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1.
J Prev Med Hyg ; 65(1): E4-E10, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38706767

ABSTRACT

Introduction: A better understanding of how to promote disease mitigation and prevention behaviors among vulnerable populations, such as cancer survivors, is needed. This study aimed to determine patterns of and factors associated with COVID-19-related preventive behaviors among cancer survivors and assess whether the COVID-19 preventive behaviors of cancer survivors differ from the general population. Methods: In June 2020, an online survey of adults (N = 897) assessed predictors of COVID-19-related preventive behaviors, including socio-demographics, COVID-19 beliefs and perceptions (Health Belief Model [HBM] variables), and cancer statuses (cancer survivors currently in treatment, cancer survivors not currently in treatment, and individuals with no history of cancer). An average score of respondent engagement in eight preventive behaviors was calculated. Differences in HBM variables and preventive behaviors by cancer status were assessed using ANCOVAs. Hierarchical multiple regression analyzed associations among socio-demographics, HBM constructs, cancer statuses, and engagement in COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Results: Participants reported engaging in 3.5 (SD = 0.6) preventive behaviors. Cancer survivors not in treatment engaged in preventive behaviors significantly less than the comparison group. In the final adjusted model, after adding COVID-19 beliefs and perceptions, cancer status was no longer significant. All HBM constructs except perceived susceptibility were significant predictors of preventive behaviors. Conclusions: COVID-19 beliefs and perceptions were more robust predictors preventive behaviors than cancer status. Nonetheless, public health organizations and practitioners should communicate the risk and severity of infection among cancer survivors and emphasize the need to engage in protective behaviors for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases with this vulnerable population.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cancer Survivors , Health Behavior , Neoplasms , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/psychology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Cancer Survivors/psychology , Neoplasms/prevention & control , Adult , Aged , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Surveys and Questionnaires , Health Belief Model
2.
J Nurs Educ ; 63(2): 79-85, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38316155

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Simulation activities are used increasingly in nursing education to augment or replace traditional clinical experiences. Educators and regulators are called on to make evidence-based decisions about the use of limited clinical and simulation resources. METHOD: This cost-utility analysis addresses the final aim of a study comparing cognitive learning, patient care performance, and self-perceptions of how well learning needs were met among students who were exposed to 4 hours of traditional clinical experience, 2 hours of manikin-based simulation, or 2 hours of screen-based virtual simulation. The costs of each activity were calculated and divided by a composite measure of the utility of each activity. RESULTS: The cost-utilities for 4 hours of traditional clinical experience, 2 hours of manikin-based simulation, and 2 hours of screen-based virtual simulation were $0.15, $0.62, and $0.38, respectively, in U.S. dollars per unit of utility. CONCLUSION: The data provide evidence for educators and administrators to make effective and efficient use of limited resources to prepare nurses for practice. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(2):79-85.].


Subject(s)
Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate , Education, Nursing , Simulation Training , Students, Nursing , Humans , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Manikins , Clinical Competence
3.
Am Surg ; 90(6): 1217-1223, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38215211

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 introduced new barriers to health care including cancer screenings. This study evaluated the role of pandemic- and copay-related barriers to colonoscopy and the extent to which home-based testing methods were utilized. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey assessed colorectal cancer (CRC) attitudes and screening early in the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Respondents (342; 50.37% female) were 62.32 (SD = 6.87) years old. Roughly half were White/Caucasian (329; 48.45%); 29.75% were Black/African American (202); and 21.80% were another race (148). Roughly two-thirds were up-to-date with CRC screening (459; 67.59%). In an adjusted model, those with a higher agreement that concerns about COVID-19 delayed scheduling their colonoscopy (OR = .79; 95% CI: .08, .63; P = .045) and concerns about copays delayed scheduling their colonoscopy (OR = .73; 95% CI: .73, .57; P = .02) were less likely to be up-to-date on screening. In another adjusted model, those screened during the pandemic were significantly more likely to be screened via an at-home test (OR = 10.93; 95% CI: 5.95, 20.27; P < .001). DISCUSSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, screening copay-related concerns persisted and were significantly higher among those not up-to-date with CRC screening. Increased at-home testing and addressing copay barriers may increase CRC screening adherence now and in future infectious disease outbreaks.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Colonoscopy , Colorectal Neoplasms , Early Detection of Cancer , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Early Detection of Cancer/statistics & numerical data , Cross-Sectional Studies , Colonoscopy/statistics & numerical data , Aged , Health Services Accessibility , SARS-CoV-2 , Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Pandemics , Surveys and Questionnaires
4.
Nicotine Tob Res ; 26(3): 353-360, 2024 Feb 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37715625

