Reasons for Discontinuing Active Participation on the Internet Forum Tinnitus Talk: Mixed Methods Citizen Science Study

Background Tinnitus Talk is a nonprofit online self-help forum. Asking inactive users about their reasons for discontinued usage of health-related platforms such as important quality assurance. Objective The aim this study was to explore use Talk, and associations the perceptions age who ceased logging on platform. Methods Initially, 13,745 that did not within previous 2 months were contacted response rate 20.47% (n=2814). After dataset filtering, total 2172 past members included in analyses. Nine predefined survey well one open question. Moreover, there 14 questions focusing perception (usefulness, content, community, members’ posts). Mixed methods analyses performed. Frequencies correlation coefficients calculated quantitative data, grounded theory methodology utilized exploration qualitative data. Results Quantitative analysis revealed these with age. Among eight most frequently reported finding information they looking (451/2695, 16.7%). Overall, highest rated content-related ease understanding (mean 3.9, SD 0.64). A high number (nearly 40%) participants provided additional free text explaining why use. Qualitative identified 1654 specific reasons, more than 93% which (n=1544) could be inductively coded. coding system consisted 33 thematically labeled codes clustered into 10 categories. frequent reason discontinuing thinking no cure or help tinnitus symptoms (375/1544, 24.3%). Significant correlations (P<.001) observed between Talk. Several associated examined dimensions significant found. Older longer using because what for. In addition, older had generally less positive younger (P<.001). Conclusions This contributes platforms, are typically only according dropout rates. Furthermore, groups benefit from identified, several practical implications improvement structure, goals suggested.