scholarly journals COVID-19 Communication to English- and Spanish-Speaking Cancer Patients: A Website Analysis of Seven Healthcare Systems in North Texas (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin T Higashi ◽  
John W Sweetenham ◽  
Aimee D Israel ◽  
Jasmin A Tiro
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Spanish Speakers ◽  
Web Pages ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Visual Aids ◽  
North Texas ◽  
Spanish Speaking

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic created an urgent need to rapidly disseminate health information, especially to those with cancer because they face higher morbidity and mortality rates. At the same time, the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on Latinx populations underscores the need for information to reach Spanish-speakers. However, the equity of information about COVID-19 to Spanish-speaking cancer patients communicated through institutions’ online media is unknown. OBJECTIVE We conducted a multi-modal, mixed method document review study to evaluate the equity of online information about COVID-19 and cancer available to English and Spanish speaking populations from seven healthcare institutions in North Texas, where one in five adults is Spanish-speaking. Our focus is less on the “digital divide”, which conveys disparities in access to computers and the Internet based on the race/ethnicity, education, and income of at-risk populations; rather, our study asks: to what extent is online content useful and culturally appropriate in meeting Spanish-speakers’ information needs? METHODS We reviewed 50 websites (33 English, 17 Spanish) over a period of one week in mid-May 2020. We sampled seven institutions’ main oncology and COVID web pages, as well as both internal (institutional web pages) and external (non-institutional web pages) linked content. We conducted several analyses for each sampled page: (a) thematic content analysis, (b) literacy level analysis using Readability Studio software, (c) coding using the Patient Education and Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT), and (d) descriptive analysis of video and diversity content. RESULTS The themes most frequently addressed on English and Spanish websites differed somewhat. While “resources/FAQs” were frequently cited themes on both websites, English websites more frequently addressed “news/updates” and “cancer+COVID”, whereas Spanish websites addressed “protection” and “COVID data”. Spanish websites were on average lower literacy (11th grade) than English (13th grade), although still far above recommended guidelines of <9th grade. The overall average accessibility score using the PEMAT analysis was the same for English (n=33 pages) and Spanish pages (n=17 pages) at 82%. Among the DFW organizations, the average accessibility of the Spanish pages (n=7) was slightly lower than that of the English pages (n=19) at 77% vs. 81%, respectively, due mostly to the discrepancy in English-only videos and visual aids. Twelve of the 50 websites (24%) had embedded videos in them, however 100% of videos were in English, including one that was on a Spanish website. CONCLUSIONS We identified an uneven response among the seven healthcare institutions to providing equitable information to Spanish-speaking DFW residents concerned about COVID and cancer. Spanish-speakers lack equal access in both diversity of content about COVID-19 and access to other websites, leaving an already vulnerable cancer patient population at greater risk. We recommend several specific actions to enhance content and navigability for Spanish-speakers.

COVID-19 communication to English- and Spanish-speaking cancer patients: A website analysis of seven healthcare systems in north Texas.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e18515-e18515
Author(s):  
Robin T. Higashi ◽  
John W. Sweetenham ◽  
Aimee D. Israel ◽  
Jasmin A. Tiro
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Spanish Speakers ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Visual Aids ◽  
North Texas ◽  
Thematic Content ◽  
English Only ◽  
Literacy Level

