Abstract P5-09-08: Information needs and Internet use of breast cancer patients in Mexico
Authors: Villarreal-Garza C , Platas A , Bargalló-Rocha JE , Aguilar-González CN , Ortega-Leonard LV , Martínez-Cannon BA , Ramos-Elías P , Soto-Perez-de-Celis E 
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Information seeking is critical for the decision making of individuals undergoing cancer diagnosis and treatment. The information needs of breast cancer (BC) patients and whether they use online resources to obtain it are largely unknown, particularly in developing countries with scarce educational resources and poor Internet access. Additionally, the influence of age on the use of online BC resources has not been explored. In this study, we aim to describe the information needs of BC patients in Mexico, and to analyze the difference in such needs between age groups.

Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2015 amongst women with BC undergoing treatment or follow-up at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico City. Demographic data (age, place of residence, occupation and level of education), Internet use and access (e-mail, social networks, tablet and/or smartphone use) and need of information sources (printed and online materials) were collected. Patients were asked which particular aspects of BC they would like to see highlighted in online educational resources. Patients were divided into three age groups (≤ 40 years [y], 41-64 y and ≥ 65 y). Chi-square test was used for comparison between group characteristics, and Student's t test to detect differences in information needs between groups.

Results: 325 patients were invited, 15 refused to answer and 310 provided completed surveys. Median age was 47 y (19-87), 220 (72.6%) were housewives, and 181 (58.4%) had less than undergraduate education. 163 (52.6%) had Internet access, 139 (45%) had e-mail, 133 (43%) had a social network profile and 178 (57.6%) owned a smartphone/tablet. Regarding information needs, 94.5% (n = 241) believed printed materials should be available, while 93.2% (n = 287) thought online resources would be useful and 78% (n = 241) expressed the desire to have an online forum with other patients. Women ≤ 40 y were more likely to have Internet access (p &lt; 0.0001), e-mail account (p &lt; 0.0001), social network profiles (p &lt; 0.0001) and tablets/smartphones (p &lt; 0.0001). Although there was no difference in the perceived need for printed materials between age groups (p = 0.26), women ≥ 65 y were less likely to believe online resources would be useful (90.8 vs. 97.3%; p = 0.01). 21.6% (n = 67) of patients mentioned diet and exercise as the most important aspect they would like to see in a website, followed by survivorship (19.7%; n = 61), and treatment (14.5%; n = 45). Women ≤ 40 y were significantly more interested in learning about the adverse effects of treatment than their older counterparts (12.4 vs. 3%; p &lt; 0.001). There was no difference between age groups regarding other aspects of perceived information needs.

Conclusions: Despite having a poor educational background and low rates of Internet access, almost all the surveyed women were interested in obtaining online BC information, regardless of age. Perceived information needs and preferences do not differ greatly between age groups, although young women are more likely to want information about adverse effects. Supplying patients with appropriate and accessible online educational resources addressing their information needs is essential, and healthcare providers should strive to accomplish this goal.

Citation Format: Villarreal-Garza C, Platas A, Bargalló-Rocha JE, Aguilar-González CN, Ortega-Leonard LV, Martínez-Cannon BA, Ramos-Elías P, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E. Information needs and Internet use of breast cancer patients in Mexico. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-09-08.