Information-seeking Behavior Research Articles

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) patient information-seeking behavior: a qualitative study

BackgroundApproximately 13% of women in the United States of reproductive age seek infertility services. Assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization, is used to help patients achieve pregnancy. Many people are not familiar with these treatments prior to becoming patients and possess knowledge gaps about care.MethodsThis study employed qualitative methods to investigate how patients interact with information sources during care. Patients who underwent ART including embryo transfer between January 2017 and April 2022 at a large urban healthcare center were eligible. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted between August and October 2022. Fifteen females with an average age of 39 years participated. Reflexive thematic analysis was performed.ResultsTwo main themes emerged. Participants (1) utilized clinic-provided information and then turned to outside sources to fill knowledge gaps; (2) struggled to learn about costs, insurance, and mental health resources to support care. Participants preferred clinic-provided resources and then utilized academic sources, the internet, and social media when they had unfulfilled information needs. Knowledge gaps related to cost, insurance, and mental health support were reported.ConclusionART clinics can consider providing more information about cost, insurance, and mental health support to patients.Trial registrationThe Massachusetts General Hospital Institutional Review Board approved this study (#2022P000474) and informed consent was obtained from each participant.

Unveiling the Path: A Qualitative Study on the Initial Sexual Experiences of Cambodian Adolescents.

There still remains a significant gap in understanding the sexual and reproductive health challenges faced by adolescents, particularly in the context of early sexual activity, teenage pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. This study seeks to fill this gap by exploring the initial sexual experiences of Cambodian adolescents, highlighting the complex interplay of cultural, social, and personal influences that shape their sexual health decisions and outcomes. A descriptive qualitative research design was used. Thirty Cambodian adolescents were interviewed from March to June 202 and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants met their sexual partners in school and through friendships and social networking sites. Their motivations for sexual activities ranged from intrinsic desires to influences of inebriation, love, and trust. Consent was crucial but some were influenced by partners. Awareness of sexual protection varied, affecting condom use and information-seeking behaviors. After initial encounters, participants grappled with complex emotions and physical changes. The findings suggest the need for educational interventions that address substance use; promote safe behavior, consensual conduct, open communication, and mutual respect; and provide coping strategies.

Exploring the relationship between older adults' online health information seeking, negative emotions and prevention behaviors in the pandemic context: a two-wave longitudinal study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults were facing more mental health issues that may cause complex impacts on pandemic prevention, and turning to the internet for health information is a double-edged sword for them. This study aimed to investigate the reciprocal relationship between negative emotions and prevention behaviors in older adults, as well as the direct and moderating effects of online health information seeking (OHIS) on negative emotions and prevention behaviors. Based on the common-sense model of self-regulation (CSM) and a sample of more than 20,000 participants from the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), this study first used an autoregressive cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) to analyze the longitudinal effect of negative emotions on prevention behaviors. Second, the study used ordinary least squares (OLS) regression to explore the influence of OHIS usage frequency changes on negative emotions and prevention behaviors. Third, the study used multigroup analysis to examine the moderating effect of OHIS usage frequency changes on the CLPM. The findings indicate a significant longitudinal association where initial negative emotions predicted later prevention behaviors (β = 0.038, p < 0.001), and increased OHIS frequency was linked to positive changes in prevention behavior (β = 0.109, p < 0.001). Multigroup analysis revealed that the connection between negative emotions or increased negative emotions and prevention behaviors remained significant for those with no change or an increase in OHIS frequency but not for those with a decrease. This study suggested that negative emotions may drive older adults to engage more in prevention behaviors and that OHIS can augment this effect. These results underscore the importance of addressing mental health and providing reliable online health information to support older adults in managing infectious disease risks.

