Informational needs and predictors of Jordanian breast and colorectal cancer survivors: a national cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose To investigate the informational gap and predictors of information-seeking behaviour amongst survivors to inform survivorship planning and supportive cancer services for the population. Methods A national cross-sectional survey of breast and colorectal cancer survivors was conducted in 2020 using a representative sample of those diagnosed in 2015/2016 as recruited from Jordan’s Cancer Registry (JCR). Participants responded to a 3-domain questionnaire: background information (9 items); information typologies (13 items) measured on a 5-point Likert scale (from very interested to extremely not interested); timing of developing the information needs (13 items) (ranging from immediately after diagnosis to after recurrence). Logistic regression was used to determine the independent association between demographics and information-seeking behaviour amongst survivors. The chi-square test was employed to examine the association between categorical variables. ANOVA was used to compare the means of interest in cancer-related information between more than two groups. Results Results show a relatively high overall information needs amongst survivors (3.68 ± 1.53). The most prevalent typologies were cancer staging (3.77 ± 1.593), treatment options (3.76 ± 1.55), and doctors’ communications (3.73 ± 1.62). ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences between cancer types. 55.8% of patients desired information immediately after diagnosis and 23.3% developed their needs within 2 months. There was a statistically significant difference across all information typologies and educational attainment, age groups, monthly income, and employment (P < 0.05). Age was the only independent predictor of high information requirements amongst cancer survivors. Conclusion Survivors reported high cancer information needs, suggesting that they may have been under-informed. Effective health communication programmes should be implemented to meet the informational needs.

Digital Trends, Digital Literacy, and E-Health Engagement Predictors of Breast and Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey

“…In total, 409 patients were asked to participate, and 335 answered (81.9% response rate). The population characteristics are summarised by Melhem et al [ 3 ]. and below.…”

“…Nearly half of those surveyed 47.1% have other chronic illnesses, including 33.2% having hypertension, 22.7% with diabetes, 8.8% having cardiovascular disease, and 7.6% having other chronic diseases. Nearly one fifth, 21.8% of patients, had a Master’s/PhD/university degree, 27.2% had completed high school, 20% had a diploma, 23.3% had elementary education, and 7.8% were illiterate [ 3 ].…”

“…The present study examines Jordanian breast and colorectal cancer patients’ online information-seeking behaviour, digital trends, and barriers to information acquisition as part of a larger project by Melhem et al in 2022 [ 3 ]…”

“…Cancer survivorship refers to a patient’s health and well-being from the time of diagnosis until death. This covers the physical, mental, emotional, social, and economic consequences of cancer, which begin with diagnosis and continue through treatment and beyond [ 3 , 36 ]. Section one included eight tick box items that assessed respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, including age, gender, residence, marital status, employment, monthly income, education, and comorbid illnesses.…”

“…Cancer survivors have a wide range of symptoms, including psychosocial, cognitive, physiological, and sexual issues, as well as concerns about recurrence and secondary neoplasms. Cancer patients have more complicated health information requirements than healthy subjects, and insufficient information or misinformation may lead to information dissatisfaction or suboptimal outcomes [ 3 ]. Patients may seek alternative sources of information if information provided by healthcare professionals is inadequate [ 4 , 5 ].…”