e18515 Background: The COVID-19 pandemic created an urgent need for timely and accurate public health information. This is especially true for those with cancer because they face higher morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. At the same time, the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on Latinx populations underscores the need for information to reach Spanish-speakers. Given the large proportion of Spanish-speakers in the U.S., healthcare institutions have a professional and moral obligation to meet this critical need. Methods: We conducted a multi-modal, mixed method document review study to evaluate the equity of online information about COVID and cancer available to English- and Spanish-speakers from seven north Texas healthcare institutions. We sampled 50 websites (33 English, 17 Spanish) over a one-week period in May 2020. Websites included 27 healthcare institutions and 23 external organizations (e.g. CDC). Thematic content was analyzed using a coding conversion process; literacy level was measured using Readability software; accessibility was measured using the Patient Education and Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT); and video and diversity content were defined and counted. Results: Content on Spanish websites was sub-optimal compared to English. We observed significant differences in thematic content, poor linkage to external Spanish content, and errors in translation. Whether differences were intentional was unclear. Across all sites, content specifically about COVID and cancer was more prevalent in English than Spanish (58% vs. 43%). Three institutions’ websites contained no information about COVID specifically for cancer patients, and three institutions included only a banner link to COVID updates or information from their main oncology page. Only one institution’s website included comprehensive COVID-related information specifically for cancer patients, such as postponing treatment, oral cancer treatments, and extra assurances taken for protection during in-person care; however, this website was available in English only. Spanish websites scored on average at a lower literacy level than English (11th vs. 13th grade). Using the PEMAT, healthcare institutions’ average accessibility of Spanish pages (n = 7) was slightly lower than that of English pages (n = 19) (77% vs. 81%, respectively), due mostly to discrepancies in English-only videos and visual aids; conversely, among external organizations’ websites, the average accessibility score of Spanish pages (n = 10) was higher than that of English pages (n = 13) (86% vs. 83%, respectively). Conclusions: In one region, Spanish-speakers lack equitable access to information about COVID-19 and cancer compared with English-speakers, leaving an already vulnerable patient population at greater risk for poor health outcomes. We offer recommendations for enhancing equity of access to information.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Linguistic Appropriateness and Cultural Sensitivity of a Self-Report System for Spanish-Speaking Patients with Cancer

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cindy Tofthagen ◽  
Barbara Halpenny ◽  
Maribel Melendez ◽  
Laura Gonzalez ◽  
Veronica Sanchez Varela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Cultural Sensitivity ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Spanish Speakers ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Spanish Version ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Sensitivity Assessment

Spanish speakers in the United States encounter numerous communication barriers during cancer treatment. Communication-focused interventions may help Spanish speakers communicate better with healthcare providers and manage symptoms and quality of life issues (SQOL). For this study, we developed a Spanish version of the electronic self-report assessment for cancer (ESRA-C), a web-based program that helps people with cancer report, track, and manage cancer-related SQOL. Four methods were used to evaluate the Spanish version. Focus groups and cognitive interviews were conducted with 51 Spanish-speaking individuals to elicit feedback. Readability was assessed using the Fry readability formula. The cultural sensitivity assessment tool was applied by three bilingual, bicultural reviewers. Revisions were made to personalize the introduction using a patient story and photos and to simplify language. Focus group participants endorsed changes to the program in a second round of focus groups. Cultural sensitivity of the program was scored unacceptable (x¯=3.0) for audiovisual material and acceptable (x¯=3.0) for written material. Fry reading levels ranged from 4th to 10th grade. Findings from this study provide several next steps to refine ESRA-C for Spanish speakers with cancer.

scholarly journals Translation of the Pediatric Nausea Assessment Tool (PeNAT) Into Spanish and Evaluating Understandability Among Spanish-Speaking Hispanic American Children and Adolescents Receiving Chemotherapy

2021 ◽  
pp. 154041532110033
Author(s):  
Erica Garcia Frausto ◽  
Araby Sivananthan ◽  
Carla Golden ◽  
Molly Szuminski ◽  
Luz N Pérez Prado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Psychometric Testing ◽  
Spanish Language ◽  
Hispanic American ◽  
Language Version ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
American Children ◽  
To Receive

Introduction: We aimed to create a Spanish-language version of the Pediatric Nausea Assessment Tool (PeNAT) and examine its understandability among Spanish-speaking, Hispanic American children. Methods: Translation: Forward and backward translations of the PeNAT documents were performed and verified by a bilingual panel. Four monolingual, Spanish-speaking dyads (child/parent) and four bilingual dyads piloted the Spanish-language PeNAT documents. Four additional bilingual dyads read both versions and completed the PeNAT using their preferred version. These were reviewed for errors due to misunderstanding. Understandability: Children aged 4–18 years about to receive chemotherapy who spoke Spanish at home and were without impairments precluding PeNAT use were eligible. Participants used the Spanish-language PeNAT during a chemotherapy block. Parents gave feedback on the PeNAT documents. Recruitment continued until 10 consecutive participants offered no substantive suggestions for revision. Results: Translation: All child/parent dyads completed the PeNAT without errors attributable to misunderstanding. The Spanish-language PeNAT was preferred by three of four bilingual dyads. Understandability: Ten cancer patients (mean age: 10.6 years) used the Spanish-language PeNAT. All parents felt their child understood the PeNAT; none felt the documents were hard or very hard to use. Conclusion: The Spanish-language PeNAT was understood by Spanish-speaking Hispanic American children. Further psychometric testing is warranted.

