SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT FOR WOMEN WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

and Purpose: Social media is a key source of health information. Previous studies have indicated that women with endometriosis turn to the Internet for information about the condition and illness management. However, there is a dearth of studies on endometriosis online support groups. In contrast, studies examining the role of online support groups for other long-term conditions have been extensive. A systematic review of research on endometriosis support groups on social media and their efficacy was conducted to address this gap. Methodology: Using a qualitative systematic review method and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P)., research databases, namely Research Gate, Springer, Wiley Online Library, Science Direct, Jstore, and PubMed, were manually searched using keywords such as "social support," "endometriosis support online," and "Facebook support & online communication". The review examined research related to endometriosis support on Facebook. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 100 full-text papers were extracted from the initial 200 publications. 36 papers were selected following the appraisal stage and thematically analysed. Findings: Social media platforms, namely Endometriosis Facebook support groups, are found to set expectations, provide education, and highlight ways to manage chronic illness. Three prominent themes were identified: (1) topics related to social media support groups, (2) the efficiency of Virtual Help Communities for Endometriosis Patients, and (3) forms of support that women with endometriosis require. Contributions: The findings support two primary points. Endometriosis Facebook support groups educate women about the illness, connect them with others in similar situations, and promote illness discussion and networking, hence pointing to the potential benefit of Facebook support groups as a platform to provide both support and education.

Health communication, women health research, social media, online support, endometriosis.

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