelings of empowerment in those using Facebook groups as a support mechanism. There was similar discourse seen throughout both UK and US posts in regards to gender inequality, lack of awareness and stigmatisation.

Conclusions

The study highlights the positive impact of shared personal experiences, and offers a greater understanding of the benefits of online peer to peer support for mental health and wellbeing. There is evidence that, whilst mental health is becoming a more widely discussed topic, in both the UK and US, it remains negatively perceived. Questions are posed for group administrators and health professionals relating to their utilisation and moderation of such online peer to peer support networks.

Effectiveness of Support Groups for Patients With Contact Dermatitis: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Contact dermatitis can be difficult to manage and overwhelming for patients, often requiring significant lifestyle changes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate whether a contact dermatitis support group could help patients find community and learn from others who share similar experiences.

METHODS

Hour-long, monthly support group meetings facilitated by a social worker, research fellows, and a faculty dermatologist were held for approximately 1.5 years. A 32-question, cross-sectional survey was administered to assess perception of contact dermatitis and overall usefulness of the group.

RESULTS

Between 2 and 5 patients attended each group session; 9 participants completed the survey. Most were female (77.8%) and white (77.8%), with an average age of 68.8 years. Eight participants (88.9%) reported that it was important or somewhat important to socialize with others affected by contact dermatitis. Three group members (33.3%) had met with attendees outside of the monthly sessions. The majority (77.8%) reported that the support group had a positive effect on their understanding of contact dermatitis and would recommend the group to others (88.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Support groups may be helpful for patients learning to cope with the challenges associated with contact dermatitis. Although preliminary feedback is promising, further investigation is warranted to determine whether these groups are effective on a larger scale.