“I Think I Do but I Don’t”: Heightened (Breast) Cancer Concern as a Function of Availability Bias

Background: Women report a heightened concern of (breast) cancer, relative to other chronic conditions. This experimental study investigated whether such heightened concern may be a function of availability bias. Methods: participants (N = 750; 100% female) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions: in the recall condition, they were asked to name the health condition they feared most; in the recognition condition, they picked the disease they feared most out of a list of chronic conditions. Results: The probability of selecting cancer as the most frightening disease varied as a function of experimental condition χ2 (10) = 112.13, p &lt; 0.001. Participants in the recall condition were almost twice as likely to select cancer as the most frightening disease (N = 240, 59.10%) as those in the recognition condition (N = 121, 35.20%), who most frequently selected neurological diseases as the most threatening. The majority of participants believed that cancer was the disease receiving the most media attention (86.27%) (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic), and the one accounting for the highest number of deaths among Spanish females (63.50%). Conclusions: altogether, these results provide experimental evidence that availability bias may partly account for misperceptions and a heightened fear of cancer, which may narrow the scope of women’s information-seeking and health-preventive behaviors.

Information and prevention needs among germline TP53(gTP53m)pathogenic variants carriers.

10551 Background: Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) and more generally g TP53m situations increase the risk of many malignancies. A modifier role of several attributable factors has been recently suggested on LFS-carcinogenesis, including reproductive and lifestyle factors, obesity, physical activity (PA) and diet. However, among g TP53m carriers, prevention approaches have yet primarily focused on intensive cancer screening, with very little emphasis put on primary prevention measures. Methods: As part of the construction of a multicenter, national, multidisciplinary intervention delivering multimodal cancer prevention to g TP53m carriers, we designed a specific patient survey that aimed to analyze potential participants’ needs and wishes. The online questionnaire was sent to g TP53m adult carriers already followed in two national reference centers (n=120). Participants were asked to rate their personal perception of importance and need for each item from 0 to 100 (0=not interested, 100=very interested). The questionnaire contained no identifying data and was approved by the local ethics and data protection committee. Results: The response rate was 61%. 18% were aged &lt; 30, 71% between 30 and 60. g TP53m had been diagnosed in the past 10 years in 29% of patients, and 11% for &lt; 2 years. 58% had a personal history of cancer, and 18% were still receiving a treatment. The median perceived risk of new cancer was 79% for all, and 65% for those w/o a previous history of cancer. 19% did not feel comfortable to participate in information workshops with people they do not know. The median score of the main question on devoting a day to cancer risk information and primary and secondary prevention measures was 88 (95%CI 78 -96). The main desired topics (median score 69-92) were information on research programs, personal cancer risk, well-being measures, psychological aspects, and other cancer risk factors (diet, PA, etc). Wished supports were individual consultation for nutrition (score 81.5 (95%CI 59 -87.5), group workshop for risk factors (score 76 (95%CI 64 -86) and individual coaching for PA (score 76 (95%CI 71 -88.5). Demand for addictologist was low. Conclusions: This study could identify major unmet needs and very strong information-seeking behaviors among g TP53m carriers. It enables us to co-construct a coordinated multi-professional intervention focused on proactive shared cancer prevention. In a second phase, we will assess the effectiveness and feasibility of this new personalized cancer prevention intervention.

Age-related differences in information-seeking behaviors of patients with multiple myeloma.