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco use among adolescents is an ongoing public health concern. Youth tobacco use has been associated with advertising, from both online sources and retail environments. AIMS AND METHODS: This study examined associations between exposure to tobacco advertisements from tobacco retail outlets (TROs), internet, and social media sources and ever tobacco use among adolescents. Data were obtained from youth, aged 11-17 years (N = 401) from Richmond, VA. Bayesian index and group index models were fitted to estimate indices of exposure to (1) social media use, (2) tobacco ads on social media, and (3) TRO store visits and their association with ever tobacco use. The most important components of the exposure indices were also determined based on the index component weights from the Bayesian index models. RESULTS: In Bayesian index models of single exposures, each exposure index was significantly associated with tobacco use. In the best-fitting model, social media tobacco ads (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2; 95% credible interval [CI]: 1.2, 4.5) and TRO store visits (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.3) were significantly associated with ever tobacco use, as was older age (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.8). Index component weights revealed Snapchat ad frequency as the most important platform in the social media index and convenience stores as the most important type of store in the TRO index. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to pro-tobacco advertisements on social media and visits to TROs are associated with adolescent ever tobacco use. Results provide support for policies that would restrict the promotion of tobacco products at TROs and on social media. Tobacco regulations and interventions targeting convenience stores and Snapchat may be warranted to reduce youth tobacco use. IMPLICATIONS: Current evidence provide support for policies that would restrict the promotion of tobacco products at TROs and on social media. Findings suggest that regulations and interventions that specifically target advertisements in convenience stores and on Snapchat may be currently warranted to reduce youth tobacco use.


Subject(s)
Social Media , Tobacco Products , Humans , Adolescent , Advertising , Bayes Theorem , Tobacco Use/epidemiology
5.
Health Commun ; 39(5): 927-936, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37041687

ABSTRACT

The current study explores the risk communication conversations on Twitter and Instagram in the context of the 2019 HPV Awareness Day, through the theoretical lenses of the stigma associated with HPV, HPV-related cancer, and the HPV vaccine. Our findings reveal that: 1) self and enacted stigma are present in these social media conversations, via nonprofits and official ambassadors, and via regular people; 2) other categories related to stigma, which can be seen as reactions to stigma and appeals to better individuals and society (i.e. stopping stereotypes) also emerged in these conversations, via official and not official sources, pro and against vaccine discourses; and 3) the same categories emerged from the data via both platforms, but differences exist in terms of narratives and messaging. Practical implications are discussed.


Subject(s)
Papillomavirus Infections , Papillomavirus Vaccines , Social Media , Humans , Papillomavirus Infections/prevention & control , Communication , Narration
6.
Digit Health ; 9: 20552076231203799, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37808240

ABSTRACT

Objective: Older adults may be particularly interested in health-related content on Facebook, especially those who have chronic health conditions. The purpose of this study was to compare older adult Facebook users with and without a chronic health condition on their frequency of posting and exposure to health-related content. Methods: Participants, recruited via Qualtrics, were regular Facebook users aged 50 + years. Participants were asked separately if they had seen, posted, and shared: Health-related information; about others'/their own health behaviors (e.g., exercise); and about others'/their own medical condition. Six logistic regression models, controlling for demographics and Facebook login frequency, were run to assess whether viewing and/or posting health-related messages differed by chronic health condition status. Results: Respondents (N = 697; 77.9% female) were on average 61.2 (SD = 7.9) years old and (n = 625; 89.7%) were White. One-half reported a chronic health condition (n = 351; 50.4%). In adjusted models, those with a chronic health condition had a higher likelihood of seeing posts containing health information (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.93) and about others' medical conditions (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.27) at least once a month compared to those with no chronic health conditions. People with and without chronic health conditions did not differ in terms of how often they see others' post about health behaviors. Those with a chronic health condition had a higher likelihood of posting or sharing health information (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.27), posting about their own health behaviors (OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.44; p = 0.048), and about their health condition (OR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.17, 3.27) at least once a month. Conclusion: Most older adults on Facebook are exposed to and post multiple forms of health-related content. Therefore, Facebook may be an appropriate channel for conducting health-related communication targeting older adults.

