Abstract
African Americans are at high risk for most cancer conditions. They have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial group for most cancers. Studies have shown that African American tends to seek less information about their health conditions. Using a national sample, we analyzed information-seeking behavior among African Americans. In this study, we examine African American cancer information seeking using data from Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5 Cycle 4). HINTS is a nationally representative repeated cross-sectional survey conducted by the National Cancer Institute. Of the 3,865 total respondents, approximately 17% were African American population. The sample included N = 649 participants: 223 men; 411 women. Mage= 55.16 (SD = 19.88). Only 40.8% have ever looked for information about cancer from any sources. Healthcare providers (N = 332), Internet (N = 137), and cancer organizations (N = 95) were identified as top information sources that African Americans rely on when there is a strong need to get information about cancer, whereas governmental source was the last choice to seek information. Surprisingly, approximately 65% agree on feeling that everything causes cancer. African Americans tend to rely on healthcare providers as a top choice to seek cancer information. It is essential to develop better communication and a level of trust among patient-provider, which may encourage others to do the same. Further, increased knowledge of resources about the condition and treatment and support may increase the use of cancer information seeking.
Presenters
Anita SilwalPhD Student, College of Communication and Information, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, United States Purushottam Panta
PhD Student, Computer Science, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Health Promotion and Education
KEYWORDS
Cancer, Health Information-Seeking, African American
