Preferred Source Of Health Information Research Articles

Understanding preferences for receiving health communications and information about clinical trials: a cross-sectional study among US adults

Objective Effective health communication is critical for understanding and acting on health information. This cross-sectional study explored participants’ understanding of their health condition, their preferences for receiving health communications, and their interest in receiving clinical trial results across several therapeutic areas. Methods The study recruited participants via social media, email newsletters, and advocacy organizations. An online screener captured demographic information (health conditions, age, race/ethnicity, gender, and education). Eligible participants were emailed an online survey assessing preferred sources and formats for receiving health information, interest in learning about topics related to the results of clinical trials, and health literacy levels. Results In total, 449 participants (median age, 35 years [range, 18–76]; White, 53%; higher education, 65%; mean (range) health literacy score, 1.9 [0.4–3.0]) from 45 US states completed the survey representing 12 disease indications (bipolar, blood and solid tumor cancers, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, major depressive disorder, migraine, Parkinson’s, psoriasis/atopic dermatitis, retinal vein occlusion/macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, and spasticity). Healthcare providers were the preferred source of health information (59%), followed by Internet searches (11%). Least preferred sources were social media (5%), friends/family (3%), and email newsletters (2%). Participants preferred multiple formats and ranked reading materials online as most preferred (33%), along with videos (28%) and infographics (27%). Printed materials (14%) and audio podcasts (9%) were the least preferred formats. A majority of the participants reported that the health information they found was hard to understand (57%) and confusing (62%). Most participants (85%) were somewhat/very interested in learning about clinical trial results, with the highest interest in short summaries of safety (78%) and efficacy (74%) results. Conclusion Effective health communication may be achieved via multiple formats shared directly by healthcare providers.

Abstract P238: A Multinational Analysis of Perceptions of Non-Communicable Diseases

Introduction: Understanding perceptions of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is pivotal for enhancing primary prevention programs and health literacy. Objective: To assess perceptions and attitudes toward NCDs in five distinct countries. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the "Measuring Public Perceptions of Noncommunicable Diseases" survey by Gallup (2022). The sample encompassed 7,029 participants from the United States, Colombia, Jordan, Tanzania, and India, selected through probability-based sampling. The survey involved 15 sociodemographic variables and 97 questions related to knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward NCDs. We focused our analysis on cardiometabolic diseases and cancer. Results: Over 89% of respondents across all countries considered NCDs to be harmful, although perceptions were lower in India and Jordan, particularly for diabetes and stroke. Gender-based differences were notable in these countries; women in India and men in Jordan were less likely to view stroke as harmful. Support for public policies varied by country; participants from Jordan showed greater support for alcohol taxes, whereas India demonstrated lower support for tobacco control. Cancer was generally perceived as highly harmful, but along with stroke showed the least perceived empowerment for risk reduction. Television was the preferred source of health information, and high levels of trust were placed in healthcare personnel across countries. Individuals with higher education and income were more aware of the detrimental impacts of NCDs and felt more empowered to mitigate them, and older participants showed a diminished perception of their harm (Table 1). Conclusion: The data highlights varied perceptions of harm and empowerment across countries, affecting receptivity to different public policies such as taxation and advertising restrictions. Understanding these disparities is crucial for crafting efficient healthcare interventions tailored to specific populations.

Whom Do I Ask? First-Time Postpartum Mothers in a Developing Economy

Abstract Background There is seemingly no clear path to obtain the relevant information during postpartum as there is limited understanding of the information-seeking behaviour of postpartum women in recent times and difficulty in getting adequate healthcare information in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, numerous studies exist on information needs and information-seeking behaviour in the health sector, but none emphasized both the health information needs and information-seeking behaviour of postpartum women. Aim This study aimed to investigate the health information needs and the information-seeking behaviour of first-time postpartum mothers in the Sunyani Municipal Hospital in Ghana. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional survey which used a quantitative research approach and a convenience sampling technique to sample 139 first-time mothers using a questionnaire that is based on a scientific understanding of how people find and use information. Findings It was revealed that the majority of first-time mothers had experienced the need for health information and had adequate knowledge about health issues but inadequate or moderate knowledge of postpartum health issues. Their most preferred source of health information is the healthcare professional due to their trust in them, and first-time mothers also consulted other informal sources without proper evaluation. Conclusion The state of becoming a mother comes with its challenges, and as such, timely and accurate health information is needed to help curb these challenges. Through training and education, government and authorities can help protect postpartum mothers from harm.