How Spanish speakers use metaphor to describe their experiences with cancer

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 627-644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalia Magaña ◽  
Teenie Matlock
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Spanish Speakers ◽  
Prior Work ◽  
Cancer Communication ◽  
Online Forum ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Disease Research ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
In The Wild

Our study seeks a better understanding of how Spanish-speaking cancer patients communicate about their personal experiences with cancer. We examine the use of metaphor in narratives contributed to an online forum for Spanish speakers afflicted with various types of cancer. Specifically, we identify, quantify and discuss three categories of metaphors: violence, journey and other. Our study expands prior work on cancer communication by examining a language other than English, by focusing on how cancer victims communicate among themselves, and by examining how cancer narratives discuss concerns about personal experiences with this disease. Research thus far has focused on English. The work also expands on what is known about how people use the metaphor ‘in the wild’.

scholarly journals Investigating the Use and Non-Use of Online Information Resources Among Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahraa Ahmad Abul ◽  
Abbas Alsalman
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Cancer Stage ◽  
Low Health Literacy ◽  
Seeking Behavior

This research focuses on examining the use and non-use of information resources among cancer patients. Non-seekers’ information-seeking behavior is analyzed in this research to determine the causes and symptoms of their non-seeking of health knowledge. Cancer patients use a variety of information resources such as the Internet, social media, and medical databases, in order to satisfy their needs. Studies showed that patients’ knowledge of their cancer stage might help them in making their care and treatment choices. Focus groups are commonly used in health research to explore the perspectives of patients or health care professionals; relatively few studies consider methodological aspects in this specific context. The purpose of this research is to investigate the information needs of cancer patients, and to find out reasons for the lack of cancer stage knowledge and desire for information after diagnosis. Expected findings include personal, situational, and psychological reasons, such as: low health literacy, low usage of health information, health instructions and the ways to increase patient awareness of the benefits and ways of seeking information.

scholarly journals The extent to which cancer patients trust in cancer-related online information: a systematic review

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Lange ◽  
Mona Leandra Peikert ◽  
Christiane Bleich ◽  
Holger Schulz
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Related Information

Background The use of the internet to satisfy information needs is widespread among cancer patients. Patients’ decisions regarding whether to act upon the information they find strongly depend on the trustworthiness of the information and the medium. Patients who are younger, more highly educated and female are more likely to trust online information. The objectives of this systematic review were to examine the extent to which cancer patients trust in cancer-related online information, internet websites as a source of cancer-related information or the internet as a medium of cancer information. Methods A systematic review was conducted using five databases (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017070190). Studies of any kind were included if they measured cancer patients’ trust in online health information. Study quality was assessed using the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) item bank. A narrative synthesis was undertaken to examine the included studies. Results Of the 7,314 citations obtained by the search, seven cross-sectional studies were included in the synthesis. A total of 1,054 patients reported having some or a great deal of trust in online cancer information; 154 patients reported moderately trusting such information; and 833 patients reported having no or little trust in online cancer information, internet websites as a source of cancer-related information or the internet as a medium of cancer-related information. Two of the seven studies reported between group comparisons for the above-stated patient characteristics. The methodological quality of the included studies was diverse. Conclusion The results of the included studies indicates that approximately half of cancer patients appear to trust cancer-specific online information, internet websites as a source of cancer-related information or the internet as an information medium. However, the small number of included studies, high heterogeneity of participants, methods and outcomes calls for further systematic research. It is important to understand that cancer patients do and will increasingly use trusted cancer information websites to search for information concerning their disease. Therefore, physicians and other health care providers should provide more support and advice to these patients.

scholarly journals Cancer patients searching for cancer- or health-specific online information: A qualitative analysis of navigation strategies and problems when using the Internet (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Lange-Drenth ◽  
Holger Schulz ◽  
Gero Endsin ◽  
Christiane Bleich
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Active Role ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Search Tasks ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Internet Searching ◽  
Oncological Rehabilitation ◽  
Performance Problems

