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Alabri A. Compliance with COVID-19 Physical Distancing Mandates in Oman: The Role of Health Literacy and Internal Health Locus of Control. Health Lit Res Pract 2024; 8:e69-e78. [PMID: 38713898 PMCID: PMC11075997 DOI: 10.3928/24748307-20240424-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research indicates that the effectiveness of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) physical distancing mandates is influenced by several individual factors, including health literacy; internal health locus of control (IHLOC), the belief that physical distancing can reduce COVID-19 risk; social norms; self-efficacy; and perceptions of the benefits and barriers associated with distancing. However, further investigation is needed to understand the links between these factors and compliance intentions. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the mechanism linking these factors with the intentions to comply with physical distancing mandates. METHODS A total of 759 participants (Mean age = 29.13, standard deviation [SD] = 8.33; 68.5% women) were surveyed online from September 2020 to October 2020. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (analysis of variance) and structural equation modeling. KEY RESULTS Health literacy was associated with more perceived benefits (β = .175, p = .001), greater self-efficacy (β = .193, p < .001), and less perceived barriers (β = -.391, p < .001). IHLOC was significantly associated with greater perceived benefits (β = .156, p = .007) and self-efficacy (β = .294, p < .001). Family descriptive norms were significantly associated with fewer perceived barriers (β = -.276, p < .001), while injunctive norms were associated with more perceived benefits (β = .202, p = .001) and higher self-efficacy (β = .299, p < .001). Intentions to adhere to physical distancing mandates were significantly associated with past compliance (β = .427, p < .001) and perceived barriers (β = -.205, p < .001) and benefits (β = .295, p < .001). Post-hoc mediation analyses revealed several small yet significant indirect effects, highlighting the complex pathways shaping adherence intentions. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies how health literacy, IHLOC, social norms, perceived benefits and barriers, and self-efficacy intricately shape intentions to comply with physical distancing mandates. These findings offer valuable implications for public health policy and interventions. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2024;8(2):e69-e78.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna Alabri
- Address correspondence to Amna Alabri, PhD, Department of Mass Communication, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, P. O. Box 699, Nizwa, Postal Code 611, Nizwa;
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Safi AG, Kalaji M, Avery R, Niederdeppe J, Mathios A, Dorf M, Byrne S. Examining Perceptions of Uncertain Language in Potential E-Cigarette Warning Labels: Results from 16 Focus Groups with Adult Tobacco Users and Youth. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:460-481. [PMID: 36717390 PMCID: PMC10387126 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2170092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
E-cigarette use among youth presents a public health risk. Yet, cigarette smokers who substantially reduce their smoking or switch completely from traditional combustible cigarettes could benefit. As science about e-cigarettes is continually emerging, any potential warnings are likely to contain uncertain language. Hedged verbiage may impact decision making. To assess reactions, we conducted 16 online focus groups; 8 with youth (n = 32, grouped by gender and by vaping experience) and 8 with adult tobacco users (n = 37, grouped by smokers, dual users of e-cigarettes and cigarettes, and former smokers who switched to e-cigarettes). Each focus group viewed and discussed 8 potential warnings messages. We conducted an inductive thematic analysis of the reactions to warning messages that contain uncertain language. Respondents' reactions were often negative, but varied based on specific usages of uncertainty, existing beliefs about uncertainty in law and science, and smoking/vaping use patterns that supported the use of uncertainty related to e-cigarettes. Many youth (and some adults) believed that uncertain language enabled audiences to minimize the likelihood of harm or interpreted it as meaning there are both healthy and unhealthy e-cigarettes. This qualitative study provides evidence that the use of types of uncertain language, the frequency of that use, and/or the selection of particular words in warnings, might not achieve the intended public health aims of increasing understanding of risk, deterring youth uptake, and/or facilitating a substantial switch from cigarettes. The use of certain types of uncertain language appears to have significant potential to bring unintended consequences. Suggestions for research and policy are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Greiner Safi
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, USA
- Department of Communication, Cornell University, USA
| | - Motasem Kalaji
- Department of Communication Studies, California State University Northridge, USA
| | - Rosemary Avery
- Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, Cornell University, USA
| | - Jeff Niederdeppe
- Department of Communication, Cornell University, USA
- Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, Cornell University, USA
| | - Alan Mathios
- Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, Cornell University, USA
| | | | - Sahara Byrne
- Department of Communication, Cornell University, USA