Exploring Generational Differences in Attitudes towards SOPs during Covid-19: A Smart Lockdown Case Study

In Pakistan, government efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19 met with resistance due to the country's preexisting social, political, economic, and cultural conditions. The preceding pandemic shows that generational attitudes, social norms, and cultural practices can hinder the control of COVID-19. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the generational knowledge of COVID-19 and its openness to preventative measures to better comprehend the generational differences that exist with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. Purposive sampling was used in our qualitative exploratory research in twin cities of Pakistan, i.e., Rawalpindi and Islamabad. To learn how Pakistani generations X, Y, and Z feel about and deal with COVID-19, we conducted in-depth interviews with members of these groups. This included both young and elderly persons of both genders. Manual content analysis was used to examine the data of the present study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the generational knowledge of COVID-19 and its openness to preventative measures to better comprehend the generational differences that exist with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. Purposive sampling was used in our qualitative exploratory research in twin cities of Pakistan, i.e., Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A total of six in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted and a total of six major themes emerged: (1) generational differences in knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19; (2) trusted and preferred sources of health information; (3) different generations’ reactions to the first reports of the COVID-19 pandemic; (4) generational practices to prevent exposure from COVID-19; (5) different generational beliefs about the risks of not adhering to infection control procedures; and (6) generational willingness to prevent future outbreaks. The findings of the data showed that among all generations, younger people of Generation Z, in particular, tended to disregard safety rules because they were anxious to meet their friends and go back to normal. Overall, all generations showed a positive attitude towards smart lockdown and following SOPs to help prevent themselves and their loved ones from this disease. The findings of the present study provide an early indication of how different generations feel about the pandemic threat posed by COVID-19. Besides, the goal of this study was to inform the development of national policy for coronavirus pandemic containment strategies. Knowing how people feel about the pandemic and containment measures, in particular, would help policymakers devise measures that are more likely to be followed, so slowing the spread of the virus.

Online Audio-Visual Information on the Treatment of OSA with Mandibular Advancement Devices: Analysis of Quality, Reliability and Contents

The Internet is a preferred source of health information. This study evaluated the quality, reliability and content of online audio-visual information on the mandibular advancement device (MAD) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). “Mandibular advancement device” was searched on four online platforms. A total of 63 videos (51% from healthcare professionals, 22% from commercial companies, 21% from laypeople, and 6% from hospitals/universities) were evaluated using metrics, the video information and quality index (VIQI), modified-DISCERN, and the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria and contents. VIQI had significantly lower scores for videos uploaded by laypeople (mean 7.92, 95%CI 5.90–9.95) versus healthcare professionals (12.38, 95%CI 11.28–13.47) and commercial companies (11.21, 95%CI 9.61–12.81). The m-DISCERN scores were significantly lower for laypeople (1.15, 95%CI 0.93–1.40) versus healthcare professionals (2.13, 95%CI 1.73–2.52) and hospitals/universities (3.00, 95%CI 1.70–4.30), as well as for commercial companies (1.43, 95%CI 1.13-1.73) versus hospitals/universities. Contents were significantly less complete for laypeople (1.54, 95%CI 0.60–2.48) versus healthcare professionals (3.25, 95%CI 2.66–3.84). The results of the present study suggest that the quality and completeness of online audio-visual information with respect to the use of MAD for the treatment of OSA are generally poor, and the currently available videos, especially those uploaded by laypeople, may determine misinformation and/or unrealistic treatment expectations.

