E-health communication: reaching out through the internet

The impending use of internet open up a broad spectrum of usage. Among those are the use of sharing platform such as facebook and blogging system for particular communities. Support groups are essential part of health recovery, in particular people with acute, chronic or even deadly diseases and disorders. In the age of virtual communities, one can hope to find solace and information through online support group. Support group is important to allow patients or patients� family to receive help and place to open themselves in regard to the illnesses. Online support group enable people from around the globe to communicate, discuss and encourage others with similar condition. This article delves the question of how people use internet-based health support group. The researcher conduct qualitative textual analysis on an online pregnancy support group and various literatures which explores the use of internet-based support group. The findings show that people use online support group that suitable with their online behavior, for example the mode of interactivity and anonymity. Besides the selection of online platform, the types of messages that can be posted, read and replied determine the participation with a support group. In this case, the message of information support and emotional support is shown as crucial reason for the online participation.