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Seboka BT, Negashe M, Yehualashet DE, Kassawe C, Namaro M, Yigeremu M. Health literacy and health information sources in relation to foodborne and waterborne diseases among adults in Gedeo zone, southern Ethiopia, 2022: A community-based cross-sectional study. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15856. [PMID: 37215875 PMCID: PMC10196801 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Foodborne and waterborne illnesses affect billions of people each year and impose a significant burden on public health globally. To reduce the prevalence of foodborne and waterborne illness in resource-constrained settings like Ethiopia, it is essential to recognize and address the factors that influence health literacy and the sources of health information. We explored health literacy and health information sources regarding foodborne and waterborne illnesses among adults in the Gedeo zone. Methods A community-based quantitative study was undertaken between March and April 2022 in the Gedeo zone in southern Ethiopia. A semi-structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 1,175 study participants selected through a systematic sampling technique. Data were entered in Epidata version 4.6 and analyzed in STATA version 14.2. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the associations between variables at a significance level of 0.05. Further, a structural equation model or path analysis was also used in the data analysis. Result 1,107 (about 51% men) study participants were included in the analysis. About 25.5% of the participants had a foodborne or waterborne illness in the last six months before the survey. Family members and/or close friends were the most-used channel of health information (43.3%), and the internet or online sources were the least-used (14.5%). The result of path analysis shows that seeking health information, having adequate health literacy, and foodborne and waterborne literacy were significantly associated with lower incidences of foodborne or waterborne illness. Conclusion Our findings showed that individuals with a higher level of health literacy and foodborne and waterborne illness literacy had a lower incidence of foodborne and waterborne illness. Similarly, obtaining health information is positively associated with lowering the incidence of foodborne and waterborne illnesses. Importantly, our findings show mass media has the potential to reach a large audience when educating adults about foodborne and waterborne illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Misrak Negashe
- Department of Psychiatry, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Mahlet Yigeremu
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
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Zubiri-Esnaola H, Racionero-Plaza S, Fernández-Villardón A, Carbonell S. "It was Very Liberating". Dialogic Literary Gatherings Supporting Mental Health Literacy. Community Ment Health J 2022; 59:869-880. [PMID: 36572742 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-01071-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Mental health is being reframed as a fundamental right for all people, and mental health literacy is a tool that can enable patients to gain the knowledge, personal skills, and confidence to take action to improve their mental health, and their lives overall. This exploratory study analysed the power of dialogic literary gatherings (DLGs) to foster it in a group of patients with mental health disorders who gathered for 1 h once a week to share their readings of literature masterpieces. During the year-long study, a total of 140 patients participated in the DLGs in groups of 12 to 15 people. Results suggest that DLGs promoted the development of the participants' mental health literacy and produced gains in emotional and social wellbeing by strengthening reading, speaking, and listening skills, fostering supportive relations, contributing to overcoming stigma, and enhancing agency. The transferability of DLGs to mental health care is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harkaitz Zubiri-Esnaola
- Department of Language and Literature Didactics, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastian, Spain
| | | | | | - Sara Carbonell
- Faculty of Education, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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Nguyen J, McNaughton C, Sautter J. Documenting limited health literacy in a clinical setting. PEC INNOVATION 2022; 1:100052. [PMID: 37213777 PMCID: PMC10194334 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2022.100052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Objective Health literacy is important in lung cancer care, where treatments and symptoms are difficult to navigate. This study aims to describe how a single-item measure of health literacy can facilitate health literacy system capacity. Methods Data include retrospective medical records from 456 patients with lung cancer. Limited or adequate health literacy was based on participant response to the Single Item Literacy Screener (SILS). Data were collected over a 12-month period following diagnosis for each patient. Results One-third of patients had limited health literacy; they were more likely to have lung cancers of stage IIIB or higher and greater median levels of depression based on the PHQ-9 questionnaire. Patients with limited health literacy were also more likely to have at least one emergency department visit or unplanned hospitalization and had these visits sooner. Conclusion These data document need for interventions to buffer the association between limited health literacy and poor health outcomes. Innovation Routine intake screens should include the SILS to measure health literacy among lung cancer patients. New models that address health literacy at the organizational and patient levels can be implemented in health care settings using the SILS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Nguyen