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SMARTPHONE USE AND HEALTH BEHAVIORS AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract People actively use smartphones to maintain and improve their health in the digital era. With this, evidence exists of the positive effect of smartphone use on the well-being of people with disabilities. This study aimed to examine the preferred sources of health information among older adults with disabilities and the association between smartphone use and healthy behaviors. This study is based on data from the 2017 national survey on persons with disabilities carried out in South Korea. A total of 4,014 participants aged 60 and above were included. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to verify the association between smartphone use and health behaviors. As the study reports, 37.7% were smartphone users and 62.3% were non-smartphone users. Among health information resources, participants identified mass media, medical institutions, and acquaintances as the first, second, and third preferred sources, regardless of smartphone use. However, a higher proportion of non-smartphone users reported having no health information available to them compared to smartphone users (5.7% vs. 1.3%, respectively). Regarding health behaviors, older adults with disabilities who use smartphones are more likely to have regular health checkups (Odd Ratio [OR], 1.51), cancer screenings (OR 1.33), dental examinations (OR 1.26), and exercise (OR 1.47), and to consume a balanced diet (OR 1.23) compared to non-smartphone users. Although these results do not prove causal relationship, smartphone use is associated with healthy behaviors in this population. Considering that healthy lifestyles are crucial to achieving active aging, resolving the disability digital divide is needed for older adults with disabilities.

Health information-seeking behavior among Congolese refugees.

BackgroundThe purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the extent to which Congolese refugees seek health information, to identify and assess the resources used while exercising Health Information-Seeking Behavior (HISB), and to identify individual determinants that affect their HISB.MethodologyBuilding Bridges program participants who resided in Texas between 2017–2020, reported country of origin as Democratic Republic of Congo, and responded to HISB questions were included in this study. Four HISB questions asked about frequency seeking health information, preferred source and perceived trustworthiness of source, and frequency worrying about their health. Associations between HISB and sociodemographic factors (age, gender, education years, years in US, proficiency speaking English, marital status) were tested using Pearson chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests (α≤0.05).ResultsMost participants (59%) reported seeking health information sometimes. Less than half (44%) of participants identified doctors as their preferred source of health information, Twenty-five percent relied on family, friends, and community leaders, and 23% used media sources. Doctors were identified as the most trustworthy source (71%), family and friends were the second highest trusted source (25%), whereas media sources were the least trusted (4%). Sociodemographic factors age (p = .02), gender (p < .01), and education years (p < .01) were the only significant predictors of preferred information sources. Conversely, those residing in US <5 years were more likely to seek health information more frequently (p = .01). The majority of participants did not worry about their health, and it was not significantly associated with source or frequency of seeking health information.ConclusionsThe high trust in doctors represents an opportunity for healthcare professionals to educate and address individual barriers contributing to refugees’ underutilization of preventive care services such as routine immunizations and preventive health screenings.

Perceptions of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic: a small comparative survey analysis between language preference populations in a United States community health center

ABSTRACT In 2019, a new variant of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) created a global pandemic that has highlighted and exacerbated health disparities. Educating the general public about COVID-19 is one of the primary mitigation strategies amongst health professionals. English is not the preferred language for an estimated 22% of the United States population making effective mass communication efforts difficult to achieve. This study seeks to understand and compare several topics surrounding COVID-19 health communication and healthcare disparities between individuals with English language preference (ELP) and non-English language preference (NELP) within the United States. A survey available in seven languages asking about knowledge and opinions on COVID-19, vaccines, preferred sources of health information, and other questions, was administered February-April 2021 to patients at an urban federally qualified health center that also serves global refugees and immigrants. Descriptive statistics and comparative analysis were performed to identify differences between ELP and NELP individuals. Analysis of 144 surveys, 33 of which were NELP, showed 90.97% of all patients agreed that COVID-19 was a serious disease and 66.67% would receive the COVID-19 vaccine. There were numerous differences between ELP and NELP individuals, including trust in government, symptom identification, preferred source of health information, and feelings that cultural needs had been met. This study has identified several significant differences in patient perceptions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic when comparing NELP to ELP and highlighted areas where improvement can occur. Applying this information, easily utilized targeted resources can be created to quickly intervene and address health disparities among patients seeking care at an urban community health center.

