Abstract
PurposeTo examine predictors of information seeking behavior among individuals diagnosed with cancer versus those without.MethodsCross-sectional data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 4 Cycles 1–3 (October 2011 to November 2013) were analyzed for 10,774 survey respondents aged ≥18 years. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the effect of socio-demographic and behavioral factors on health information seeking.ResultsCancer diagnosis did not predict health information seeking. However, respondents diagnosed with cancer were more likely to seek health information from a healthcare practitioner. Compared to males, females were more likely to seek health information irrespective of cancer diagnosis. Regardless of cancer diagnosis, those without a regular healthcare provider were less likely to seek health information. Likelihood of seeking health information declined across education strata, and significantly worsened among respondents without high school diplomas irrespective of cancer diagnosis.ConclusionsRespondents sought health information irrespective of cancer diagnosis. However, the source of health information sought differed by cancer diagnosis. Gender, education, and having a regular healthcare provider were predictors of health information seeking. Future health communication interventions targeting cancer patients and the general public should consider these findings for tailored interventions to achieve optimal results.
Highlights
The health information landscape of the United States is constantly evolving and proliferating due to advancements in media and technology, and due to changes in individuals’ need for information [1,2,3,4]
Likelihood of seeking health information declined across education strata, and significantly worsened among respondents without high school diplomas irrespective of cancer diagnosis
The source of health information sought differed by cancer diagnosis
Summary
The health information landscape of the United States is constantly evolving and proliferating due to advancements in media and technology, and due to changes in individuals’ need for information [1,2,3,4]. There has been a notable increase in health information available via healthcare providers, the media, printed materials, and the internet. The internet remains the most commonly used source [2,5], and its emergence has led to a surge in health information seeking among adults in the United States [1,6,7]. The two most common domains of health information sought are information on health and wellness, including exercise and diet; and information on managing chronic illnesses or disease [4]. One such highly sought disease-related topic is cancer information [3,8]. There are more than 15.5 million individuals in the United States today living with a cancer diagnosis and it is expected to increase to 20 million by 2026 [9]
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have