BACKGROUND Searching the Internet for cancer-related information helps cancer patients satisfy their unmet information needs and empower them to play a more active role in the management of their disease. However, to benefit from the search, patients need a sufficient level of skills to search, select, appraise, and apply online health information. OBJECTIVE To study the operational, navigation, information, and evaluation skills and problems of cancer patients performing cancer-related search tasks using the Internet. METHODS Twenty-one cancer patients were recruited during their stay at the rehabilitation clinic for oncological rehabilitation. The participants performed eight cancer-related search tasks using the Internet. The participants were asked to think aloud while performing the tasks, and screen activities were recorded. The types and frequency of performance problems were identified and coded into categories following an inductive coding process. Additionally, the performance and strategic characteristics of task execution were summarized descriptively. RESULTS All the participants experienced problems or difficulties executing the tasks, and a substantial percentage of tasks (40%) could not be completed successfully. The participants’ performance problems were coded into four categories: (1) operating the computer and web browser, (2) navigating and orientating, (3) utilizing search strategies, and (4) evaluating the relevance and reliability of online information. The most frequent problems occurred in the third and fourth categories. Nineteen (90%) participants used nontask-related search terms or nonspecific search terms. Twenty (95%) participants never controlled the source or topicality of the found information. Additionally, none of the participants verified the information on one website with that on another website for each task. CONCLUSIONS A substantial group of cancer patients did not have the necessary skills to benefit from cancer-related Internet searching. Future interventions are needed to support patients in the development of sufficient Internet searching skills, focusing particularly on information and evaluation skills.

The Components of Information Literacy Treatment in Women Cancer Patients (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahboobeh Farzin ◽  
Hassan Behzadi ◽  
Azam Sanatjoo ◽  
Soodabeh Shahidsaleth
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Medical Tests ◽  
Medical Terms ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Cluster Random Sampling

BACKGROUND The information literacy treatment, which comprises an important part of the process of disease, is one of the aspects of health literacy and this concept has been explored in fewer studies. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study is to investigate the state of the components of information literacy treatment in Women cancer patients. METHODS This is an applied, survey-based study. The population consists of 143 Women cancer patients were selected employing a cluster random sampling procedure. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire includes 37 questions consisting of six categories—medications, treatment methods, nutrition, medical tests, treatment costs, and sport exercise. RESULTS The findings showed that patients had the most information needs in the five components (except sport exercise). In addition to, the most important source of information for patients was the doctor and, of course, some of the other medical staff. Also, all the identified criteria for cancer patients were important in using the information sources for treatment. The problems such as: specialized content, unfamiliarity with the medical terms, the complexity of the treatment process, are very important to the patients. CONCLUSIONS The health professionals play an important role in shortening the interval between the patients` need for information and receiving information. It is recommended for the health authorities to hold free classes in health centers and prepare simple and comprehensible materials in these courses.

Information needs of breast cancer patients and how educational status influence their information needs in Ghana

2021 ◽  
pp. 096100062098161
Author(s):  
Benedicta Boadi ◽  
George Tesilimi Banji ◽  
Patrick Adzobu ◽  
Stephen Okyere
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Military Hospital ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients

Health information literacy plays a critical role in self-management practices among patients living with chronic health conditions. However, there are limited studies on information needs among breast cancer patients in Ghana. This paper therefore investigated the information needs of women living with breast cancer in Ghana and how educational status influenced their information needs. The study was conducted in two health facilities in Accra, Ghana (37 Military Hospital and Sweden Ghana Medical Centre). A total of 75 breast cancer patients were conveniently selected from the two health facilities for the study. The instrument used to elicit relevant data for this study was a questionnaire using the survey design. Data was analysed descriptively. The findings of the study revealed that the information needs of the breast cancer patients investigated were centred mainly around treatment and management information and less around preventive information. The patients also ranked diagnostic information as their highest need, followed by physical care information, treatment information, psychosocial information and disease-specific information in that order. Patients with higher education reported higher information need on all the five domains compared to those with lower education. The study therefore recommended that management of health facilities make health information literacy an integral component of their treatment and management of breast cancer.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document