Sociodemographic determinants of internet use and its impact on family planning behavior among young male in Ethiopia: evidence from EDHS 2016

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Internet was preferred source of health information to retrieve relevant information. The study investigated sociodemographic determinants of internet and its impact on family planning behavior among young male in Ethiopia, 2016.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; The study was based on data from Ethiopia health and demographic survey 2016. The sample size was 4550 male youth age between 15-24 years include in EDHS 2016. Multilevel logistic regression was used to determine sociodemographic factor associated with internet utilization. The impact of internet use on family planning behaviors was assessed by propensity score matching using average treatment effect.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The magnitude of internet use in Ethiopia was 14% and factor associated with internet use included age between 20-24 years (AOR=0.60; CI=0.46-0.79), urban resident (AOR=3.94; CI=2.75-5.64), higher educational level (AOR=12.98; CI=2.69-62.66), lived in city administrative region (AOR=2.18; CI=1.46-3.28), respondent own mobile phone (AOR=8.00; CI=95.58-11.48), respondent who able to read whole sentence (AOR=4.04; CI=2.54-6.44) and respondent who has computer in household (AOR=2.03, CI=1.22-3.40) more likely to use internet. In other hand respondent occupation of agricultural and manual has 56% (AOR=0.44; CI=0.3-0.61) and 46% (AOR=54, CI=0.36-0.81) less likely to use internet. The average treatment impact of internet use on exposure to internet about FP, male condom uses and knowledge about FP increase by 12%, 7.2% and 4.5% percent point respectively.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; In spite of fast-growing nature of internet and popularity among youth people. In the future, integrating health information to different platforms on the internet will be a most effective way of health promotion.&lt;/p&gt;

Abstract 12773: Sources of Health Information and Health-Seeking Patterns of Filipinos in Rural Communities in the Philippines

Background: Rural healthcare delivery and access have various obstacles due to limited infrastructure for health promotion, limited health information sources, reliance on medical advice from multiple sources, and a lack of skilled rural healthcare practitioners. The disparity in access to healthcare is ultimately why healthcare in rural communities is inadequate. Aims: This cross-sectional study describes sources of health information and health-seeking behaviors (e.g., type of healthcare provider, response to illness) of adults (aged ≥ 18) living in rural, largely underserved communities in the Philippines. Methods: Participants completed a survey assessing health information sources and health-seeking habits. Descriptive statistics and χ 2 -tests were used to compare age groups (young vs. old 60]) and sex. Results: Surveys were completed by 1203 persons (65% female, age 50 ±18 years). The preferred source of health information was friends and family (57%), followed by social media (28%) and healthcare providers (15%). Participants said they sought healthcare largely from physicians (60%), herbalists (12%), nurses (5%), and quack doctors (5%) or a combination of providers (12%). When they were ill, the majority (70%) visited a healthcare provider, while 48%, 39%, and 30% self-medicate, sought advice from a rural health clinic, or pray, respectively. There were no variations in the sources of information, care provider preferences, or illness response between the sexes. Younger persons were more inclined to seek health information on social media and from a physician. By contrast, older persons were more likely to seek advice from friends and relatives and contact a herbalist or quack physician. Conclusions: Our results highlight the need for well-structured programs and campaigns to address the population's demands understandably. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of enhancing the quality of information available to rural communities and integrating friends and relatives, social media, and healthcare providers to provide evidence-based health information. Finally, more research is required to identify why so many people sought medical advice from friends and family members rather than licensed healthcare professionals.

Disparities in cancer care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic: An update of a prospective, cross-sectional study.

