PubMed Health⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 14674576

Using Internet discussion boards as virtual focus groups.

Margaret F Moloney·Alexa S Dietrich·Ora Strickland·Stuart Myerburg
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

While the potential of Internet-based qualitative research methods is substantial, such methods are not without their problems. Some of these methodological challenges are unique to the medium, while others are similar to those of more traditional qualitative methods. This article presents some of these methodological challenges, and explores some of the issues involved in using on-line discussion boards as virtual focus groups in a study of perimenopausal women with migraines. Design of the study and its advantages and disadvantages are discussed, including the role of the moderator. Some of the problems encountered included potential for misunderstandings due to limits of written communications, and difficulty encouraging participation.

Explore related subjects

ClimactericData CollectionFemaleFocus GroupsHumansInternetMigraine DisordersNursing ResearchUser-Computer InterfaceJournal ArticleResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Margaret F Moloney, Alexa S Dietrich, Ora Strickland, Stuart Myerburg. Using Internet discussion boards as virtual focus groups.. https://doi.org/10.1097/00012272-200310000-00005

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2006

[Use of estrogen replacement therapy and alternative therapies among Norwegian women aged 50-69].

BACKGROUND: Several large studies have showed higher risk and less benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) than assumed, and sales figures have been reduced by almost a half. Several non-hormonal treatment alternatives for climacteric complaints are available. The object of this study was to determine the occurrence of climacteric complaints, and to study the use and efficacy of hormonal and alternative therapies among Norwegian women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 150 participants in the Norwegian Mammography Screening Programme in Trondheim were interviewed about climacteric symptoms, use of HRT, and of alternative therapies. RESULTS: 81% of the participants had experienced vasomotor symptoms. The prevalence was highest among women aged 55-59 years. 23% of the women were current users of HRT, 27% were past users. 75% of the HRT users reported good effect. 25% of the participants were current users of alternative therapies, while 17% were past users. Soy was most frequently used as an alternative therapy. 42% of the alternative therapies were reported to be effective. INTERPRETATION: Half of the participants had used HRT, and most of these reported good effect. A corresponding number of women had used various alternative therapies, but the perceived efficacy of these was significantly poorer.

Climacteric↗
PubMed2006

Effect of a compound containing isoflavones, primrose oil and vitamin E in two different doses on climacteric symptoms.

The object of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of a compound containing isoflavones 60 mg, primrose oil 440 mg and vitamin E 10 mg. (IOVE) on menopausal complaints. This was an open, multicentre, randomised, group comparative, efficacy and safety trial. A total of 1,080 postmenopausal women, with climacteric symptoms, were allocated into one of two treatment groups to receive one (Group 1; n = 562) or two IOVE capsules (Group 2; n = 518) per day. The Blatt - Kupperman scale and safety parameters including weight, body mass index, blood pressure and adverse effects were assessed at the first visit before initiating the treatment, and 3 - 6 months thereafter. In addition, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride levels were measured at baseline and at the 6th month visit. Finally, at the end of follow-up, the patient's satisfaction was assessed. No differences between groups at the beginning of the study and during the follow-up were observed. A significant reduction in Blatt - Kupperman scores were observed in the two groups. In addition, the reduction of the symptoms was more intense in the first 3 months. Increasing doses of IOVE add no beneficial effects since both studied doses were equally effective in the reduction of climacteric complaints.

Climacteric↗
PubMed2006

Climacteric symptoms and hormones.

Climacteric symptoms are so closely associated with the menopause to be practically considered its hallmark. However, symptoms can already appear before the onset of menopause. The frequency, extent and intensity of symptoms are dependent on social factors, body composition, race and geographical region. In about 20-25% of menopausal women they do not occur at all. These symptoms are most prominent in women who are suddenly deprived of their endogenous estrogen secretion, for instance by bilateral ovariectomy, particularly in younger women. Climacteric symptoms can to be subdivided into five categories: menstrual bleeding disorders; vegetative symptoms; psychosomatic symptoms; somatotrophic changes; and metabolic changes. For prevention and treatment of the various symptoms, estrogen/progestogen replacement therapy (HRT) or estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in individualized dosages and various forms of applications are the most cost-effective modalities in order to control menopausal symptoms and restore organic function, or prevent all of this and improve women's quality of life. Recent publications indicate that gene polymorphisms may be associated with severe and persistent climacteric symptoms. This is also true for current and ever cigarette smokers.

Climacteric↗