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The Impact of a Peer Social Support Network from the Perspective of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Qualitative Study

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  • Glòria Reig-Garcia

    (Nursing Department, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Cristina Bosch-Farré

    (Nursing Department, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
    Health and Health Care Research Group, Department of Nursing, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Rosa Suñer-Soler

    (Nursing Department, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
    Health and Health Care Research Group, Department of Nursing, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Dolors Juvinyà-Canal

    (Nursing Department, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
    Health and Health Care Research Group, Department of Nursing, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Núria Pla-Vila

    (Institut d’Assistència Sanitària, 17244 Cassà de la Selva, Spain)

  • Rosa Noell-Boix

    (Nursing Department, University of Vic, 08500 Vic, Spain)

  • Esther Boix-Roqueta

    (Institut d’Assistència Sanitària, 17244 Cassà de la Selva, Spain)

  • Susana Mantas-Jiménez

    (Nursing Department, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain)

Abstract

Background: Fibromyalgia is a chronic and complex disease whose management by patients requires a high level of commitment. Patient empowerment therefore represents an important milestone in chronic disease treatment and control. We explored the impact of a peer social support network from the perspective of women with fibromyalgia. Methods: A generic qualitative design was proposed for the study, for which women who had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia were purposefully selected. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the collected data were thematically analysed. Results: Three key themes emerged regarding the peer social support network: (1) empowerment (facilitating acceptance of the diagnosis and acting as a source of information); (2) effects on well-being and quality of life (attenuated the stigma, improved physical well-being, provided emotional support and was a socialization medium); and (3), valuable aspects (transmitted feelings of being understood and listened to and increased personal feelings of satisfaction). Conclusions: A peer social support network for women with fibromyalgia exerts positive effects on their physical, mental, and social well-being and empowers them to better manage their disease. Healthcare for women with fibromyalgia should include strategies that connect them through peer social support networks.

Suggested Citation

  • Glòria Reig-Garcia & Cristina Bosch-Farré & Rosa Suñer-Soler & Dolors Juvinyà-Canal & Núria Pla-Vila & Rosa Noell-Boix & Esther Boix-Roqueta & Susana Mantas-Jiménez, 2021. "The Impact of a Peer Social Support Network from the Perspective of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12801-:d:695016
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lu (Lucy) Yan & Jianping Peng & Yong Tan, 2015. "Network Dynamics: How Can We Find Patients Like Us?," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 26(3), pages 496-512, September.
    2. Lu Yan & Yong Tan, 2014. "Feeling Blue? Go Online: An Empirical Study of Social Support Among Patients," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 25(4), pages 690-709, December.
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