136 Background: Impact of COVID19 on cancer care delivery and outcomes remains unknown. Few trials have investigated patients’ perceived risks and benefits, and cancer care delivery (CCD) alterations related to COVID19. We sought to identify differences on behaviors and social determinants of health in Hispanics and other underrepresented populations (H/UP) compared to the general population (GP). Methods: An IRB-approved validated 27-item questionnaire was offered in English and Spanish to all pts receiving cancer care at participating cancer centers over a 6 month period. Examined variables included demographic information, social risk and behavioral factors, preferred sources of health information, and overall satisfaction with CCD during the pandemic. Results: A total of 245 pts were enrolled in the study. Compared to GP, H/UP’s perceived risk of COVID19 was higher with 92.4% vs 85.2% (p = 0.000) more likely to cancel or avoid social gatherings and 69.2% vs 32.1% more likely to change daily routine. H/UP appeared more concerned with personal and financial safety; if unable to find work/get paid for 2 weeks, 24.1% H/UP vs 13% GP would struggle to keep up with expenses. 33.7% H/UP vs 8.6% GP had concerns on ability to secure food and consider COVID19 a major threat to their health (63.9% vs 42.6%, p = 0.003) and financial situation (61.4% vs 35.8%, p = 0.001). H/UP’s perceived benefits of protective measures is higher with 97.4% vs 90.7% routinely practicing social distancing (SD) and 92.8% vs 64.2% in agreement with punitive actions for not following SD. Analysis demonstrated no significant difference by gender, level of education, marital status, however Hispanic ethnicity and Spanish as primary language were significant variables (p = 0.000) in perceived risks and satisfaction with CCD. No major differences were noted on sources of health information although more H/UP relied on social media (26.5% vs 24.7%). H/UP appeared more skeptical about availability and safety of targeted vaccines (28.2% vs 14.8%, p = 0.001). H/UP were less satisfied with CCD during the pandemic (72.1% vs 82.1%, p = 0.024) and also perceived CCD alterations (19.2% vs 7.4%). Conclusions: COVID19-related societal, financial, health and personal fears are increased in H/UP which likely negatively affects quality of life of these at-risk populations. H/UP’s trust in SD recommendations is heightened although linguistically and culturally appropriate information may be deficient. H/UP were more skeptical of the safety and availability of the vaccine, which is consistent with recent reports suggesting deeper fears of experimentation. Interventions aimed to decrease these differences could incorporate standard communications with special attention to social media.

Exploring community perceptions, attitudes and practices regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Karachi, Pakistan

BackgroundThe Government of Pakistan is facing difficulty to contain the surge of COVID-19 due to the country’s social, political, economical and cultural context. Experiences from the previous epidemic suggest that...

Comparison of patient-reported impact of COVID19 on cancer care delivery: A prospective, cross-sectional study.

6551 Background: Impact of COVID19 on cancer care delivery and outcomes remains unknown. Few trials have investigated patients’ perceived risks and benefits, and cancer care delivery (CCD) alterations related to COVID19. We sought to identify differences on behaviors and social determinants of health in Hispanics and other underrepresented populations (H/UP) compared to the general population (GP). Methods: An IRB-approved validated 27-item questionnaire was offered in English and Spanish to all pts. receiving cancer care at participating cancer centers over a 4 month period. Examined variables included demographic information, social risk and behavioral factors, preferred sources of health information, and overall satisfaction with CCD during the pandemic. Results: A total of 180 pts were enrolled in the study. Compared to GP, H/UP’s perceived risk of COVID19 was higher with 93% vs 87% more likely to cancel or avoid social gatherings and 54% vs 46% more likely to change daily routine. H/UP appeared more concerned with personal and financial safety; if unable to find work/get paid for 2 weeks, 26% H/UP vs 10% GP would struggle to keep up with expenses. 40% H/UP vs 10% GP have concerns on perceived ability to secure food on short term and consider COVID19 a major threat to their health (70% vs 46%) and financial situation (63% vs 35%). H/UP’s perceived benefits of protective measures is higher with 81% vs 60% routinely practicing social distancing (SD) and 79% vs 66% in agreement with punitive actions for not following SD. Analysis demonstrated no significant difference by age, gender, level of education, marital status, however Hispanic ethnicity and Spanish as primary language was a statistically significant variable (p = 0.025) in perceived risks and satisfaction with CCD. No major differences were noted on sources of health information although more H/UP relied on social media (33% vs 24%). H/UP appeared to be more skeptical about availability and safety of targeted vaccines (40% vs 15%). Satisfaction regarding CCD was comparable (84% vs 86%), although more H/UP perceived CCD alterations (15% vs 10%). Going forward, H/UP would prefer to incorporate virtual visits (VV) when possible (36% vs 25%). Conclusions: COVID19-related societal, financial, health and personal fears are increased in H/UP which likely negatively affects quality of life of these at-risk populations. H/UP’s trust in SD recommendations is heightened although linguistically and culturally appropriate information may be deficient. H/UP’s belief in vaccine availability and safety is comparable to GP, although recent reports suggest deeper fear and emphasize their fear of experimentation. Interventions aimed to decrease these differences could incorporate standard communications with special attention to social media. H/UP would prefer to incorporate VV into their care, although most do not possess appropriate technology to do so.