e19523 Background: For patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), obtaining essential disease information for effective self-advocacy and decision-making is challenging, exacerbated by age-related educational barriers and issues related to cultural resources. This study evaluated age-related preferences of patient education resource utilization in RRMM patients. Methods: This survey was conducted on HealthTree Cure Hub, a patient-driven platform designed to efficiently share clinical insights from myeloma specialists, help patients navigate their disease, and contribute to research. The analysis focuses on evaluating the use of 16 different resources and age-related differences among patients with RRMM. Scales included: 1-to-5 for usage (1 - never, 2 - almost never, 3 - occasionally/sometimes, 4 - almost every time, 5 - every time) and 1-to-6 for education (some high school to a graduate degree). Results: Of the 688 participants, 289 had available birth dates and were included in the analysis. The &lt;65 cohort (Y) was 57±6 years old (yo), and the ≥ 65 cohort was 71±5 yo at the time of the survey. The ≥65 cohort (O) was more educated (O: 5.2±1.0; Y: 4.8±1.3, p&lt;0.05), increased their utilization of webinars with time (1st change: 3.1±1.2; &gt; 1 changes: 3.4±1.3, p&lt;0.05) and review of NCCN, ASCO, mSMART, or other blood cancer society guidelines over time (1st change: 2.1±1.2 ; &gt;1 changes: 2.4±1.4, p&lt;0.05). Additionally, the older patients used pamphlets (printed or PDF) created by pharmaceutical companies more than younger patients (O: 2.4±1.1; Y: 2.1±1.2, p&lt;0.05), however, this difference decreased for &gt;1 changes in therapy (Y: 2.1±1.2; O: 2.2±1.2, p&gt;0.05). The older patients utilized social media (non-myeloma expert posts) less at &gt;1 changes in therapy (O: 1.5±0.8; Y: 2.0±1.0, p&lt;0.05), with 69% (n = 69) of the older cohort reported never using this resource, while only 44% (n = 18) of the younger patients reported never using it. The &lt;65 cohort consulted family members, friends or loved ones more than the ≥65 cohort for &gt;1 changes in therapy (Y: 2.5±1.5; O: 1.9±1.1, p&lt;0.05). In addition, the younger patients increased the utilization of medical journal articles with subsequent changes in therapy (2.8±1.2 to 3.0±1.2, p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: The survey revealed that older patients increasingly engaged in webinars and consulted cancer society guidelines with subsequent changes in therapy. While younger patients increased their use of medical journals and more often consulted with their family, friends and loved ones. Both groups demonstrated a wide range of resources (16) used to build their knowledge of myeloma. These findings indicate a desire among patients to comprehend their disease, utilizing diverse resources for information and gaining more knowledge over time.

Microlearning: A Concept Analysis.

With an overall rise in technology adoption, the information-seeking behaviors of today have become instant and single-focused, and demand convenience for learning and the acquisition of knowledge. Digital technologies expand the reach of learning and allow for the development of innovative and creative methods of teaching. The use of microlearning has been gaining popularity in academic and professional development settings and corporate training. Currently, there is no standardized definition of microlearning. Using Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis, a comprehensive overview of microlearning is provided through identifying the concept and describing its uses, attributes, exemplary cases, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents. Seven attributes associated with microlearning are single focus, bite-sized, asynchronistic, accessibility, flexibility, interactivity, and multimodal delivery. A proposed definition is a self-directed, on-demand, teaching strategy where small single-focused interactive content is presented to learners asynchronously, using technologies that accommodate multimodal delivery, and access where and when convenient for the learner. This analysis will assist informatics and nursing educators in understanding how microlearning, as a strategy, fits into the electronic learning landscape, is supported by digital technologies, and adds portability to leverage in an on-demand asynchronous way providing targeted learning for use in all areas of clinical practice.

Information-seeking behaviour of primary care clinicians in Singapore at the point-of-care: A qualitative study.

Clinicians' information-seeking behaviours impact patient care quality. Earlier studies indicated that barriers to accessing information deter clinicians from seeking answers to clinical questions. To explore primary care clinicians' information-seeking behaviour at point-of-care, focusing on when and how they seek answers to clinical questions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 45 clinicians after clinical sessions to investigate their information-seeking habits. Follow-up interviews were conducted after a week for those intending to address unanswered queries. Two thirds of clinicians encountered questions during care, with nearly three quarters resolving them during the session. Colleagues, guidelines and online platforms were common information sources, with smartphones being used to access Google, WhatsApp or UpToDate®. Facilitators included reliable sources and the drive to confirm knowledge, while barriers included ineffective search methods and high workload. Despite challenges, most clinicians expressed satisfaction with their information-seeking process. The findings underscore the increasing use of smartphones for accessing clinical information among Singaporean primary care clinicians and suggest the need for tailored training programmes and guidelines to optimise information-seeking practices. Insights from this study can inform the development of training programmes and guidelines aimed at improving information-seeking practices among primary care clinicians, potentially enhancing patient care quality.