7.
Patient Educ Couns ; 112: 107716, 2023 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37004503

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cancer survivors are at greater risk for COVID-19 complications, emphasizing the importance of adherence to COVID-19 prevention. Active coping mechanisms can help manage pandemic stress but disengaged coping practices can have adverse effects. OBJECTIVES: 1) Identify differences in COVID-19 coping styles and COVID-19 preventive behaviors among cancer survivors in active treatment, survivors not in treatment, and a comparison group without a cancer history. 2) Exploring variables that may predict adherence to COVID-19 preventative behaviors. PATIENT INVOLVEMENT & METHODS: This study used an online survey among two categories of cancer survivors - one group in active treatment and one group no longer in treatment - and one group without a cancer history (N = 897 total). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Cancer survivors in treatment were more likely to utilize both active and disengaged coping (p < .001). This could indicate that the additional COVID-19 strain is making survivors more likely to engage in coping in any way possible. Cancer survivors not in treatment were less likely to report intent to carry out COVID- 19 preventative behaviors compared to the comparison group (p = .009). Providers should understand how survivors may use both coping mechanism types because these coping strategies predict both depression and adherence to COVID-19 preventive behaviors.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cancer Survivors , Neoplasms , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Pandemics/prevention & control , Adaptation, Psychological , Survivors
8.
Health Commun ; 38(11): 2377-2386, 2023 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35510413

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about an urgent need for public health departments to clearly communicate their prevention, testing, and treatment recommendations. Previous research supports that Twitter is an important platform that public health departments use to communicate crisis information to stakeholders. This study aimed to shed light on how international health departments shared relevant information about COVID-19 on Twitter in 2020. We conducted a quantitative content analysis of N = 1,200 tweets from twelve countries, across six continents. COVID-19 prevention behaviors were consistently referenced far more than testing or treatment recommendations across countries. Disease severity and susceptibility were referenced more than recommendation benefits, barriers, and efficacy. Results provide support for how public health departments can better communicate recommendations related to COVID-19 behaviors. Based on these results, implications for public health organizations and public relations practitioners worldwide are discussed, and hands-on action guidelines are provided.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Social Media , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Pandemics , Public Health
9.
Appetite ; 180: 106287, 2023 01 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36174780

ABSTRACT

Pediatric overweight and obesity are associated with serious health concerns both during childhood and in adulthood. Visual social media platform Pinterest is often used to curate recipe content, but little is known about how, if at all, parents use the platform as a resource for meal planning for their families. This study focused on (1) describing how Pinterest using parents use the platform related to recipe searches and meal planning and (2) examining the association between parental feeding behaviors and frequency of Pinterest use related to recipes. Survey research firm Qualtrics was used to collect a nationwide sample of 659 Pinterest-using parents with children between ages 3-11 years of age. Data collection was initiated and completed in February of 2019. Measures included both parent and child demographics, Pinterest recipe use and engagement, and parental feeding practices using the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ). Results showed that 26.9% of the respondents reported using Pinterest daily to read recipes, 17.9% to share recipes; 14.9% to comment on recipes on Pinterest; 10.3% reported creating and posting new recipes; and 13.8% mentioned making a recipe they find on Pinterest daily. Pinterest engagement was significantly negatively associated with parental age and with income insecurity, while positively associated with level of education. Hispanic participants showed higher levels of engagement as compared to White non-Hispanic participants. Among the CFQ subscales, Pressure and Perceived responsibility were significantly positively associated with Pinterest engagement while Monitoring and Restriction were not.


