Health information seeking behaviors among individuals with young-onset and average-onset colorectal cancer: an international cross-sectional survey

Assessing how health information needs of individuals with colorectal cancer are met across the care continuum: an international cross-sectional survey

“…(Fig. 1), as well as health information seeking behaviours, which we reported in our prior study [7]. Incorporation of computer adaptive features in the survey platform facilitated administration in terms of tailoring specific items and/or sections based on participants' responses to prior questions.…”

“…This current study is nested within an international Internet-based cross-sectional study that aimed to better understand health information seeking behaviours [7] and needs among individuals with CRC. We administered the survey internationally as a reflection of growing exchange of information and support between individuals with CRC from different countries, largely due to rising popularity online communities and use of social media (e.g.…”

“…The significant physical [2,3] and psychosocial [4,5] burden of CRC on patients underscores the need for psychooncology research on social, behavioural, and ethical aspects of living and dealing with CRC [6]. We previously evaluated health information seeking behaviours and showed similarities between individuals with young-onset CRC (yCRC, diagnosed below the age of 50 years) and average-onset CRC (aCRC, diagnosed at or above the age of 50 years) though greater reliance on digital technologies among individuals with yCRC [7], which has implications for informing agespecific resources. A relevant subsequent inquiry is on health information needs defined as patients' perceptions of necessary knowledge regarding a specific health topic [8,9].…”

“…As such, our objectives were to: assess how health information needs of individuals with CRC are met across the care continuum, including during and following treatment; and examine factors associated with having health information needs met. As with our prior study on health information seeking behaviours in CRC [7], to guide this work, we drew from Wilson's Second Model of Information Behaviour [13], which suggests that attainment of information needs is the necessary final component that closes the feedback loop following motivators that drive an individual to search for information and health seeking behaviours.…”

Assessing how health information needs of individuals with colorectal cancer are met across the care continuum: An international cross-sectional survey

“…In our prior, related study on the health seeking behaviors of individuals with CRC, we found that healthcare providers and the Internet were the most common sources individuals used to search for information. [7] We did not query which source they sought for which type of health information, however, it is likely that individuals with CRC may be using the Internet to search for health information not provided by their healthcare providers. Indeed, in a prior qualitative study of experiences of individuals with yCRC, participants shared that they often conducted their own independent searches on the Internet for health information on CRC, particularly on topics such as sexual activity, reproductive health, mental health, and work/employment which may not be routinely discussed during healthcare appointments, as well as connect with other patients with CRC in online communities.…”