Exploring Health Information-Seeking Behavior and Information Source Preferences Among a Diverse Sample of Cancer Survivors: Implications for Patient Education.

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.

Information-seeking behaviors, attitudes and beliefs about pregnancy-related nutrition and supplementation in different communities of Pakistan

Purpose This study aims to assess the information-seeking behaviors, attitudes and beliefs about pregnancy-related nutrition, food-related myths and taboos and supplementation among pregnant women in different communities of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional quantitative survey method was used in this study, which included 150 pregnant women from various locations in Lahore and Faisalabad. Findings Most participants were between the ages of 25 and 29, having 14 years of education. Regardless of age or number of children, all selected women had the same dietary awareness. Regarding myths and taboos, highly significant values (p = 0.001) were found in various studied variables. No significant difference was observed in knowledge level between age and number of children. It was observed that food myths and taboos significantly (p = 0.001) impact pregnant women’s dietary choices. Research limitations/implications This survey experienced limited representativeness; many participants provided incomplete food and nutritional information. This research was conducted in two major districts of Pakistan, i.e. Lahore and Faisalabad; therefore, the results can be generalized for a population of pregnant women living in the northeastern region of Pakistan. Practical implications This study can provide helpful insight for health-care professionals to improve pregnant women’s nutritional status and knowledge. Social implications The outcomes of this study can help guide how pregnant women might be educated and have better nutritional awareness at domestic and professional levels. Originality/value In Pakistan, there is a lack of research on pregnant women’s nutritional knowledge, and this research can assist health-care professionals in providing diversified knowledge to promote maternal health.

Perilaku Pencarian Informasi Petani dalam Budidaya Gambir di Jorong Tanjuang Bungo Nagari Koto Lamo Kecamatan Kapur IX Kabupaten Lima Puluh Kota

This study aims to describe the information seeking behavior of farmers in gambier cultivation in Jorong Tanjuang Bungo. The method used is a qualitative method using interviews to collect data. The interviews involved ten farmers in Jorong Tanjung Bungo. Data were collected through four stages, namely passive attention, passive search, active search, and continuous search. Results show that in the passive attention stage, farmers rely on TV and Radio if the signal is stable and social interaction. The passive search stage is characterized by receiving unexpected information through communication. In the active search stage, farmers use external resources such as actively engaging in various communities. The continuous search stage shows farmers' efforts to expand their knowledge and improve farming practices. Therefore, there are obstacles faced by farmers in gambier cultivation in the process of searching for information which includes the lack of media used to search for information so that the information searched shows little information because of one source only.

Impacts of educational interventions of librarian instruction on health information seeking attitudes and behaviors in an employee wellness program.

Health literacy and its potential impacts on the wellbeing of patrons remain a highly regarded objective among health science and medical librarians when considering learning outcomes of patron communities. Librarians are positioned to champion literacy instruction activities. This study aimed to examine health information seeking attitudes and behaviors in an academic-based employee wellness program before and after health literacy workshops were developed and facilitated by an academic health sciences librarian. The intervention included instruction informed by Don Nutbeam's Health Literacy Framework and the Research Triangle Institute's Health Literacy Conceptual Framework. Sixty-five participants obtained through convenience sampling attended workshops and were invited to respond to pre- and post-session surveys. Using a quantitative quasi-experimental methodology, surveys collected health literacy indicators including preferred sources and handling practices of in-person and online health information. Findings indicated workshops influenced information seeking behaviors as participants documented a decrease in social media use for health and wellness information (-36%) and medical information (-13%). An increase in the usage of consumer health databases (like Medline Plus) was also indicated post-workshop for health and wellness information (18%) and medical information (31%). Favorable impacts are evident in this small-scale study; however, more research is needed to confirm the influence of these methods on larger and more diverse populations. Librarians should continue to develop and disseminate theory-informed tools and methods aimed at engaging various communities in constructive health information seeking practices.