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Corresponding author at: Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of the Sciences, 600 S 43 St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Caitlyn McNaughton
- Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Lancaster, PA, USA
| | - Jessica Sautter
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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6
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Rock CL, Thomson CA, Sullivan KR, Howe CL, Kushi LH, Caan BJ, Neuhouser ML, Bandera EV, Wang Y, Robien K, Basen-Engquist KM, Brown JC, Courneya KS, Crane TE, Garcia DO, Grant BL, Hamilton KK, Hartman SJ, Kenfield SA, Martinez ME, Meyerhardt JA, Nekhlyudov L, Overholser L, Patel AV, Pinto BM, Platek ME, Rees-Punia E, Spees CK, Gapstur SM, McCullough ML. American Cancer Society nutrition and physical activity guideline for cancer survivors. CA Cancer J Clin 2022; 72:230-262. [PMID: 35294043 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 124.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The overall 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined is now 68%, and there are over 16.9 million survivors in the United States. Evidence from laboratory and observational studies suggests that factors such as diet, physical activity, and obesity may affect risk for recurrence and overall survival after a cancer diagnosis. The purpose of this American Cancer Society guideline is to provide evidence-based, cancer-specific recommendations for anthropometric parameters, physical activity, diet, and alcohol intake for reducing recurrence and cancer-specific and overall mortality. The audiences for this guideline are health care providers caring for cancer survivors as well as cancer survivors and their families. The guideline is intended to serve as a resource for informing American Cancer Society programs, health policy, and the media. Sources of evidence that form the basis of this guideline are systematic literature reviews, meta-analyses, pooled analyses of cohort studies, and large randomized clinical trials published since 2012. Recommendations for nutrition and physical activity during cancer treatment, informed by current practice, large cancer care organizations, and reviews of other expert bodies, are also presented. To provide additional context for the guidelines, the authors also include information on the relationship between health-related behaviors and comorbidities, long-term sequelae and patient-reported outcomes, and health disparities, with attention to enabling survivors' ability to adhere to recommendations. Approaches to meet survivors' needs are addressed as well as clinical care coordination and resources for nutrition and physical activity counseling after a cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl L Rock
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Cynthia A Thomson
- Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Kristen R Sullivan
- Department of Population Sciences, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Carol L Howe
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona Health Sciences Library, Tucson, Arizona
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona Health Sciences Library, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Lawrence H Kushi
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Bette J Caan
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Marian L Neuhouser
- Cancer Prevention Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Elisa V Bandera
- Cancer Epidemiology and Health Outcomes, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Population Sciences, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kimberly Robien
- Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Karen M Basen-Engquist
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Justin C Brown
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Kerry S Courneya
- Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tracy E Crane
- Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
| | - David O Garcia
- Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Barbara L Grant
- Cancer Care Center, St Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise, Idaho
| | - Kathryn K Hamilton
- Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, New Jersey
| | - Sheri J Hartman
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Stacey A Kenfield
- Department of Urology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Maria Elena Martinez
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | | | - Larissa Nekhlyudov
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Alpa V Patel
- Department of Population Sciences, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Bernardine M Pinto
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Mary E Platek
- School of Health Professions, D'Youville College, Buffalo, New York
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Erika Rees-Punia
- Department of Population Sciences, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Colleen K Spees
