Abstract
People who suffer chronic illness or significant disability often find it difficult to participate in normal neighbourhood community life. Both the sufferer and their carers and family lose contact with neighbours, friends and the workplace and are unable to participate meaningfully. This study uses qualitative methods to examine online health communities for people suffering from two degenerative neurological diseases, Parkinson’s Disease and Motor Neuron Disease and finds that participants in these online communities are creating peer-to-peer value through social capital exchange and a vibrant exchange of social support. The study finds that participation in online health communities can provide opportunities to significantly improve the lives of people who are disabled or chronically unwell.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | ANZMAC 2011 |
| Subtitle of host publication | conference proceedings : Marketing in the age of consumerism : Jekyll or Hyde? |
| Place of Publication | Perth |
| Publisher | ANZMAC2011 Conference |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780646563305 |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
| Event | Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy Conference (2011) - Perth Duration: 28 Nov 2011 → 30 Nov 2011 |
Conference
| Conference | Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy Conference (2011) |
|---|---|
| City | Perth |
| Period | 28/11/11 → 30/11/11 |