Online hysterectomy support: characteristics of Website experiences

This descriptive study examines the use of an Internet information and chat website, hystersisters.com, which allows women to communicate with others who are contemplating or have recently had a hysterectomy. This study had three aims: (1) to determine if the site is successful in providing information and support, (2) to assess why particular Hystersisters were perceived to be helpful, and (3) to describe what, if anything, women found to be unhelpful about the site. Women (n 5 137), aged 25-65 years (M 5 39.8, SD 5 7.54) responded to a mail survey. The site was perceived to provide positive informational support (chi square 5 13.46, p 5 0.000) more than esteem or emotional support. Women found discussing recovery issues (chi square 5 5.727, p 5 0.017) to be most helpful. Thirty-nine percent indicated that something on the site was unhelpful. The website seems to accomplish the provision of positive informational support; however, this site was not always seen as helpful.