Joglekar, Sagar, et al. "How online communities of people with long-term conditions function and evolve: network analysis of the structure and dynamics of the asthma UK and British lung foundation online communities." Journal of Medical Internet Research 20.7 (2018): e238.

This study delves into the structural and dynamic aspects of online communities for individuals with long-term health conditions, focusing on their role in supporting self-management. Through a longitudinal network analysis of data from the Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation (BLF) communities, the research illustrates how these platforms evolve and contribute to health management. The findings highlight a steady growth in user engagement over the years, with a significant contribution from a small group of highly active users, termed "superusers." These superusers, making up only 1% of the user base but accounting for a substantial portion of the posts, play a critical role in maintaining the vitality of these communities. Their consistent participation not only facilitates direct interactions but also indirectly supports the formation of connections among other members. The transition of users from seeking to providing support suggests a potential evolution toward a more help-giving role among more engaged members. The study underscores the importance of superusers in online health communities and suggests that such platforms could offer a cost-effective strategy for enhancing self-management among individuals with long-term conditions in resource-constrained healthcare systems.