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For a growing number of Canadian women, information, feedback and support on health issues from other women can be as close by as a computer with Internet access.
Thanks to the proliferation of safe and reliable online discussion groups, women can get connected to others who have shared similar health experiences—right across Canada. In fact, for many women, particularly those living in northern, rural or remote regions, it may be a lot easier to get support online than in a face-to-face meeting.
Info about where to get more info
"The point is to provide a forum for women to find out about the experiences of other women," explains Sheryl Mitchell, Director of womenshealthmatters.ca and Le Club, which is hosted by The New Women's College Hospital in Toronto. "We aren't providing medical advice," she points out.
"We're providing information about where to get more information."
"You get information that makes women feel that they're not alone."
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Links provide instant access to useful information and services, and discussion boards offer Internet forums and bulletin boards. Users write posts or messages that can be archived for weeks or even years. Many women use these web tools to have a conversation, share advice and troubleshoot.
Moderators help guide discussion
At Le Club, there are free discussion groups on everything from heart health and menopause to coping with breast cancer—all moderated by health professionals, including nurses, occupational therapists and social workers who are experts on particular topics.
In the discussion group on contraception and sexual health, for instance, the discussion takes place under the watchful eye and guidance of a moderator who is an RN working with the Bay Centre for Birth Control in Toronto. "Her role is not necessarily to answer every single question," notes Mitchell, "but she stays aware of what's going on in the discussion groups and if there is misinformation, she points it out and corrects it."
Online support encourages women to share openly
Anytime-access and confidentiality are important features of online discussion groups. Online support groups can provide an important addition to face-to-face support for women. "It provides another opportunity to get involved and get support from other women on your own time and schedule without having to leave home," says Mitchell.
For example, a recent U.S. study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that women who receive online breast cancer support report improved emotional well-being. Earlier studies have shown that women with breast cancer use online support because it's one of the few places they don't have to maintain a show of strength.
"Written expression about emotionally traumatic events is associated with physical and mental health benefits," writes researcher Bret R. Shaw. In addition to providing a place to exchange information and get emotional support and encouragement, computer support groups give women with breast cancer the opportunity to talk openly and constructively about their lives, independent of the actual support they receive from others. This appears to be "another possible benefit," points out Shaw.
Women do form online relationships, Mitchell notes. "The woman who is preparing for a hysterectomy for instance, will let the group know by saying something like, 'Wish me luck, I'm really nervous' and a week later, you'll see posts from women in the group checking back with her to see how she is."
Internet connects women who may be isolated
For women who face particular challenges, such as living with a disability or in an abusive relationship, online support can be especially beneficial in lessening a sense of isolation. Other factors such as geography, climate and issues related to age, culture and socioeconomic status can also isolate women from their communities and have a negative impact on their health.
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Women North Network
Women in northern, rural and remote communities in British Columbia face higher rates of violence and have less access to treatment, resources and services than women living in the southern part of the province. For them, The Women North Network Project and its WebCT Online Gathering Space have provided a lifeline.
"When you go to Women North Network," says Sian Lewis, a social worker in Dawson Creek, BC, "you get information that makes women feel that they're not alone. That in and of itself makes them feel less isolated."
The website is very user-friendly, notes Lewis, who is the former Department
Manager for Family Safety, Counseling and Support Services for South Peace
Community Resources Society. "It's very visually appealing and fun to
be on. Women find the experience a very affirming one because there are
so many interrelated links that are all positive towards women," she explains.
The email list contains more than 250 members—women in communities who are caregivers as well as women from women's organizations. There are also health-related links, community newsletters, and announcements about workshops, meetings and conferences.
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For many women, the Internet has provided equal access to information and support that would otherwise not be available. "More and more," says Christina McLennan, a coordinator with Women North Network and one of the moderators, "I'm coming to this from the perspective that information and communication technology have to be considered a human right as much as literacy.
The Internet can be a real tool for social justice and that's the direction we're moving in."
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This article was written by Kristin Jenkins, a Toronto writer and editor who
specializes in health and medicine, with input from 