Subject(s)
Parents , Reading , Humans , Child , Adult , Child, Preschool , Feeding Behavior
10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36078836

ABSTRACT

Evangelical Christians are among the most hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine. This study examined the extent to which COVID-19 vaccination uptake among Evangelicals is explained by demographic characteristics, Health Belief Model constructs, and faith-based support factors. Survey research firm Qualtrics recruited 531 U.S. adults and conducted a survey to explore predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among people who self-identified as Evangelicals in September 2021. A logistic regression showed that those reporting high perceived benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine were more likely to be vaccinated, while those reporting high perceived barriers were less likely to be vaccinated. Those whose healthcare provider asked them about the vaccine were more likely to be vaccinated than those whose healthcare provider did not ask. Finally, while those who reported information seeking from religious leaders were less likely to be vaccinated, those who reported more faith-based support for vaccination were more likely to be vaccinated. In addition to beliefs about benefits and barriers to vaccination, the role of healthcare providers and clergy were important factors influencing vaccination status. Intervention efforts that capitalize on partnerships between health providers and clergy in supportive congregations may be able to reach undecided Evangelicals.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Adult , COVID-19/prevention & control , Clergy , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Vaccination , Vaccination Hesitancy
11.
Transl Behav Med ; 12(12): 1124-1132, 2022 12 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35972325

ABSTRACT

Assessing public support of health policies designed to reduce cancer risk is important for policy implementation. This study aimed to identify support for cancer prevention policies and factors associated with support. Data were obtained from the Health Information National Trends Survey. Support for three types of cancer prevention policies were evaluated: tobacco, alcohol, and junk food regulations. Linear and logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the relationship between support for the different types of policies and sociodemographic, lifestyle behaviors, and cancer beliefs. Certain policies, such as providing warning labels on cigarettes (69.9% support) and requiring specific health warnings on alcohol containers (65.1% support), were popular. Banning outdoor advertising of alcohol was not popular (34.4% support). There were individual differences associated with policy support. For example, respondents who were 75 years or older (B = 0.61, p < .001) or female (B = 0.14, p < .008) were more likely to support tobacco polices compared to their counterparts (i.e., younger or male). Respondents who identified as politically conservative (B = -0.20, p < .004) or those who endorsed high cancer fatalistic beliefs (e.g., there's not much you can do to lower your chances of getting cancer, B = -0.07, p < .012) were less likely to support alcohol policies compared to those who were liberal or had lower cancer fatalistic beliefs. Generally, support was high for most policy questions. However, support varied by different individual factors. The findings also highlight that there may be opportunities to increase understanding and awareness about cancer prevention policies, especially among some segments of the population.


It is important to assess public support of cancer preventive health policies and to know which factors, such as individual characteristics (e.g., gender and political orientation) health behaviors, and cancer beliefs, are associated with support. In this study, we assessed support of cancer prevention policies and examined different factors possibly associated with support. We analyzed data from the Health Information National Trends Survey, a nationally representative dataset. Since there were multiple questions related to support of tobacco and alcohol policies, we combined each set of questions to create two combined scores, with higher scores indicating more support. We examined the policy related to junk food individually. We found certain policies, such as including warning labels on cigarettes, were popular, with over 60% support. However, there were group differences. For example, women and those aged 55 years or older were more supportive of policies, while politically conservative respondents were less supportive of policies. Beliefs about cancer were also associated with policy support. For example, those who believed "there's not much you can do to lower your chances of getting cancer" were less supportive compared to those without that belief. These findings may help inform future policy research and public health campaigns.


Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Tobacco Products , Humans , Male , Female , United States/epidemiology , Public Policy , Surveys and Questionnaires , Health Policy , Nicotiana , Neoplasms/epidemiology , Neoplasms/prevention & control
12.
Environ Sci Process Impacts ; 24(8): 1195-1211, 2022 Aug 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35829655