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Kelly PJ, Driscoll D, Lipnicky A, Anderson S, Glenn J, Ramaswamy M. Developing a Cancer Prevention Health Education Resource: a Primer of Process and Evaluation. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2022; 37:274-279. [PMID: 32583352 PMCID: PMC7759588 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01807-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Limited women's health and cancer prevention materials are available that have been validated for vulnerable populations. Such materials are especially important for groups, which have intermittent and typically low-quality healthcare access and are at greatest risk for missing out on women's health and cancer prevention screening. Health education materials are developed from heterogeneous sources. Clinical and research teams have minimal guidance in terms of sources, timelines, outputs, and evaluation in the development of such materials. The goal of this paper is to share our process in developing and evaluating an up-to-date women's health and cancer prevention learning guide appropriate for a target population of women involved in the criminal justice system. A ten-page learning guide was drafted using the current evidence-based data, with the objective of providing educational material on four topics: cervical cancer, breast cancer, sexually transmitted infection, and unintended pregnancy prevention. The learning guide was then tested on a convenience sample of 33 women at a local county jail. Feedback was organized into three parts in which the participants Responded to open-ended question, "What is missing?" Rated each of the four topics for design and content Completed a usability assessment Common themes were participants' interest in learning about side effects of birth control and wanting more information on testing and treatment, specifically for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Women were satisfied with the cancer prevention information presented to them. This report provides a framework for cancer prevention researchers who are developing health education materials for vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia J Kelly
- University of Missouri - Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Dakota Driscoll
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS 1008, Kansas City, MO, 66160, USA
| | - Ashlyn Lipnicky
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS 1008, Kansas City, MO, 66160, USA
| | - Sherri Anderson
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS 1008, Kansas City, MO, 66160, USA.
| | - Jason Glenn
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS 1008, Kansas City, MO, 66160, USA
| | - Megha Ramaswamy
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS 1008, Kansas City, MO, 66160, USA
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Yilmaz S, Sanapala C, Schiaffino MK, Schumacher JR, Wallington SF, McKoy JM, Canin B, Tang W, Tucker-Seeley RD, Simmons J, Gilmore N. Social Justice and Equity: Why Older Adults With Cancer Belong-A Life Course Perspective. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2022; 42:1-13. [PMID: 35649203 PMCID: PMC11070065 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_349825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The population of older adults with cancer in the United States is rapidly increasing, which will have a substantial impact on the oncology and public health workforces across the cancer continuum, from prevention to end of life. Unfortunately, inequities in existing social structures that cause increased psychosocial stressors have led to disparities in the incidence of cancer and the morbidity and mortality of cancer for individuals from marginalized backgrounds. It is imperative that older adults, especially those from historically marginalized backgrounds, be adequately represented in all stages of cancer research to address health inequities. Continued efforts and progress toward achieving social justice and health equity require a deeper commitment to and better understanding of the impact of social determinants of health within the cancer domain. Undoubtedly, a more holistic and integrated view that extends beyond the biologic and genetic factors of health must be adopted for health entities to recognize the critical role of environmental, behavioral, and social determinants in cancer health disparities. Against this backdrop, this paper uses a life course approach to present a multifactorial framework for understanding and addressing cancer disparities in an effort to advance social justice and health equity for racially and ethnically diverse older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sule Yilmaz
- Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Chandrika Sanapala
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | | | - Jessica R Schumacher
- Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Sherrie F Wallington
- The George Washington School of Nursing & Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC
| | - June M McKoy
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Weizhou Tang
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Reginald D Tucker-Seeley
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- ZERO-The End of Prostate Cancer, Alexandria, VA
| | - John Simmons
- Cancer and Aging Research Group, City of Hope, CA
- Ethnic Health Institute, Center for Community Engagement, Samuel Merritt University, Oakland, CA
| | - Nikesha Gilmore
- Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
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Jamieson SC, Mallory CW, Jivanji DR, Perez A, Castro G, Barengo NC, Pereira J, Nieder AM. THE ROLE OF HEALTH LITERACY IN PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING. Urology 2021; 163:112-118. [PMID: 34375651 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2021.05.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if there is an association between self-reported health literacy and rates of prostate cancer screening through PSA testing. METHODS This secondary data analysis utilized information from the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The primary exposure was self-reported health literacy, and the primary outcome was whether patients underwent prior PSA testing. Males 55-69 years old from 13 states were included in the study and were excluded if they had any missing data. Participants were categorized into low, moderate, or high level of health literacy. Confounders were adjusted for using binary logistic regression. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS A total of 12,149 participants were included. Five percent of participants reported low health literacy, 54% moderate health literacy, and 41% high health literacy. Compared with study participants who self-reported high levels of health literacy, the odds of undergoing PSA testing were 59% lower in those with low health literacy (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.28-0.64) and 30% lower in those with moderate health literacy (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.60-0.83). CONCLUSIONS Our research demonstrates a positive association between self-reported health literacy and the likelihood of PSA screening. While PSA screening can be controversial, health literacy may serve as a window into which patients are more likely to be proactive in their urologic care. Future studies examining how health literacy effects other urologic conditions is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Jamieson
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Chase W Mallory
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Dhaval R Jivanji
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alejandra Perez
- Columbia University Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Florida
| | - Grettel Castro
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Noël C Barengo
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA; Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jorge Pereira
- Columbia University Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Florida
| | - Alan M Nieder
- Columbia University Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Florida
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Tucker-Seeley RD, Wallington SF, Canin B, Tang W, McKoy JM. Health Equity for Older Adults With Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:2205-2216. [PMID: 34043411 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.00207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Reginald D Tucker-Seeley
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.,USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Sherrie F Wallington
- The George Washington University School of Nursing & Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC
| | - Beverly Canin
- Cancer and Aging Research Group, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Weizhou Tang
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - June M McKoy
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
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Bigelow SM, Hart E, Shaban T, Rao P, Khan AA, Baskaron M, Baker P, Schwartz TA, Mayer DK. A new proactive virtual resource center navigation model identifies patient risk factors to reduce barriers to cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:6069-6077. [PMID: 33788005 PMCID: PMC8009761 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06147-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated cancer treatment disparities, including accessibility to resources. We describe the process and outcomes of a new proactive, virtual nurse-led, resource center navigation model enhanced by using volunteer patient navigators. Using known patient risk factors, this model provides interventions to reduce barriers to care, with an emphasis on non-English-speaking populations. Methods Patients were included if they (1) were in active cancer treatment and (2) had one or more known risk factors: distance from cancer hospital, needing complex care, 65 years or older, malignant hematological diagnosis, new treatment start, lives alone, non-English speaker, or a new hospital discharge. Nurse navigators triaged referrals to appropriate team members who identified and addressed barriers to care. Results The program engaged with 586 adult cancer patients over 1459 encounters. The most common risk factors included distance (59.7%), complex care (48.8%), and new treatment start (43.5%). The most common interventions were core education (69.4%), emotional support (61.2%), and education (35.7%). Statistical differences were found between Spanish-speaking (n = 118) and non-Spanish-speaking patients (n = 468). While Spanish-speaking patients had fewer risk factors (1.95 vs. 2.80, p ≤ .0001), they had nearly double the number of visits (4.27 vs. 2.04, p ≤ .0001) and 69% more interventions (8.26 vs. 4.90, p ≤ .0001). Many patients (42.7%) required follow-up visits. Conclusion We successfully established a new navigation model for the resource center during the pandemic that identified and reduced barriers to care, particularly in the Spanish-speaking population. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-021-06147-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon M Bigelow
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, North Carolina Cancer Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Hart
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, North Carolina Cancer Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tina Shaban
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, North Carolina Cancer Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Preeyanka Rao
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ali Ahmad Khan
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Marianne Baskaron
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, North Carolina Cancer Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Pamela Baker
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, North Carolina Cancer Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Todd A Schwartz