Sociodemographic Determinant of Internet Use and its Impact on Family Planning Behavior Among Young Male in Ethiopia: Evidence from EDHS 2016

Background: Internet was preferred source of health information to retrieve relevant information. Internet was preferred source of health information retrieve relevant information. Objective: The study investigates sciodeterminant determinant of internet and its impact on family planning behavior among young male in Ethiopia, 2016.MethodsThe study was based on data from Ethiopia health and demographic survey 2016. The sample size was 4550 male youth age between 15-24 years include in EDHS 2016. Multilevel logistic regression was used to determine sociodemographic factor associated with internet utilization. The impact of internet use on family planning behaviors was assessed by propensity score matching using average treatment effect. Result: The magnitude of Internet use in Ethiopia was 14% and factor associated with internet use include age of respondent, educational level, resident, live in city administrative region, computer in household and mobile phone ownership. The average treatment impact of internet use on exposure to internet about FP, male condom uses and knowledge about FP increase by 12%, 7.2% and 4.5% percent point respectively. Conclusion: In spite of fast-growing nature of internet and popularity among youth people. In future integrating health information on internet in different platform will be most effective way of health promotion channel. Funding Statement: There is no any funding source for this reaserch which coverd by researcher. Declaration of Interests: The author declares there is no competing interest related to this study for publication. Ethics Approval Statement: The study has permission by ICF international after request is processed. Ethiopia demographic and health survey 2016 participant gave informed consent prior to study. This study ethically approved by continues education and research board of Dessie Health Science College.

Tobacco perceptions and practices: User groups and demographic characteristics, Mississippi, USA.

Despite decreases in the overall US smoking rate, tobacco use remains more common in some areas and by some groups. Deeper understanding of group differences is needed in order to tailor public health campaigns to the interests, perceptions and experiences of targeted audiences. Although some differences have been identified across African American and Caucasian smokers in the United States, additional insight is needed regarding factors that differentiate these groups. This study examined tobacco-related perceptions and practices, with an emphasis on identifying differences across African American and Caucasian smokers. Toward this goal, we examined key demographic variables of race and age, and tobacco use characteristics. The sample consisted of 284 people from the Jackson, Mississippi area who participated in focus groups and completed surveys addressing a variety of tobacco-related topics, including knowledge and perceptions of products as well as use and health information seeking behavior. The selection criteria and recruitment approach ensured a balance across race (black, white), age (18-34, >35 years), sex, and cigarette smoking status (current, former, never). Statistical analyses were performed using SAS (v.9.4). Differences were observed across demographic subgroups regarding type and pattern of tobacco products used (e.g. mentholated, markers of nicotine dependence, hookah). Differences in preferred sources of health information based on age as well as perceptions of risk as a function of age, smoking status and race were also noted. Exposure to secondhand smoke and perceptions of its risks, quitting efforts and cessation methods differed by race. Study findings suggest key differences across important subgroups. Knowledge of such differences has the potential to improve strategic public health messaging, allowing health campaigns to more effectively prevent tobacco product uptake as well as promote interest in quitting tobacco.

