Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors are under-represented in research. Social media is increasingly used for recruitment given its ability to reach large audiences. Differences in participant characteristics and potential biases due to recruitment source are not well understood. Purpose: This study aimed to: (a) compare recruitment strategies (hospital-based v. social media) in enrollment metrics, and (b) among enrolled participants, evaluate group differences in patient characteristics and patient reported outcomes (PROs). Methods: Preliminary data from a cancer and fertility study with female AYAs were evaluated. Hospital-based recruitment used electronic medical records (EMR) to identify eligible patients. Social media recruitment involved posting on partner organizations' social media outlets. PROs included validated measures related to the parent study. Descriptive statistics evaluated recruitment metrics. Independent samples t-tests and chi-square identified differences in participant characteristics and PROs based on recruitment. Results: Social media yielded a higher enrollment rate (37%; n ¼ 54/146) compared with hospital-based recruitment (7%; n ¼ 21/289) and required fewer study resources. Compared with hospital-based recruitment, participants from social media were more likely to be White (p ¼ 0.01), with a longer time since treatment (p ¼ 0.03); and reported higher levels of reproductive concern (p ¼ 0.004) and negative mood (p ¼ 0.02), and more negative illness perceptions (ps < 0.05). Conclusion: Recruitment via social media may be a more effective and efficient strategy compared with hospital-based methods. However, group differences were identified that could bias findings and limit generalizability. Advantages of social media should be considered with an understanding of how methodology may impact enrollment and results.
Purpose: Family-building after gonadotoxic treatment often requires in vitro fertilization, surrogacy, or adoption, with associated challenges such as uncertain likelihood of success, high costs, and complicated laws regulating surrogacy and adoption. This study examined adolescent and young adult female (AYA-F) survivors' experiences and decision-making related to familybuilding after cancer.Methods: Semi-structured interviews explored fertility and family-building themes (N=25). Based on an a priori conceptual model, hypothesis coding and grounded theory coding methods guided qualitative analysis.Results: Participants averaged 29 years old (SD=6.2); were mostly White and educated. Four major themes were identified: Sources of Uncertainty, Cognitive and Emotional Reactions, Coping Behaviors, and Decision-making. Uncertainty stemmed from medical, personal, social, and financial factors, which led to cognitive, emotional, and behavioral reactions to reduce distress,
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