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Deborah K Mayer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, North Carolina Cancer Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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A Multimetric Health Literacy Analysis of Online Information for Gluteal Augmentation With Fat Grafting. Ann Plast Surg 2020; 85:S97-S101. [PMID: 32530853 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000002425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons the number of gluteal augmentations with fat grafting, colloquially known as the "Brazilian buttock lift" (BBL), doubled from 2014 to 2018. Recent studies have demonstrated that gluteal augmentation with fat grafting has a higher mortality rate when compared with other esthetic surgeries. We hypothesize that online patient-directed information for gluteal augmentation are overly complex, written at an elevated reading grade level, with incomplete or no information regarding associated surgical risks. OBJECTIVE To perform an objective appraisal of the most popular online patient education materials for gluteal augmentation surgery and explore potential interventions for improving material quality. METHODS An online Google search using the term "Brazilian butt lift" was performed and the top 10 websites providing relevant information were identified. Readability for each website was determined using Readability Studio. Understandability, actionability and cultural sensitivity was assessed with validated tools by 2 independent raters. RESULTS The top 10 websites were written at a mean reading grade level of 13.0, appropriate for a high school graduate. No website was written at the American Medical Association and the National Institutes of Health recommended 6th to 8th grade reading level. Mean understandability and actionability scores of 51% and 18.9%, respectively, suggest significant room for improvement. The average cultural sensitivity assessment tool score was 2.30, below the recommended threshold for acceptability of 2.5. Ninety percent of all websites did not meet the threshold for cultural acceptability. CONCLUSIONS Online patient education materials for gluteal augmentation with fat grafting were written at an inappropriately elevated reading grade level and were overly complex, did not promote reader action, and were not sensitive to the needs of the target demographic.
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White MC, Holman DM, Goodman RA, Richardson LC. Cancer Risk Among Older Adults: Time for Cancer Prevention to Go Silver. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2019; 59:S1-S6. [PMID: 31511747 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnz038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over two-thirds of all new cancers are diagnosed among adults aged ≥60 years. As the number of adults living to older ages continues to increase, so too will the number of new cancer cases. Can we do more as a society to reduce cancer risk and preserve health as adults enter their 60s, 70s, and beyond? Cancer development is a multi-step process involving a combination of factors. Each cancer risk factor represents a component of cancer causation, and opportunities to prevent cancer may exist at any time up to the final component, even years after the first. The characteristics of the community in which one lives often shape cancer risk-related behaviors and exposures over time, making communities an ideal setting for efforts to reduce cancer risk at a population level. A comprehensive approach to cancer prevention at older ages would lower exposures to known causes of cancer, promote healthy social and physical environments, expand the appropriate use of clinical preventive services, and engage older adults in these efforts. The collection of articles in this supplement provide innovative insights for exciting new directions in research and practice to expand cancer prevention efforts for older adults. This brief commentary sets the stage for the papers that follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C White
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Dawn M Holman
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Richard A Goodman
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lisa C Richardson
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Highlights From an Expert Meeting on Opportunities for Cancer Prevention Among Older Adults. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2019; 59:S94-S101. [PMID: 31100137 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnz037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper provides highlights from an expert meeting to explore opportunities to reduce cancer risk and promote health at older ages. Factors that increase cancer risk among older adults include exposure to carcinogens from multiple sources, chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes, and unhealthy behaviors. Emerging research points to chronic social stressors - social isolation, loneliness, and financial hardship - as being linked to accelerated biological aging and increased cancer risk later in life. Older adults may disproportionately encounter these stressors as well as barriers to preventive health care services, accurate health information, and environments that promote health. Researchers can use existing cohort studies of older adults to deepen our understanding of the relative benefit of modifying specific behaviors and circumstances. The evidence points to the value of comprehensive, transdisciplinary approaches to promote health and reduce cancer risk across the entire lifespan, extending through older adulthood. Clinical encounters with older adults provide opportunities for psychosocial and behavioral screening and counseling. In the presence of multiple morbidities, preventive health services may offer greater health benefits than cancer-screening tests. Strategies that involve families and caregivers, promote positive attitudes about aging, and engage many different community sectors have the potential to prevent or delay the development of cancer at older ages.
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