Journal of health communication
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Why do patients seek an alternative channel? The effects of unmet needs on patients' health-related Internet use.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer found among women in the United States. During the course of the illness, women diagnosed with breast cancer need information and support to cope with the illness. ⋯ Likewise, the higher the unmet need for emotional support was, the more likely individuals were to spend time in social support services such as discussion groups. Implications for future research on unmet needs and the use of the Internet were discussed.