An examination of COVID-19-related preventive behaviors by cancer status

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To determine patterns of and factors associated with COVID-19-related preventive behaviors practiced by cancer survivors. Methods: Participants (N=897) were recruited through a commercial survey administration and sampling company, Qualtrics, in June 2020. Quota sampling was utilized to ensure the sample would consist of approximately one-third of cancer patients currently in treatment, one-third of cancer survivors not currently in treatment, and one-third of individuals without a history of cancer. Survey items collected information on socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, race, and education attainment) and COVID-19-related preventive behaviors in the past week. Eight items focused on handwashing, avoiding contact with sick people, staying home when feeling sick, respiratory hygiene, avoiding touching face, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and wearing a mask were reported on a 4-point Likert scale (never to frequently). Differences between groups were assessed using one-way ANOVAs with Tukey post hoc tests. Results: Respondents were 49.6 years (SD=17.3) on average, 51.6% female, and 48.9% had a Bachelor's degree or higher education attainment. Most respondents were White (66.7%), with 16.8% Black and 16.5% Hispanic participants. Those with no history of cancer were more likely to avoid someone ill (p<.01) and stay home when sick (p<.001) than cancer survivors not currently in treatment. However, survivors were less likely to stay home when sick than cancer patients in treatment (p=001) and less likely to avoid touching their face (p<.05) than those with no cancer history. Analyses are ongoing and will explore factors related to COVID-19 preventive behaviors within each group. Conclusions: There are differences in COVID-19-related preventive behaviors by cancer status. Future research should examine the factors underlying these differences and adapt prevention efforts using this information.