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Social networks play an important role in smoking. Provision of social support during cessation is a cornerstone of treatment. Online social networks for cessation are ubiquitous and represent a promising modality for smokers to receive and provide the support necessary for cessation. There are no existing measures specific to online social support...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... from the factor analysis of the items in Table 1 are presented in Figure 1 in biplot form (see Multimedia Appendix 1 for interitem correlation matrix). Factor analysis of the 15 items revealed a homogeneous cluster of 12 items (Q1 through Q12) with strong intraclass correlation (ICC = .36) ...
Context 2
... examination of their frequency distribution indicated that Q13 and Q14 showed minimal between-subject variation, with 84% and 90% of the sample respectively endorsing the highest (ie, least negative) category. In contrast, Q15 showed larger between-subject variation, but seemed to lie in a dimension other than that described by the first two factors depicted in Figure 1. Therefore, we decided to drop these 3 items from further consideration. ...
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Introduction
Use of online social networks for smoking cessation has been associated with abstinence. Little is known about the mechanisms through which the formation of social ties in an online network may influence smoking behavior. Using dynamic social network analysis, we investigated how temporal changes of an individual’s number of social net...
Citations
... to .90 [45] and .90 [79]. ...
Background
The spread of the coronavirus has led to significant anxiety among university students, resulting in various mental health problems that could potentially impact their academic performance.
Method
To examine the mediating role of emotional regulation and online social support in the relationships between COVID-19 psychological pressures, depression, and the fear of missing out (FoMO) among young adult university students, a cross-sectional research design was employed using an online survey. The sample consisted of 521 full-time university students from China, currently enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Results
Findings revealed that more than half (55.09%, n=287) of the university students experienced COVID-19 psychological pressures. These pressures directly contributed to increased levels of depression (β = 0.339, p < .001) and fear of missing out (β = 0.236, p < .001). Moreover, online social support and emotional regulation exhibited partial mediating effects on the association between COVID-19 psychological pressures, depression, and the fear of missing out. The results indicated that COVID-19 psychological pressures were linked to higher levels of depressive symptoms and a greater fear of missing out among university students.
Conclusions
However, the provision of timely and adequate online social support, as well as the implementation of emotional regulation strategies, mitigated the negative effects of the pandemic on students' social and emotional well-being. Consequently, this led to reduced levels of depression and fear of missing out.
... Online social networking venues directed at smoking reduction or cessation can provide smokers with a level of empathy, support and interaction comparable to more traditional face-to-face approaches. The internet offers smokers 24/7 access to advice, encouragement, shared experiences and the intensity of social support already recognised as a key factor in smoking cessation and relapse prevention (Graham et al., 2011). It is important to investigate their efficacy using the parameters established for Evidence Based Practice. ...
Consumer health informatics (CHI) uses Internet based systems to deliver health education/intervention programs to the public. Smoking reduction/cessation efforts improve public health and reduce healthcare costs. Scientists believe that smoking avoidance/cessation before age 30 can prevent over 90% of smoking related cancers. Approaches to reducing smoking related deaths include encouraging current smokers to stop and preventing new people from smoking. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Clinical Evidence Topic 188, impact of CHI applications, prompted an analysis of a defined group of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examined Internet smoking reduction/cessation interventions using the techniques defined for Evidence Based Practice. A search of the University EBSCO Host databases, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE identified 13 RCTs summarising the outcomes of 17 internet based smoking reduction/cessation programs between 2006 and 2015. These programs were shown to be promising tools in the smoking reduction/cessation effort.
... Some other studies did not focus on smoking behavior and looked at other areas, including substance abuse (BESTER, 2017;FLORENCE, 2014). In other studies, the tools had good reliability and validity but were not used for the target group of adolescence (GRAHAM et al., 2011;Y.-T. CHEN et al., 2014). ...
Background
Smoking is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. Evidence suggests that environmental factors (EF) play an important role in adolescent smoking behavior. Therefore, the present study aimed to perform a psychometric analysis of the questionnaire of EF on smoking behavior and evaluate the theoretical framework with a path analysis approach in adolescents in Isfahan, Iran.
Methods
This psychometric cross-sectional study recruited a sample of 340 adolescents selected by simple random stratified clustered sampling in Isfahan in 2019. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire of EF.
Results
The participants’ mean age was 16.67 (0.98) years. The content validity index and content validity ratio of the questionnaire of EF were 0.8 and 0.58, respectively, and its total corrected item-total correlations index was 0.377. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed acceptable goodness of fit for the first-order measurement model of environmental variables, and the results of path analysis showed acceptable goodness of fit for the explanatory model of EF.
Conclusions
The present study provided a valid and reliable explanatory model of EF of smoking behavior and its related questionnaire, so it can be used in studies related to adolescent smoking behavior.
