Heterogeneity in Trust of Cancer Information among Hispanic Adults in the United States: An Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey

Abstract

Background: Hispanics are differentially burdened by inequities in cancer outcomes. Increasing knowledge about cancer and cancer services among Hispanics may aid in reducing inequities, but little is known about what information sources are considered most effective or most trusted by this diverse population. The goal of this study was to examine heterogeneity in trust of cancer information from various media sources among U.S. Hispanic adults.Methods: Using data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 4, Cycles 2 and 4 and HINTS 5, Cycle 2, we examined nine trust questions, divided into four domains of health communication sources [doctor, government health/charitable organizations, media (including Internet), and family/ friends and religious organizations]. Independent variables examined were gender, Hispanic ethnic categories (Mexican American, Cuban/Puerto Rican, and other Hispanics), age, education, income, language, and nativity. We used multivariable logistic regression with survey weights to identify independent predictors of cancer information source use and trust.Results: Of the 1,512 respondents, trust in sources ranged from 27% for radio to 91% for doctors. In multivariable models, Cubans/Puerto Ricans were twice as likely to trust cancer information from print media compared with Mexican Americans. Hispanics 75 years and older were nearly three times as likely to trust cancer information from religious organizations compared with those ages 18 to 34. Hispanic women were 59% more likely to trust cancer information from the Internet compared with men.Conclusions: Subgroup variability in source use and trust may be masked by broad racial and ethnic categories.Impact: Among Hispanics, there is significant variation by ethnicity and other sociodemographics in trust of sources of cancer information across multiple constructs, with notable implications for disseminating cancer information.

Social and Demographic Patterns of Health-Related Internet Use Among Adults in the United States: A Secondary Data Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey

“…These differences may be attributable to differences in health literacy, difficulties and frustration in accessing online information, or trust in health information from online sources [ 23 , 24 , 27 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ]. Consistent with previous studies, we observed that older adults were also less likely to use the internet to locate health-related information for themselves or others [ 13 , 20 , 23 , 27 , 46 ]. Prior studies have observed that older individuals are more likely to access and trust health information from other sources, including friends and families and religious organizations [ 20 , 27 , 49 ].…”

“…Consistent with previous studies, we observed that older adults were also less likely to use the internet to locate health-related information for themselves or others [ 13 , 20 , 23 , 27 , 46 ]. Prior studies have observed that older individuals are more likely to access and trust health information from other sources, including friends and families and religious organizations [ 20 , 27 , 49 ]. Lastly, we observed that older adults were less likely to use social media or online groups for seeking and sharing health information as well as for social support.…”

“…Despite the evidence documenting the effectiveness of internet-based interventions in improving chronic disease outcomes and the wealth of health information available, access and uptake of health information remains a challenge, thus potentially increasing health disparities across race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and language [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. In particular, studies have observed gaps in internet use for specific health outcomes (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular disease) across race/ethnicity, age, and gender [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. A secondary analysis of data from the Pew Research Center observed that racial and ethnic minority groups were more likely to contribute to COVID-19 content on social media [ 14 ].…”

“…A previous analysis of health-related internet use among cancer survivors documented lower rates of use among older adults, racial and ethnic minorities, adults with lower levels of education, and adults living in rural areas [ 13 ]. Additional studies examining potential explanations for lower rates of eHealth use among particular demographic groups have documented lower rates of trust in health information from internet sources among older adults, racial and ethnic minorities, smokers, and men [ 20 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Studies focused on internet use among older adults have observed higher levels of frustration in identifying trustworthy sources of health information and visual inaccessibility of information on internet sites [ 15 , 23 , 26 , 27 ].…”

Letter to Editor: Collateral damage: impact of COVID-19 on stroke care in three downtown Los Angeles Community Hospitals

“…This occurred despite the increasing incidence of COVID-19 throughout that time period in the Los Angeles area [ 2 ]. This could be due to increased familiarity with the COVID-19 virus leading to increased risk tolerance among our population [ 3 ]. This occurred in the absence of any significant public health intervention encouraging people to access medical care.…”