Abstract 29: Demographics, Source of Health Information, and Screening-Related Factors on Interests in Cancer Communication Programs among Church-Based Chinese Adults

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: This study examined demographics, source of health information, and screening-related factors on interests in cancer screening communication programs among church-based Chinese adults. In particular, interest in social-media delivered cancer communication programs was analyzed. Methods: Participants were recruited from 9 Chinese churches. A self-administered survey including items on screening knowledge and beliefs, and sources of health information and preferred delivery strategies was administered. Interests in cancer prevention communication programs were recoded into no (little or medium interests) and yes (high or very high interests). Results: 372 Chinese participated in the survey, mean age was 44.31 (SD=14.74), 60% males, and the majority had college education (85%). Overall, about 46%-52% got health information from the Internet or social media sites, with internet being the top source of health information (mean=3.46 on 5-point Likert scale). Half showed high interests in social-media cancer communication programs if available. After adjusting for age, gender, marital, and family cancer history, logistic regressions showed those who were single (OR=2.18; p=.021), perceived higher cancer risk (OR=1.47; p=.022), had been a primary cancer caregiver (OR=2.23; p=.026), and had lower screening barriers (OR=.823; p<.001) were more likely to report interests in cancer communication programs (p<.001; 71% correct classification). Analyses further showed that those interested in programs delivered via social media had higher acceptance towards academic social media sites (OR=1.98; p=.002) and believe social media as an effective strategy for health communication (OR=2.41; p=.001). Conclusions: Current data show beliefs towards social media was the only factor related to interested in program delivered via social media channel; while cancer related factors (higher perceived cancer risk, lower perceived barriers, and cancer caregiver experience) were key to interests in cancer communication programs. Study results has implication on program delivery strategies and identifying potential early adopters for cancer communication programs among Chinese adults. Citation Format: Su-I Hou. Demographics, Source of Health Information, and Screening-Related Factors on Interests in Cancer Communication Programs among Church-Based Chinese Adults [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 29.