Using the internet to cope with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in adolescence: a qualitative study

Amberly Brigden, Julie Barnett, Roxanne Morin Parslow, Lucy Beasant, Esther Crawley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (SciVal)
95 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: Adolescents are increasingly using online resources for health purposes. Previous studies suggest that online provision of information about chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is neither balanced nor consistent with evidence-based practice. However, little is known about how adolescents with CFS/ME use the internet for their condition and whether this is helpful or harmful.

Methods: Nine indepth, semistructured, qualitative interviews were conducted with young people (aged 12-17) recruited from a specialist paediatric CFS/ME service. Interviews explored the types of online resources accessed, motivations for doing so and how resource use related to patterns of coping.

Results: Around the time of diagnosis, participants focused on gathering facts about CFS/ME and therefore used official resources (eg, National Health Service sites) that were considered reliable. This transitioned to exploring patient-led and peer-led spaces: health forums, Facebook and YouTube. Participants accessed these regularly, over the long term, and valued these sites for the personal stories, emotional content and interactive technology. Patient-led and peer-led sites supported coping, encouraging active behavioural management, providing social support and addressing stigmatised aspects of the condition. CFS/ME put a strain on normal adolescent life, such as identity and friendships. Online resources allowed participants to adapt and maintain a sense of normality.

Conclusions: Adolescents who use the internet find online resources helpful in seeking information and social support for their condition. Healthcare services should improve their online resources to meet the needs of younger users, providing evidence-based content in ways that are relevant to adolescents and that can meet the needs for social support, as well as providing information.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere000299
JournalBMJ Paediatrics Open
Volume2
Issue number1
Early online date23 Aug 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Using the internet to cope with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in adolescence: a qualitative study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this