ABSTRACT

Filtered and particulate mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MMHg), and associated water chemistry parameters, were evaluated bi-hourly for several 30 h periods during the summer and winter seasons at several distinct locations (downstream forested, midstream urban/suburban, upstream industrial) along a creek contaminated with high levels of inorganic Hg to determine if biogeochemical Hg and MMHg cycles respond to the daily photocycle. In summer particulate Hg and MMHg concentrations doubled overnight (excluding the upstream industrial site) concurrent with increases in turbidity and total suspended sediment; no such pattern was evident in winter. Seasonal and diel changes in the activity of macrobiota affecting the suspension of contaminated sediments are likely responsible for these patterns as other potential explanatory variables (e.g., instrument drift, pH, discharge) could not account for the range and timing of our observations. Diel patterns in filtered Hg (HgD) were significant only at locations and times of the year when channel shading was not present and daytime concentrations increased 22-89% above nighttime minima likely caused by direct and indirect photochemical reactions. Relationships between HgD and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration or character were inconsistent between sites. Unlike HgD, there were significant diel patterns in filtered MMHg (MMHgD) at all sites and times of year, with summer concentrations peaking in mid to late afternoon while the timing differed in winter, with concentrations peaking after sunset. Daily variability in MMHgD concentration ranged between 25 and 75%. The results imply key controls on net methylation occur within the stream or on the stream bed and include factors such as small-scale temperature changes in the water column and photosynthetic activity of stream biofilm. With respect to stream monitoring, results from this study indicate (1) consistent timing in stream Hg and MMHg sampling is required for accurate assessment of long-term trends, (2) in situ measurements of turbidity can be used to quantify diel dynamics of both particulate Hg and MMHg concentrations, and (3) in situ fluorescing dissolved organic matter (FDOM), a potential proxy for DOC, was not capable of resolving diel dynamics of filtered Hg or MMHg.


Subject(s)
Mercury , Methylmercury Compounds , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Mercury/analysis , Water , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis
13.
Transl Behav Med ; 12(5): 714-720, 2022 05 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35532323

ABSTRACT

Maternal smoking is associated with a host of negative health outcomes, including an increased risk of children developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study evaluated the efficacy of health messages disseminated through Facebook Ads focused on reducing tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy. Two message versions were promoted via post advertisements on Facebook-a static infographic and a video containing an animated version of the infographic. The reach of and engagement with each message version was evaluated. Comments made to the posts were assessed using content analysis. The infographic reached approximately 60,000 people and the video reached about 16,000 people. The average costs were $10.00 and $40.00 per 1,000 people reached for the infographic- and video-based posts, respectively. While there was no engagement with the video, the infographic was liked (n = 157), given alternative likes (n = 59), shared (n = 171 to 341), and commented on (n = 221). About one-quarter of comments contained a personal narrative and mentions of health history related to ADHD and/or smoking. Comments were more often negative (than positive) (16.6% vs 3.9%) and expressed skepticism more often than message acceptance (21.5% vs 12.2%). Facebook users were more responsive to the infographic (compared to the video) and static posts were a preferred channel (i.e., higher engagement at a lower cost) to disseminate messages when using the boost post feature on Facebook for health education. Our review of the comments provided insights into message acceptance and guidance for future social media-based health message campaigns. However, it is not known whether and if so, how, these findings on message exposure would correlate with behavioral intentions or changes in behavior, such as intentions to quit smoking or smoking cessation.


Subject(s)
Smoking Cessation , Social Media , Tobacco Smoke Pollution , Child , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Smoking Prevention , Nicotiana
14.
Nurs Educ Perspect ; 43(3): 196-197, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35482404

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: Following COVID-19-related closures of clinical and simulation learning sites, a Jesuit college of nursing made a two-week pivot from in-person to virtual clinical learning. In response, the simulation team reinvented their role to provide extensive support in the Jesuit pedagogical tradition. These self-titled "simulation doulas" removed all nonteaching tasks from faculty, remained available for questions and concerns, and became experts on the simulation platforms. The simulation doulas' success in facilitating such rapid transition relied on remaining transparent in communication, anticipating needs, embracing adaptability, and conveying a spirit of empowerment to stakeholders.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Doulas , Communication , Computer Simulation , Humans , Learning
16.
Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev ; 31(5): 1017-1025, 2022 05 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35247884