Exploring the relationship between e-health literacy and online health information-seeking behaviour among pharmacy students in Indonesia

Background: Digital transformation has changed the health service system and how people search for health information. Digital health literacy provides basic knowledge that the prospective pharmacy workforce must have to provide comprehensive pharmacy service. Objective: This study aims to explore pharmacy students' eHealth literacy level and relate to their behaviour in accessing health information online. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 314 pharmacy students at two pharmacy diploma schools in Jakarta and Bandung, Indonesia. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to identify online health information-seeking behaviour and e-health literacy scores. Results: Out of 314 students, most were women (86.3%) and sophomores (43.3%). More than half have health applications installed on their smartphone and access health information online more than twice a week. There was a significant relationship between e-health literacy scores and student entry year (p = 0.000), the frequency of online health information-seeking practice (p = 0.001), and installed health apps on smartphones (p = 0.002). Conclusion: A future altered curriculum and the appropriate study materials on digital health must be implemented to equip pharmacy students with adequate skills before graduation.

Helicopter Parenting Behaviors and Emerging Adult Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Emotion Dysregulation

Helicopter parenting during emerging adulthood, a developmental period highlighting autonomy and self-reliance, can undermine college students’ well-being. The current study examined the mediating role of emotion dysregulation in the association between helicopter parenting and mental health outcomes among college-aged adults. A sample of 790 college students completed questionnaires on perceived helicopter parenting, emotion dysregulation, depression, social anxiety, and alcohol use. Results generally supported the hypothesized mediation model, but associations depended on the specific helicopter parenting behavior, emotion dysregulation dimension, and mental health outcome. Autonomy limiting was particularly detrimental to all emotion dysregulation dimensions and mental health, whereas information-seeking behaviors may be beneficial to emerging adults’ outcomes. Impulse control difficulties and lack of emotional clarity emerged as robust mediators. The findings highlight the importance of disentangling specific helicopter parenting behaviors as well as emotion dysregulation as a mechanism of risk, providing useful clinical implications for the improvement of college students’ well-being.

Measuring Vitamin Literacy and Information-Seeking Behavior.

Background The significance of vitamins in maintaining health necessitates a comprehensive understanding among the population, which is critical for making informed decisions pertaining to diet and vitamin supplementation. Nevertheless, there is a notable deficiency in research regarding the mechanisms through which individuals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) acquire and utilize vitamin-related knowledge, marking a considerable void in public health and nutrition education. Methods This study proposes a quantitative, cross-sectional analysis to evaluate vitamin literacy and information-seeking behaviors within KSA's diverse demographic sectors. Survey instruments will be utilized to ascertain the primary sources from which individuals derive vitamin information and to analyze the factors that influence the integration of this knowledge into daily health practices. Results Analysis showed significant variance in vitamin literacy with age and education acting as key differentiators. Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated significant differences in self-rated vitamin knowledge across age groups (p < 0.001), and Chi-square tests confirmed the association between education level and supplement use (p = 0.0022). The majority of participants demonstrated moderate knowledge of vitamins, yet a discrepancy exists between this knowledge and dietary application. Trust in information sources emerged as a significant predictor of dietary change (Chi-square, p < 0.001), although a substantial portion of participants did not actively incorporate vitamin knowledge into their daily diet. Conclusion The enhancement of vitamin literacy is paramount for the formulation of effective public health strategies. Our findings suggest that targeted educational programs, especially for younger and less-educated populations, are crucial to bridge the gap between vitamin knowledge and its application in daily diet. In addition, efforts should focus on improving the credibility of information sources, as this significantly influences dietary changes. These initiatives can lead to more informed decision-making regarding diet and vitamin supplementation, ultimately fostering healthier living practices and reducing the occurrences of vitamin-related health issues within the KSA populace. This research contributes substantively to the development of tailored educational initiatives and informed policymaking, guiding future efforts to advance nutrition guidelines and public health in the region.