... Perceived online social support was assessed using three items adapted from Graham, Papandonatos, Kang, Moreno, and Abrams [65]: I get advice and support here that I would not get elsewhere; It is encouraging to know that there are other people making similar efforts (with regard to nutrition or sport); and I feel that other visitors (or authors) of sites are giving me support, with answers that ranged from 1 = Definitely does not apply to 4 = Definitely applies. A higher score indicated higher perceived support. ...
One of the debates about media usage is the potential harmful effect that it has on body image and related eating disturbances because of its representations of the “ideal body”. This study focuses on the drive for thinness among the visitors of various health-oriented websites and online platforms because neither has yet been sufficiently studied in this context. Specifically, this study aims to bring more insight to the risk factors which can increase the drive for thinness in the users of these websites. We tested the presumption that web content internalization is a key factor in this process, and we considered the effects of selected individual factors, specifically the perceived online social support and neuroticism. We utilized survey data from 445 Czech women (aged 18– 29, M = 23.5, SD = 3.1) who visited nutrition, weight loss, and exercise websites. The results showed a positive indirect link between both perceived online social support and neuroticism to the drive for thinness via web content internalization. The results are discussed with regard to the dual role of online support as both risk and protective factor. Moreover, we consider the practical implications for eating behavior and weight-related problems with regard to prevention and intervention.
... In traditional smoking cessation interventions, smokers are found to be more likely to advance their smoking cessation processes when they receive active social support from partners, family members, friends, or "buddies" [30,31]. Some scholars also found that smokers seek social support in their usage of smoking cessation OHCs [18,33]. Prior research on smoking cessation OHCs also empirically revealed that social support from OHCs is effective in helping achieve smoking abstinence [33]. ...
... Some scholars also found that smokers seek social support in their usage of smoking cessation OHCs [18,33]. Prior research on smoking cessation OHCs also empirically revealed that social support from OHCs is effective in helping achieve smoking abstinence [33]. In other words, social support in smoking cessation OHCs might enhance smokers' PU of smoking cessation OHCs, which can further enhance their smoking cessation performance. ...
... For example, the Online Social Support for Smokers Scale (OS4) was subjected to psychometric examination. 60 Specialized items such as "Using QuitNet helped me cope with cravings," limit the application of such scales more broadly. Moreover, the considerable time and effort required for the development and validation of such purpose-built measures represents a substantial deterrent to many researchers in following suit. ...
BACKGROUND
Interpersonal positivity and negativity are separable dimensions both recognized as having important effects on health. Though online social interactions and research examining them are increasingly common, no validated instrument has heretofore been developed to examine social support and social negativity specifically in online contexts. The present studies describe the development and validation of the Online Social Experiences Measure (OSEM) to allow for assessment of online social positivity and negativity simultaneously.
METHODS AND RESULTS
In Study I, responses to a potential item pool were collected from participants (N = 557), who were then subdivided into two groups for the purposes of cross-validation via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Results suggested the emergence of two factors: online social support (OSEM+ subscale) and online social negativity (OSEM− subscale). Across Studies I and II (N = 139), the OSEM showed good convergent and discriminant validity, and both subscales had high internal consistency. Study II included an ambulatory cardiovascular assessment and found the OSEM− subscale to be predictive of elevated diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. The OSEM+ subscale was predictive of more favorable cardiovascular readings for some types of participants (e.g. those with a greater number of online-only social ties).
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, results suggest online social positivity and negativity may have implications for physical health, and that the OSEM may be a useful tool in understanding online social processes.
... Perceived online social support. Respondents were asked "To what extent do the following statements apply to you with regard to these sites?", with three items adapted from the Online Social Support for Smokers Scale [28]: "I get advice and support here that I would not get elsewhere", "It is encouraging to know that there are other people making similar efforts (with regard to nutrition or sport)", and "I feel that other visitors (or authors) of sites are giving me support". The items were answered on a 4-point scale ranging from 1 (Definitely does not apply) to 4 (Definitely applies). ...
BACKGROUND
Nutrition, diet, and fitness are among the most searched health topics by internet users. Besides that, health-related internet users are diverse in their motivations and individual characteristics. However, little is known about the individual characteristics associated with the usage of nutrition, weight loss, and fitness websites.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the individual factors associated with the usage of nutrition, weight loss, and fitness websites.
METHODS
An invitation to an online survey was published on 65 websites and discussion forums. In total, we employed data from 623 participants (aged 13 to 39 years, mean 24.11 [SD 5.26]). The measures included frequency of usage of nutrition, weight loss and fitness websites, excessive exercise, eating disorder symptomatology, internalization of the beauty ideal, weight status, and perceived online social support. Participants’ data were used as predictors in a base linear regression model.
RESULTS
The final model had an acceptable fit (χ210 =14.1; P=.17; root mean square error of approximation=0.03; comparative fit index=0.99; Tucker-Lewis index=0.99). Positive associations were found between usage of (1) nutrition websites and being female, higher levels of excessive exercise, and perceived online social support; (2) weight loss websites and excessive exercise, internalization, being female, eating disorder symptomatology, and being overweight or obese; and (3) fitness websites and levels of excessive exercise, internalization, and frequency of internet use.
