A qualitative study investigating users’ perspective of bariatric surgery online health communities in facilitating social support

ABSTRACT

Objective

To fulfil a need for greater access to social support postoperatively, adults who have undergone bariatric surgery have turned to Online Health Communities (OHCs). Prior research has signposted the potential “functional” dimensions of social support found via OHCs. However, the “structural” dimensions experienced on OHC have yet to be explored. This study aimed to explore users’ experience of the “functional” and “structural” dimensions of social support facilitated within bariatric surgery OHCs.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 adults who were waitlisted or had undergone bariatric surgery. Data were analysed with both deductive and inductive methodologies utilised. Deductive analysis was mapped to social support theories thus themes reflect “informational”, “emotional”, “belonging”, and “tangible” social support.

Results

There were five subthemes generated under the theme of “informational” social support, two under “emotional” and “tangible” social support, and one under “belonging” social support. Participants believed that the “informal” structural support in their life was insufficient and a contributing factor to turning to OHCs. For some participants, “formal” structural social support was facilitated via OHCs; however, most were seeking different types of support than what they can receive from their medical support team. The inductive analysis generated two themes including “access to reliable social support 24/7” and “satisfied with the support available on OHCs”, highlighting key advantages and value of OHCs.

Conclusions

There seems to be value for OHCs in bariatric surgery for social support. However, fundamentally the shared experiences and “belonging” social support seem to be a linchpin for the success of OHCs.

KEY POINTS

What is already known about this topic:

1. In Australia, to fulfil a need for greater access to social support postoperatively, adults who have undergone bariatric surgery have turned to Online Health Communities (OHCs).

2. Results from previous analysis of bariatric surgery OHCs suggest that they facilitate different “functional” dimensions of social support.

3. Little is known about the “structural” dimensions of social support concerning bariatric surgery OHCs.

What this topic adds:

1. The shared experiences and “belonging” social support seem to be a linchpin for the success of OHCs.

2. OHC users may be good at self-moderating the content shared. Thus, OHCs as part of a bariatric surgery health service may only require minimal moderation and oversight by health professionals.

3. Findings have the potential to help healthcare professionals see the value that OHCs can bring to patients and highlight key considerations in developing, implementing, or recommending them in a health service.

KEYWORDS:

• Bariatric surgery
• online health communities
• online support groups
• qualitative research
• social media
• social support

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data available within the article or its supplementary materials.

Supplementary data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530.2023.2292022.

Additional information

Funding

CW is supported through an Australian Government RTP Stipend for academic Doctor of Philosophy program