The Experiences of Virtual Communities in Conducting Health Promotion During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study in Indonesia

Background: Virtual communities (VCs) have emerged as vital platforms for health promotion, remaining highly relevant during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore the experiences of VCs in health promotion during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, focusing on sustainability and potential enhancement. Methods: This qualitative study employed a storytelling approach involving ten managers of VCs in Indonesia. Participants uploaded audiovisual recordings to Google Drive, which were shared with the researcher through a link to be transcribed verbatim and analyzed using OpenCode 4.02. For clarification and additional data, participants communicated via WhatsApp and provided follow-up information through Voicenotes, Zoom, and re-uploaded videos to Google Drive. Results: VCs serve as crucial platforms for planning, social action, and local development to optimize the potential of community members. Key planning activities included member involvement, routine meetings, the nature of participation, strategies for maintaining the continuity of activities, and recruiting new members for discussion. Social action initiatives encompassed health education, training activities, development of learning media, overcoming obstacles, collaboration, habit change initiatives, and activities with stakeholders. Furthermore, local development activities featured evaluation processes, member stories, and socialization. Conclusion: VCs prove to be effective media for health promotion during the COVID-19 pandemic. To sustain their existence, these communities must engage in strategic planning, comprehensive social activities, and local development initiatives.