Author/Authors :
Salmani, Ibrahim Department of Health in Disaster and Emergency - School of Public Health - Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences - Yazd, Iran , Seddighi, Hamed Department of Social Welfare Management - University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences - Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Volunteering is a way for community participation and involving
local social capital. Volunteering has the potential to enhance well-being and
reduce health inequalities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of
online volunteering on people’s well-being and the reduction of inequalities.
Methods: In this narrative review, using related keywords, 326 studies were
found in the initial search in PubMed, Sage, Springer, Google Scholar, Elsevier,
PsycINFO and finally 57 studies were selected for review.
Results: The study found that virtual volunteering in organizations is a
combination of offline and online volunteering, and fewer volunteers are online
volunteers. One of the main features of online volunteering is the maximum use
of time, and the reduction of travel time. This type of volunteering can be done
24 hours a day and seven days a week. Online volunteering can involve all
people, including young people, the elderly, people with disabilities and
disadvantaged groups and minorities. One of the main benefits of this type of
volunteering is that many people who cannot attend the organization can
participate in this way. Online volunteering also could reduce the discrimination
and health inequalities. .
Conclusion: Although online volunteering is developing globally, volunteerbased
organizations have not yet adopted their strategies, rules, and procedures
for new volunteers. It seems online volunteering will also enable different
groups to participate in activities and promote the health of different groups
Keywords :
Health Inequality , Online Advocacy , Volunteer Organizations , Online Volunteering
