Patterns of cancer-related health information seeking and receipt among Hispanic and non-Hispanic childhood cancer survivors.

Abstract

197 Background: Because childhood cancer survivors (CCS) report a high number of unmet cancer-related information needs, knowing where CCS access information may provide insights into appropriate delivery systems to address information deficits. Active seeking of health information among CCS is associated with positive health behaviors, including adherence to follow-up care. This study examined patterns of cancer-related health information seeking as an indicator of health care engagement. Methods: Participants (N = 193) were young adult CCS diagnosed with any cancer type in Los Angeles County, 54% Hispanic, with a mean age of 19.87, and at least two years from treatment. CCS were asked where they accessed health information related to their cancer with 8 response options which were categorized into four information domains: hospital resources, social media, other survivors, and family members. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess correlates of each information domain, including sociodemographic information, post-traumatic growth, and health care engagement, controlling for age, ethnicity, sex, education, and health insurance status. Results: Hospital resources were the most frequently endorsed information domain (65.3%), and Hispanic CCS (vs. non-Hispanic) were more likely to access this source. Online sources were more likely accessed by female CCS. Seeking information from other cancer survivors was associated with follow-up care and post-traumatic growth after cancer. Hispanic CCS were less likely to seek information from other survivors and their family than non-Hispanics. Conclusions: While CCS obtain information from a variety of sources, hospital resources were the most commonly accessed, particularly for Hispanics. Information sharing between survivors may promote positive health care engagement; however, Hispanics may be less likely to pursue this resource. Future work should address barriers Hispanic CCS face in information sharing with other cancer survivors. [Table: see text]