CONCLUSIONS
The results highlighted the importance of individual differences in the usage of health-related websites.
... For example, Turner-McGrievy and Tate (2013) demonstrated that participants in a weight-loss program were more successful when they used Twitter to engage with the counselor and other participants (main effect). Graham, Papandonatos, Kang, Moreno, and Abrams (2011) found that participation in an online smokingreduction social support forum was associated with longer periods of smoking abstinence (main effect). Longman, O'Connor, and Obst (2009) reported that greater online social support among World of Warcraft players was associated with lower depression, anxiety, and stress (main effect). ...
... In these studies, extant measures of OSS tend to be studyspecific and have highly diverse structures. Some treat OSS as a unitary construct (e.g., Graham et al., 2011), whereas others attempt to divide OSS into subtypes based on one theory or another (e.g., Turner-McGrievy & Tate, 2013). To ground our own measure of online social support in social support theory, we began by conducting a literature review of theoretical and empirical attempts to characterize the structure of in-person social support. ...
A new measure, the Online Social Support Scale, was developed based on previous theory, research, and measurement of in-person social support. It includes four subscales: Esteem/Emotional Support, Social Companionship, Informational Support, and Instrumental Support. In college and community samples, factor analytic and item response theory results suggest that subtypes of in-person social support also pertain in the online world. Evidence of reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity provide excellent psychometric support for the measure. Construct validity accrues to the measure vis-à-vis support for three hypotheses: (a) Various broad types of Internet platforms for social interactions are differentially associated with online social support and online victimization; (b) similar to in-person social support, online social support offsets the adverse effect of negative life events on self-esteem and depression-related outcome; and (c) online social support counteracts the effects of online victimization in much the same way that in-person friends in one social niche counterbalance rejection in other social niches.
... Respondents were asked "To what extent do the following statements apply to you with regard to these sites?", with 3 items adapted from the Online Social Support for Smokers Scale [28]: "I get advice and support here that I would not get elsewhere", "It is encouraging to know that there are other people making similar efforts (with regard to nutrition or sport)", and "I feel that other visitors (or authors) of sites are giving me support". The items were answered on a 4-point scale ranging from 1 (Definitely does not apply) to 4 (Definitely applies). ...
Background:
Nutrition, diet, and fitness are among the most searched health topics by Internet users. On the other hand, health-related Internet users are diverse in their motivations and individual characteristics. However, little is known about the individual characteristics associated with the usage of nutrition, weight loss, and fitness websites.
Objective:
Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the individual factors associated with the usage of nutrition, weight loss, and fitness websites.
Methods:
An invitation to an online survey was published on 65 websites and discussion forums. In total, 623 participants were recruited (aged 13 to 39, M = 24.11 years, SD = 5.26). Measures included frequency of usage of nutrition, weight loss, and fitness websites, excessive exercise, eating disorder symptomatology, internalization of the beauty ideal, weight status, and perceived online social support. Participants’ data were used as predictors in a base linear regression model.
Results:
The final model had an acceptable fit, χ2 = 14.01, p = .173, RMSEA = .03, CFI = .99, TLI = .99. Positive associations were found between usage of: (a) nutrition websites and being female, higher levels of excessive exercise, and perceived online social support; (b) weight loss websites and excessive exercise, internalization, being female, eating disorder symptomatology, and being overweight or obese; (c) fitness websites and levels of excessive exercise, internalization and frequency of Internet use.
Conclusions:
The results highlight the importance of individual differences in the usage of health-related websites.
... Previous research in this field has focused on analysis of the structural characteristics of the online communities [5], development of theory-guided interventions [6], and validation of social support in online communities for behavior change and chronic illness management [7]. Recent studies on social media analysis for smoking cessation have suggested new methodological advances for enhancing user engagement through content-mediated network modeling of peer interactions [8,9]. ...
With online social platforms gaining popularity as venues of behavior change, it is important to understand the ways in which these platforms facilitate peer interactions. In this paper, we characterize temporal trends in user communication through mapping of theoretically-linked semantic content. We used qualitative coding and automated text analysis to assign theoretical techniques to peer interactions in an online community for smoking cessation, subsequently facilitating temporal visualization of the observed techniques. Results indicate manifestation of several behavior change techniques such as feedback and monitoring' and 'rewards'. Automated methods yielded reasonable results (F-measure=0.77). Temporal trends among relapsers revealed reduction in communication after a relapse event. This social withdrawal may be attributed to failure guilt after the relapse. Results indicate significant change in thematic categories such as 'social support', 'natural consequences', and 'comparison of outcomes' pre and post relapse. Implications for development of behavioral support technologies that promote long-term abstinence are discussed.