Abstract A039: Health information sources among Pacific Islanders in Guam and Hawaii: The association of migrant status and acculturation with Internet use and cancer fatalism

Abstract Background US Pacific Islanders (USPI) are one of the fastest growing population groups, and cancer is the leading cause of death among them. Limited knowledge about the health communication practices of USPI is a barrier to effective cancer prevention programs. Methods As a part of a special HINTS (Health Information National Trends Survey) initiative, a modified HINTS was conducted to understand health communication practices of USPI in Guam and Hawaii, including long-term residents and recent migrants from the Freely Associated States. Using respondent-driven sampling (Heckathorn, 1997) the HINTS was administered to 1,543 USPI in 2018. Measures of health information patterns, acculturation, and other variables were obtained. To examine the association between migrant status, acculturation and use of the Internet as the preferred source of health information, logistic regression analyses (adjusted for gender, age, and education) was conducted. We also examined the prevalence and correlates of cancer fatalism. Results Only 33.2% participants reported that they went to the Internet first the most recent time they looked for the information about health and medical topics. An even smaller percentage (17.3%) reported that they would seek information from Internet first in the future if they had a strong need. Data show distinctive health communication patterns and experiences among three populations (those who were born in the US, earlier migrants before 2012, and recent migrants since 2012). There is a strong association between migrant status and Internet use. Earlier and recent migrants were less likely to use the Internet first on the most recent health information search compared with those who were born in the US (OR=047; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.68 and OR=0.44; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.86 respectively). Also, intending to use Internet first in the future was less likely among earlier migrants (OR=0.51; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.7 4) and recent migrants (OR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.77) when compared with US born respondents. There appears to be a strong association between migrant status and Internet use. Acculturation was not significantly related to Internet use. Most individuals (73.4%) indicated agreeing or strongly agreeing with the belief that everything causes cancer, and majority of respondents (55.8%) indicated agreeing or strongly agreeing that there is not much you can do to prevent cancer. This cancer fatalism was not significantly associated with migrant status. However, it was strongly associated with acculturation. Those reported participating often in their ethnic traditions were almost twice as likely (OR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.46, 2.46) to belief that there is not much you can do to prevent cancer when compared with those did not participate. These findings suggest that differential levels of digital literacy and the influence of ethnic social networks and migration status could impact the efficacy of cancer prevention strategies for USPI populations. Citation Format: Lilnabeth P Somera, Grazyna Badowski, Kevin Cassell, Hye-ryeon Lee. Health information sources among Pacific Islanders in Guam and Hawaii: The association of migrant status and acculturation with Internet use and cancer fatalism [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A039.

Assessing Information Needs Regarding Metabolic Syndrome Among Gynecological Cancer Survivors: A Concurrent Mixed Method.

Cancer survivors have an increased risk of non-cancer-related deaths, particularly metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to assess knowledge deficits regarding metabolism-related diseases among gynecological cancer survivors and the preferred source of health information. Using a mixed methods approach, 70 participants responded to a structured modified version of the MetS questionnaire. We conducted 28 semistructured interviews of gynecological cancer survivors with MetS. Responses were independently coded by 2 researchers, including MetS knowledge, behaviors for self-management, and preferred learning methods. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 17% of the participants. More than 50% of the participants wanted to learn about MetS and requested a consultation with healthcare providers, 70% reported that they had heard of MetS, and 61.4% reported that they had MetS-related knowledge (correct answer rate by MetS-related component, ~50%). The level of MetS-related knowledge was poor in both the quantitative and qualitative data. Most of the participants defined MetS-related self-management health behaviors as regular eating and exercise in their own words. Participants mostly wanted exercise management (29% of the participants), followed by dietary life management (27.4%), stress management (17.4%), weight management (13.7%), definition and diagnostic methods of MetS (9.1%), and smoking and drinking management (3.3%). Participants wished to use a handbook in small groups or receive counseling by healthcare providers. We observed poor awareness and knowledge level and the need for information regarding MetS among gynecological cancer survivors. An educational handbook or counseling could effectively improve self-management of health-related behaviors.

