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Elkefi S, Matthews AK. Exploring Health Information-Seeking Behavior and Information Source Preferences Among a Diverse Sample of Cancer Survivors: Implications for Patient Education. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2024:10.1007/s13187-024-02448-3. [PMID: 38807002 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-024-02448-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
This study examined health information-seeking behavior among cancer survivors, including informational sources used and the factors correlated with information-seeking across different racial/ethnic groups. We used data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (2017-2022). Adjusted logistic regression was conducted to identify the predictors of information-seeking by race/ethnicity. Predicting variables were organized into demographic (age, education, race, income, and comorbidity), enabling (having health insurance, having a regular provider, and frequency of care visits), predisposing (quality of care, self-efficacy, and confidence in one's ability to get information), and reinforcing (patient-centered communication, ease of getting information, and confusing information available) factors based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model. We included 4723 cancer survivors, of which 15.41% have breast cancer, 17.50% have skin cancer, and 11.11% have prostate cancer. A majority (75.08%) had sought health information. Healthcare providers were the most preferred sources of information across demographic groups, followed by the Internet. Health insurance, a regular provider, and frequent visits were enabling factors that positively influenced information-seeking behavior. Confidence in getting information when needed and self-efficacy were predisposing factors positively associated with the information-seeking behavior. Finally, reinforcing factors (ease of getting information and non-confusion of the information available) were also positively associated with information-seeking. Study findings suggest that one-fourth of cancer survivors had not sought cancer-related information. The results have implications for identifying patients at increased risk for unmet information needs. They also contribute to our understanding of critical racial differences and similarities. Further, findings can help guide interventions to assist in information seeking based on patient preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa Elkefi
- Department of Research and Scholarship, School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA.
| | - Alicia K Matthews
- Department of Research and Scholarship, School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
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Kohler RE, Hemler J, Wagner RB, Sullivan B, Macenat M, Tagai EK, Miller SM, Wen KY, Ayers C, Einstein MH, Hudson SV. Confusion and anxiety in between abnormal cervical cancer screening results and colposcopy: "The land of the unknown". PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 114:107810. [PMID: 37244133 PMCID: PMC10527466 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Attendance to colposcopy after abnormal cervical cancer screening is essential to cervical cancer prevention. This qualitative study explored patients' understanding of screening results, their experiences of the time leading up to the colposcopy appointment, and colposcopy. METHODS We recruited women referred for colposcopy from two urban practices in an academic health system. Individual interviews (N = 15) with participants were conducted after colposcopy appointments about their cervical cancer screening histories, current results, and colposcopy experiences. A team analyzed and summarized interviews and coded transcripts in Atlas.ti. RESULTS We found that most women were confused about their screening results, did not know what a colposcopy was before being referred for one, and experienced anxiety in the interval between receiving their results and having their colposcopy. Most women searched for information online, but found "misinformation," "worst-case scenarios" and generic information that did not resolve their confusion. CONCLUSION Women had little understanding of their cervical cancer risk and experienced anxiety looking for information and waiting for the colposcopy. Educating patients about cervical precancer and colposcopy, providing tailored information about their abnormal screening test results and potential next steps, and helping women manage distress may alleviate uncertainty while waiting for follow-up appointments. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Interventions to manage uncertainty and distress in the interval between receiving an abnormal screening test result and attending colposcopy are needed, even among highly adherent patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racquel E Kohler
- Center for Cancer Health Equity, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 120 Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Jennifer Hemler
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 303 George St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Rachel B Wagner
- Center for Cancer Health Equity, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 120 Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Brittany Sullivan
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 303 George St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Myneka Macenat
- Center for Cancer Health Equity, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 120 Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Erin K Tagai
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple University Health System, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Suzanne M Miller
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple University Health System, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Kuang-Yi Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Charletta Ayers
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Mark H Einstein
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Shawna V Hudson
- Center for Cancer Health Equity, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 120 Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 303 George St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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Langford AT, Ellis KR, Orellana K, France BM, Buderer N. Self-efficacy to Get Cancer-Related Information or Advice. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2023:10.1007/s13187-023-02266-z. [PMID: 36708498 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-023-02266-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Self-efficacy, or confidence, for being able to get cancer information may affect a person's understanding of cancer risk and subsequent cancer-related decisions such as screening, treatment, and genetic testing. In this study, we explored key correlates associated with self-efficacy for getting cancer information. We analyzed cross-sectional data from the 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, Cycle 2). There were 3504 responses in the full dataset; 2513 remained after eliminating respondents with incomplete data for all variables of interest. Self-efficacy for getting cancer information was assessed with the item, "Overall, how confident are you that you could get advice or information about cancer if you needed it?" First, we explored correlates associated with self-efficacy in getting cancer information including sociodemographic factors, patient-provider communication, and health-related self-efficacy in the full sample. Secondarily, we examined associations between self-efficacy to get cancer information and cancer information-seeking burden (e.g., difficulty understanding cancer information) in the subset of participants who reported ever looking for cancer-specific information. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were conducted. Asian race/ethnicity, higher perceived quality of patient-provider communication, and higher health-related self-efficacy were associated with higher odds of confidence about getting cancer information. In the subset of people who ever sought cancer-specific information, higher patient-provider communication scores, higher health-related self-efficacy, greater difficulty understanding information, greater concern about the quality of information, and greater frustration during the search were associated with higher self-efficacy for getting cancer information. Future research should evaluate strategies to improve cancer information seeking skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha T Langford
- Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, 227 E. 30th Street, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Katrina R Ellis
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kerli Orellana
- Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, 227 E. 30th Street, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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Emamekhoo H, Chandereng T, Sesto ME, Luoh R, Bergeson EM, Barbosa Carroll C, Tevaarwerk AJ. Patterns of Health Portal Use by Regular Portal Users Among Patients With Cancer: Results From the UWCCC Survivorship Program. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2023; 7:e2200119. [PMID: 36638325 PMCID: PMC10166448 DOI: 10.1200/cci.22.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We sought to evaluate the patterns of portal usage among patients with cancer who regularly log in to the portal. These data will inform approaches to facilitate portal use among patients with cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of patient portal usage by patients with cancer at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. Our analysis focuses on patterns of portal use by regular users (≥ 2 portal logins/year, > 3 months) receiving ongoing oncology care between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019. Demographics, cancer characteristics, number of oncology visits per month, and portal usage data were extracted. Regular portal users were grouped and compared on the basis of their frequency of use. A linear mixed-effects model was used to determine if the frequency of oncology visits influenced the number of logins. RESULTS We identified 2076 regular portal users. The median number of portal logins/year was 72 for the entire cohort. Age and race were associated with frequency of portal logins. There was no difference in frequency of portal login on the basis of cancer type or stage. Each additional oncology office visit in a month increased the frequency of portal logins by 3.05 ± 0.11 (SE) within the same month. Messages and test result functionalities were used by 98.7% and 98.9% of the regular users, respectively. Regular users who logged in to portal more frequently used all five studied portal functionalities. CONCLUSION Patients with cancer who use portals regularly use it more in proximity to an oncology office visit and use multiple available portal functionalities. These findings can direct strategic planning to facilitate portal utilization among those not engaged with this tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Emamekhoo
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
| | | | - Mary E. Sesto
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
| | - Rebecca Luoh
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
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O'Malley DM, Davis SN, Amare R, Sanabria B, Sullivan B, Devine KA, Ferrante JM, Findley PA, Miller SM, Hudson SV. User-Centered Development and Patient Acceptability Testing of a Health-Coaching Intervention to Enhance Cancer Survivorship Follow-up in Primary Care. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2022; 37:788-797. [PMID: 33025453 PMCID: PMC8024404 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01883-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
We describe an iterative three-phase approach used to develop a cancer survivorship health-coaching intervention to guide self-management and follow-up care for post-treatment breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer survivors. Informed by theory (e.g., Cognitive-Social Health Information Processing Model (C-SHIP)), relevant literature, and clinical guidelines, we engaged in a user-centered design process. In phase I, we conducted depth interviews with survivors of breast (n = 34), prostate (n = 4), and colorectal (n = 6) cancers to develop a health coaching prototype. In phase II, we utilized user-testing interviews (n = 9) to test and refine the health coaching prototype. For both phases, we used a template analysis independently coding each interview. In phase I, majority (n = 34, 81%) of survivors were positive about the utility of health coaching. Among these survivors (n = 34), the top areas of identified need were emotional support (44%), general health information (35.3%), changes in diet and exercise (29.3%), accountability and motivation (23.5%), and information about treatment effects (17.7%). The prototype was developed and user-tested and refined in phase III to address the following concerns: (1) the amount of time for calls, (2) density of reading materials, (3) clarity about health coaches' role, (4) customization. Collectively, this resulted in the development of the Extended Cancer Educational for Long-Term Cancer Survivors health-coaching (EXCELSHC) program, which represents the first cancer survivorship follow-up program to support follow-up care designed-for-dissemination in primary care settings. EXCELSHC is being tested in a clinical efficacy trial. Future research will focus on program refinement and testing for effectiveness in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denalee M O'Malley
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Brunswick, USA.
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, USA.
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, USA.
| | - Stacy N Davis
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Brunswick, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, USA
- Rutgers, School of Public Health, Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy, New Brunswick, USA
| | - Rahwana Amare
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Brunswick, USA
| | - Bianca Sanabria
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Brunswick, USA
| | - Brittany Sullivan
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Brunswick, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, USA
| | - Katie A Devine
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, USA
| | - Jeanne M Ferrante
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Brunswick, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, USA
| | - Patricia A Findley
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, USA
- Rutgers School of Social Work, New Brunswick, USA
| | | | - Shawna V Hudson
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Brunswick, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, USA
- Rutgers, School of Public Health, Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy, New Brunswick, USA
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Crawford-Williams F, Goodwin BC, Chambers SK, Aitken JF, Ford M, Dunn J. Information needs and preferences among rural cancer survivors in Queensland, Australia: a qualitative examination. Aust N Z J Public Health 2021; 46:81-86. [PMID: 34761849 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understand how cancer survivors in rural Queensland seek and receive information, as well as their preferences regarding the content and delivery of health-related information. METHODS This study explored cancer survivors' experiences in seeking and comprehending health information using a qualitative descriptive approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Two major themes and six sub-themes were identified including 1) information content and gaps - a) information about diagnosis and treatment, b) survivorship information gaps and c) practical support needs and 2) delivery and acceptance of information - a) sources of information, b) personalised information needs and c) information seeking or avoidance. Findings suggested that health information provision was inconsistent; survivors' attitudes towards seeking information varied greatly; and survivors' had difficulty processing information due to emotional distress. CONCLUSION The role of the health professional is critical in providing information and support to rural cancer survivors. Information provided should be tailored to meet the needs and preferences of individuals taking into consideration demographic factors and attitudes. Implications for public health: The current findings imply that quality information provision after cancer treatment would facilitate improvements in satisfaction among rural cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Crawford-Williams
- University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Queensland.,Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland
| | - Belinda C Goodwin
- University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Queensland.,Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland
| | - Suzanne K Chambers
- University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Queensland.,Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales
| | - Joanne F Aitken
- Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland.,School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland
| | - Martelle Ford
- University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Queensland
| | - Jeff Dunn
- University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Queensland.,Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Sydney, New South Wales
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