Evaluation Of An Online Peer Support Network For Adolescents With Chronic Kidney Disease

This study reports on the development and evaluation of an online social support network for adolescents with chronic kidney disease. Twenty-four adolescents were enrolled in a six-month online intervention in which asynchronous and synchronous online peer support was facilitated. Online dialogue transcripts were analyzed, as were postintervention qualitative interviews with network participants. Findings identify both benefits and challenges of online social support for adolescents and provide guidelines for future support initiatives. The study indicates online support as a valuable resource for adolescents with chronic kidney disease.