Information needs and preferences among rural cancer survivors in Queensland, Australia: a qualitative examination.

Crawford-Williams, F; Goodwin, BC; Chambers, SK; Aitken, JF; Ford, M; Dunn, J

Information needs and preferences among rural cancer survivors in Queensland, Australia: a qualitative examination.

Crawford-Williams, F Goodwin, BC Chambers, SK Aitken, JF Ford, M Dunn, J

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Publisher:: Wiley Open Access
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2022, 46, (1), pp. 81-86
Issue Date:: 2022

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Crawford-Williams, F
dc.contributor.author	Goodwin, BC
dc.contributor.author	Chambers, SK
dc.contributor.author	Aitken, JF
dc.contributor.author	Ford, M
dc.contributor.author	Dunn, J
dc.date.accessioned	2022-11-14T04:38:14Z
dc.date.available	2021-08-01
dc.date.available	2022-11-14T04:38:14Z
dc.date.issued	2022
dc.identifier.citation	Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2022, 46, (1), pp. 81-86
dc.identifier.issn	1326-0200
dc.identifier.issn	1753-6405
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/163447
dc.description.abstract	<h4>Objective</h4>This study aimed to understand how cancer survivors in rural Queensland seek and receive information, as well as their preferences regarding the content and delivery of health-related information.<h4>Methods</h4>This study explored cancer survivors' experiences in seeking and comprehending health information using a qualitative descriptive approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.<h4>Results</h4>Two major themes and six sub-themes were identified including 1) information content and gaps - a) information about diagnosis and treatment, b) survivorship information gaps and c) practical support needs and 2) delivery and acceptance of information - a) sources of information, b) personalised information needs and c) information seeking or avoidance. Findings suggested that health information provision was inconsistent; survivors' attitudes towards seeking information varied greatly; and survivors' had difficulty processing information due to emotional distress.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The role of the health professional is critical in providing information and support to rural cancer survivors. Information provided should be tailored to meet the needs and preferences of individuals taking into consideration demographic factors and attitudes. Implications for public health: The current findings imply that quality information provision after cancer treatment would facilitate improvements in satisfaction among rural cancer survivors.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	Wiley Open Access
dc.relation.ispartof	Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1111/1753-6405.13163
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject	1117 Public Health and Health Services, 1402 Applied Economics, 1605 Policy and Administration
dc.subject.classification	Public Health
dc.subject.mesh	Australia
dc.subject.mesh	Cancer Survivors
dc.subject.mesh	Humans
dc.subject.mesh	Neoplasms
dc.subject.mesh	Queensland
dc.subject.mesh	Rural Population
dc.subject.mesh	Survivors
dc.subject.mesh	Humans
dc.subject.mesh	Neoplasms
dc.subject.mesh	Survivors
dc.subject.mesh	Rural Population
dc.subject.mesh	Australia
dc.subject.mesh	Queensland
dc.subject.mesh	Cancer Survivors
dc.title	Information needs and preferences among rural cancer survivors in Queensland, Australia: a qualitative examination.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	46
utslib.location.activity	Australia
utslib.for	1117 Public Health and Health Services
utslib.for	1402 Applied Economics
utslib.for	1605 Policy and Administration
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	false
dc.date.updated	2022-11-14T04:38:12Z
pubs.issue	1
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	46
utslib.citation.issue	1

Abstract:

Objective

This study aimed to understand how cancer survivors in rural Queensland seek and receive information, as well as their preferences regarding the content and delivery of health-related information.

Methods

This study explored cancer survivors' experiences in seeking and comprehending health information using a qualitative descriptive approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Two major themes and six sub-themes were identified including 1) information content and gaps - a) information about diagnosis and treatment, b) survivorship information gaps and c) practical support needs and 2) delivery and acceptance of information - a) sources of information, b) personalised information needs and c) information seeking or avoidance. Findings suggested that health information provision was inconsistent; survivors' attitudes towards seeking information varied greatly; and survivors' had difficulty processing information due to emotional distress.

Conclusion

The role of the health professional is critical in providing information and support to rural cancer survivors. Information provided should be tailored to meet the needs and preferences of individuals taking into consideration demographic factors and attitudes. Implications for public health: The current findings imply that quality information provision after cancer treatment would facilitate improvements in satisfaction among rural cancer survivors.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/163447