Developing a Tool for Assessing the Process of Seeking Health Information: Online Think-Aloud Method.

Nursing students can access massive amounts of online health data to drive cutting-edge evidence-based practice in clinical placement, to bridge the theory-practice gap. This activity requires investigation to identify the strategies nursing students apply to evaluate online health information. Online Think-Aloud sessions enabled 14 participants to express their cognitive processes in navigating various educational resources, including online journals and databases, and determining the reliability of sources, indicating their strategies for information-seeking, which helped to create this scoring system. Easy access and user convenience were clearly the instrumental factors in this behavior, which has troubling implications for the lack of use of higher-quality resources (e.g., from peer-reviewed academic journals). The identified challenges encountered during resource access included limited skills in the critical evaluation of information credibility and reliability, signaling a requirement for improved information literacy skills. Participants acknowledged the importance of evidence-based, high-quality information, but faced numerous barriers, such as restricted access to professional and specialty databases, and a lack of academic skills training. This paper develops and critiques a Performative Tool for assessing the process of seeking health information using an online Think-Aloud method, and explores factors and strategies contributing to evidence-based health information access and utilization in clinical practice, aiming to provide insight into individuals' information-seeking behaviors in online health contexts.

Health Technology Access and Peer Support Among Digitally Engaged People Experiencing Homelessness: Qualitative Study.

Although the effects of digital health are receiving wide scientific attention, very little is known about the characteristics of digitally engaged people experiencing homelessness, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. Our previous research revealed a considerable level of internet use in the homeless population of Budapest, Hungary, for general purposes (350/662, 52.9%) and medical purposes (229/664, 34.6%). Moreover, a digitally engaged subgroup was identified (129/662, 19.5%). The aim of this exploratory study was to map out the resources, attitudes, and behaviors of digitally engaged homeless individuals in relation to digital technology to set the basis for potential health policy interventions, which will enable better access to health services through strengthening of the digital components of the existing health care system. Between August 18, 2022, and October 27, 2022, a total of 12 in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted in 4 homeless shelters in Budapest, Hungary. Upon analysis by 3 independent evaluators, 2 interviews were excluded. The interviewees were chosen based on purposive sampling with predefined inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis of the transcripts was conducted. In the thematic analysis, 4 main themes (attitude, access, usage patterns, and solutions for usage problems) emerged. Health-related technology use mostly appeared in health information-seeking behavior. Online search for prescribed medications (5 interviews), active ingredients of medications (4 interviews), medicinal herbs believed to replace certain pills (2 interviews) or foods, and natural materials (1 interview) were mentioned. Moreover, mobile health app use (3 interviews) was reported. The intention to circumvent or check on mainstream health care solutions was mainly associated with previous negative experiences in the health care system. Several gaps in the daily use of technology were identified by the interviewees; however, more than half of the interviewees (6/10) turned out to be contact points for their peers for digital problem-solving or basic digital literacy skill enhancement in the homeless shelters. Furthermore, a lack of institutional support or special programs targeting senior clients was noted. Digitally engaged homeless individuals might become mediators between their peers and comprehensive digital health programs. They have the trust of their peers, can recognize and harness the benefits of digital technology, and are able to provide meaningful help in technology- and usage-related issues through experience. Digital health services have great promise in community shelters for managing and preventing health issues, and digitally engaged individuals might be important for the success of such services.

Information Seeking Behavior among the Final Years Students Department of LISAS at the University of Sindh Jamshoro, Pakistan

Information Seeking Behavior among the Final Years Students Department of LISAS at the University of Sindh Jamshoro, Pakistan

Decisional Conflict Among Patients Newly Diagnosed With Clinical T1 Renal Masses: A Prospective Study.

