The role of Facebook groups in supporting OA/TOFs

Research into the role of Facebook groups in supporting the TOFS community launched.

Dr Jo Meredith, an adult born with OA/TOF, who studies online communication and behaviour, along with Dr Darren Chadwick, who has researched disability and online social support, as well as publishing research on dysphagia (both from the University of Wolverhampton), are looking at the way the use or non-use of the Facebook groups impacts upon psychological wellbeing, so all TOFs/TOF parents are able to take part, whether or not they use the Facebook groups.

What is the study about?

The purpose of this study is to enhance understanding of how parents/carers of those born with OA/TOF and adults born with OA/TOF use online social support. In particular, they are interested in how the two TOFS Facebook groups are used and how engagement with these groups relates to wellbeing.

Who can take part in the study?

The study is for parents/carers of children born with OA/TOF and Adult TOFs. All participants must be over the age of 18 and can be from anywhere in the world. It is not necessary that you use the TOFS Facebook groups in order to participate as they are also interested in peoples’ offline support and how this affects wellbeing.

What is involved?

To take part you will need to follow the link provided below and complete the survey. You’ll initially see more information about the study and will then need to provide your consent to participate before being asked to answer a number of questions. The questionnaire will take 30 and 45 minutes to complete, however, you can save your responses and come back to it at a later date. There are a set of core questionnaires and also optional ones, which you can choose to complete if you would like.

If you have any questions please contact either of the researchers:

Dr Jo Meredith (Meredith@wlv.ac.uk)
Dr Darren Chadwick (Chadwick@wlv.ac.uk)