Use of Cancer Websites by Diverse Hospital Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Katherine D Nguyen, Belinda Hara, Rowan T Chlebowski, David Nelson
Primary Institution: Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Harbor UCLA Medical Center
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the utility of cancer information websites for a public hospital patient population.
Conclusion
Multiethnic, multilingual cancer patients at a public county hospital commonly had Internet access and found the content of two websites representative of major cancer organizations to be both understandable and useful.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants found the websites easy to understand, with 96% agreeing for both ASCO and SKF.
- The majority planned to discuss website information with their oncologists, with 82% for ASCO and 70% for SKF.
- 44% of participants had researched cancer online, showing interest in using the Internet for cancer information.
Takeaway
Cancer patients from different backgrounds can use the Internet to find helpful information about their illness, and they think the websites are easy to understand.
Methodology
A 70-item questionnaire was administered face-to-face to oncology patients to evaluate their cancer information seeking behavior and the appropriateness of two cancer information websites.
Potential Biases
The study targeted a specific multiethnic, multilingual, predominantly lower-income cancer population, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study had a modest sample size and findings based on self-report, limiting generalizability to other populations.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 66% females, 42% Hispanic, 25% Caucasian, 19% African American, and 11% Asian/Pacific Islander, with a mean age of 52.1 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
{"computer_access":0.04,"income_computer_use":0.02,"gender_website_use":{"ASCO":0.006,"SKF":0.04}}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website