Sources of Cardiovascular Health Information and Channels of Health Communication among Urban Population in Nigeria

&lt;p&gt;This study employed mixed methods to investigate the preferred sources of health information and later explored the views of community healthcare workers on the enablers, barriers and ways of overcoming barriers to health communication. The study found that majority of the participants preferred their source of CV (cardiovascular) health information from the healthcare workers including the medical doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. On the other hand, the least preferred source of health information was from friends, family members, and community leaders. Some of the identified enablers to community health communication include awareness programme via Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), community-based organisations such as faith-based organisations and healthcare facilities. Others are traditional media and social media. The identified barriers to community-based health communication include lack of knowledge and poverty, language barriers, and other miscellaneous issues including misuse of internet, lack of basic amenities and religious beliefs. The community-based healthcare providers articulated ways to overcome the identified barriers, including enlightenment programmes, using the language of the target audience, funding health awareness programmes, and monitoring of health education interventions. This study concludes that dissemination of health information using numerous channels is essential in ensuring population-wide primary prevention of diseases.&lt;/p&gt;

Identifying and Understanding the Health Information Experiences and Preferences of Caregivers of Individuals With Either Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, or Burn Injury: A Qualitative Investigation.

BackgroundIn order to meet the challenges of caring for an injured person, caregivers need access to health information. However, caregivers often feel that they lack adequate information. Previous studies of caregivers have primarily focused on either their time and emotional burdens or their health outcomes, but the information needs of caregivers have not been thoroughly investigated.ObjectiveThe purpose of this investigation was to identify the preferred sources of health information for caregivers supporting individuals with injuries and to explore how access to this information could be improved.MethodsA total of 32 caregivers participated in semistructured interviews, which were used in order to develop a more in-depth understanding of these caregivers’ information needs. Digital audio recordings of the interviews were used for analysis purposes. These audio recordings were analyzed using a thematic analysis or qualitative content analysis. All of participant’s interviews were then coded using the qualitative analysis program, Nvivo 10 for Mac (QSR International).ResultsThe caregivers endorsed similar behaviors and preferences when seeking and accessing health information. Medical professionals were the preferred source of information, while ease of access made the Internet the most common avenue to obtain information. The challenges faced by participants were frequently a result of limited support. In describing an ideal health system, participants expressed interest in a comprehensive care website offering support network resources, instructive services about the injury and caregiving, and injury-specific materials.ConclusionsAccording to the participants, an ideal health information system would include a comprehensive care website that offered supportive network resources, instructive services about the injury and caregiving, and materials specific to the type of patient injury.

A quantitative approach to segmentation for prescription drug safety programs

Purpose The aim of this paper is to enhance the effectiveness of pharmacovigilance programs that provide information about medical products to benefit consumers, aid health care professional’s decision-making and improve community health. This research sought to determine whether distinct segments of consumers can be identified for prescription drug safety social marketing and communication activities and if these segments would respond differently to information about prescription drug products. Design/methodology/approach Theories of risk information-seeking behavior were used to develop questions for respondents in an online survey panel. Latent class analyses identified clusters that were similar in their ability to accurately interpret risks and benefits, preferred sources of health information, medication use and other related factors. Multinomial logistic regression models identified demographic and psychographic differences across the segments. Logistic and linear regression models were then used to compare each segment’s responses to a specific drug safety information product. Findings The 1,244 respondents were clustered into four segments: not engaged (12 per cent), low-involvement users (29 per cent), careful users (50 per cent) and social information seekers (9 per cent). These segments were distinguished by perceived seeking control, self-appraisal of skill, information insufficiency, self-efficacy, information competency and health literacy. Sources of health information and health-seeking behaviors were also different across the four segments. Significant differences were found among the segments in their comprehension and perceived utility of the content and their intentions to take relevant actions. Practical implications From an array of potential behavioral influences, adults can be segmented by risk information-seeking constructs and related behaviors. These segments respond differently to drug safety information. Use of the personas developed in this work can help pharmacovigilance programs around the world develop more relevant and tailored social marketing products, services and content. Originality/value A social marketing approach using empirically tested theoretical constructs can be useful for drug safety or pharmacovigilance programs. The results were used to create personas that quickly convey relevant information to drug safety program managers and staff.