Because multiple management options exist for clinical T1 renal masses, patients may experience a state of uncertainty about the course of action to pursue (ie, decisional conflict). To better support patients, we examined patient, clinical, and decision-making factors associated with decisional conflict among patients newly diagnosed with clinical T1 renal masses suspicious for kidney cancer. From a prospective clinical trial, participants completed the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS), scored 0 to 100 with < 25 associated with implementing decisions, at 2 time points during the initial decision-making period. The trial further characterized patient demographics, health status, tumor burden, and patient-centered communication, while a subcohort completed additional questionnaires on decision-making. Associations of patient, clinical, and decision-making factors with DCS scores were evaluated using generalized estimating equations to account for repeated measures per patient. Of 274 enrollees, 250 completed a DCS survey; 74% had masses ≤ 4 cm in size, while 11% had high-complexity tumors. Model-based estimated mean DCS score across both time points was 17.6 (95% CI 16.0-19.3), though 50% reported a DCS score ≥ 25 at least once. On multivariable analysis, DCS scores increased with age (+2.64, 95% CI 1.04-4.23), high- vs low-complexity tumors (+6.50, 95% CI 0.35-12.65), and cystic vs solid masses (+9.78, 95% CI 5.27-14.28). Among decision-making factors, DCS scores decreased with higher self-efficacy (-3.31, 95% CI -5.77 to -0.86]) and information-seeking behavior (-4.44, 95% CI -7.32 to -1.56). DCS scores decreased with higher patient-centered communication scores (-8.89, 95% CI -11.85 to -5.94). In addition to patient and clinical factors, decision-making factors and patient-centered communication relate with decisional conflict, highlighting potential avenues to better support patient decision-making for clinical T1 renal masses.

Emerging Trends in Information-Seeking Behavior for Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Infodemiology Study Using Time Series and Content Analysis.

Alpha-gal syndrome is an emerging allergy characterized by an immune reaction to the carbohydrate molecule alpha-gal found in red meat. This unique food allergy is likely triggered by a tick bite. Cases of the allergy are on the rise, but prevalence estimates do not currently exist. Furthermore, varying symptoms and limited awareness of the allergy among health care providers contribute to delayed diagnosis, leading individuals to seek out their own information and potentially self-diagnose. The study aimed to (1) describe the volume and patterns of information-seeking related to alpha-gal, (2) explore correlations between alpha-gal and lone star ticks, and (3) identify specific areas of interest that individuals are searching for in relation to alpha-gal. Google Trends Supercharged-Glimpse, a new extension of Google Trends, provides estimates of the absolute volume of searches and related search queries. This extension was used to assess trends in searches for alpha-gal and lone star ticks (lone star tick, alpha gal, and meat allergy, as well as food allergy for comparison) in the United States. Time series analyses were used to examine search volume trends over time, and Spearman correlation matrices and choropleth maps were used to explore geographic and temporal correlations between alpha-gal and lone star tick searches. Content analysis was performed on related search queries to identify themes and subcategories that are of interest to information seekers. Time series analysis revealed a rapidly increasing trend in search volumes for alpha-gal beginning in 2015. After adjusting for long-term trends, seasonal trends, and media coverage, from 2015 to 2022, the predicted adjusted average annual percent change in search volume for alpha-gal was 33.78%. The estimated overall change in average search volume was 627%. In comparison, the average annual percent change was 9.23% for lone star tick, 7.34% for meat allergy, and 2.45% for food allergy during this time. Geographic analysis showed strong significant correlations between alpha-gal and lone star tick searches especially in recent years (ρ=0.80; P<.001), with primary overlap and highest search rates found in the southeastern region of the United States. Content analysis identified 10 themes of primary interest: diet, diagnosis or testing, treatment, medications or contraindications of medications, symptoms, tick related, specific sources of information and locations, general education information, alternative words for alpha-gal, and unrelated or other. The study provides insights into the changing information-seeking patterns for alpha-gal, indicating growing awareness and interest. Alpha-gal search volume is increasing at a rapid rate. Understanding specific questions and concerns can help health care providers and public health educators to tailor communication strategies. The Google Trends Supercharged-Glimpse tool offers enhanced features for analyzing information-seeking behavior and can be valuable for infodemiology research. Further research is needed to explore the evolving prevalence and impact of alpha-gal syndrome.