Online Support Intervention for Adolescents With Asthma and Allergies

Abstract

Objectives. To determine appropriate components and contents of an online peer support intervention for young adolescents and to evaluate intervention processes, perceived benefits, and satisfaction with the intervention.Methods. Three months of support were provided through synchronous chat, e-mail exchange, instant messaging, and bulletin boards. Online support group sessions were facilitated by trained peer mentors (older youth/young adults with asthma and allergies) and health professionals. Participant use of online options was tracked (eg, log-ons, e-mails, chat minutes). Qualitative data were elicited from peer mentor reports, online support group chat transcripts, project coordinators’ field notes, peer mentor exit interviews, and adolescent telephone interviews.Results. Almost all adolescents were satisfied with this online support intervention. Topics discussed in the support groups were pertinent to their educational and support needs. Peer mentors provided emotional, affirmation, and information support. Participants appreciated opportunities for social comparison and reciprocal exchange of support with peers.Conclusion and implications. A major contribution was documentation of the complex intervention ingredients and processes through qualitative and quantitative methods that elicited diverse stakeholders’ perspectives. This strategy enables adaptation and integration into practice. Adolescents who benefited most felt isolated, suggesting the importance of targeting vulnerable youth for support programs.