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity (FI) has been associated with poor access to health care. It is unclear whether this association is beyond that predicted by income, education, and health insurance. FI may serve as a target for intervention given the many programs designed to ameliorate FI. We examined the association of FI with being up-to-date to colorectal cancer and breast cancer screening guidelines. METHODS: Nine NCI-designated cancer centers surveyed adults in their catchment areas using demographic items and a two-item FI questionnaire. For the colorectal cancer screening sample (n = 4,816), adults ages 50-75 years who reported having a stool test in the past year or a colonoscopy in the past 10 years were considered up-to-date. For the breast cancer screening sample (n = 2,449), female participants ages 50-74 years who reported having a mammogram in the past 2 years were up-to-date. We used logistic regression to examine the association between colorectal cancer or breast cancer screening status and FI, adjusting for race/ethnicity, income, education, health insurance, and other sociodemographic covariates. RESULTS: The prevalence of FI was 18.2% and 21.6% among colorectal cancer and breast cancer screening participants, respectively. For screenings, 25.6% of colorectal cancer and 34.1% of breast cancer participants were not up-to-date. In two separate adjusted models, FI was significantly associated with lower odds of being up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening [OR, 0.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.5-0.99)] and breast cancer screening (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.96). CONCLUSIONS: FI was inversely associated with being up-to-date for colorectal cancer and breast cancer screening. IMPACT: Future studies should combine FI and cancer screening interventions to improve screening rates.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Colorectal Neoplasms , Adult , Aged , Breast , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , Breast Neoplasms/epidemiology , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Colorectal Neoplasms/epidemiology , Early Detection of Cancer , Female , Food Insecurity , Humans , Mass Screening , Middle Aged
17.
J Cancer Educ ; 37(3): 532-538, 2022 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32770532

ABSTRACT

Social media messages and conversations provide an opportunity to study what users post about cancer risk and preventive behaviors. Personal stories of early detection, treatment, and survivorship are often shared. The purpose of this study was to examine the hereditary breast cancer-focused posts on the understudied visual social media platform Pinterest. Using systematic random sampling, n = 500 Pinterest posts (referred to as "pins") were collected using the keywords "breast cancer" and "genetic testing" in the late 2017. Using a quantitative content analysis, pins were coded for a variety of categories including poster identity, pin characteristics and content, the presence of Health Belief Model constructs, and engagement variables (i.e., repins/saves and comments). The primary findings of this study reveal that most pins were published by individuals and relatively few messages contained specific information about genetic testing. Study results also describe how Pinterest users interact with the content, including higher engagement with information-rich visuals and traditional breast cancer awareness symbols. The information gained from this study may serve as the foundation for better understanding how social media can be used to communicate with women about heritable breast health-related cancers, risks, and protective behaviors. Study results prompt practical recommendations for public health organizations interested in reaching women seeking information about heritable breast cancer on Pinterest.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Social Media , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/prevention & control , Communication , Female , Humans , Public Health
18.
Patient Educ Couns ; 105(2): 265-268, 2022 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34030928

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether cancer survivors currently in treatment are more or less likely to endorse COVID-19 related misinformation compared to their counterparts no longer in treatment and those without a cancer history. METHODS: We conducted a Qualtrics survey among 897 adults to determine differences in endorsement of COVID-19 misinformation among cancer survivors in active treatment, cancer survivors no longer in treatment, and a control group with no cancer history. RESULTS: Cancer survivors currently undergoing treatment were more likely to believe misinformation related to COVID-19 than those without a cancer history. Least likely to endorse COVID-19 misinformation were cancer survivor no longer in treatment. CONCLUSION: These results alert healthcare professionals to overall high levels of endorsement of COVID-19 misinformation among cancer survivors on active treatment. Oncologists and other providers working with patients undergoing treatment for cancer should be particularly mindful of the potential elevated beliefs in misinformation among this group. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Since patients undergoing cancer treatment seem to be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 misinformation, oncologists and other healthcare providers working with this patient population should help address patients' concerns about the pandemic and how it relates to their course of treatment.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cancer Survivors , Neoplasms , Adult , Communication , Humans , Neoplasms/therapy , SARS-CoV-2 , Surveys and Questionnaires
19.
Glob Health Promot ; 29(1): 5-13, 2022 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34702108

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 has been spreading fast worldwide, and until effective and safe vaccines have been widely adopted, preventive measures such as social distancing are crucial to keep the pandemic under control. The study's research questions asked which psychosocial factors predict social distancing behavior and whether there are country-level differences in social distancing? Using the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) as a theoretical lens, we examined the predictive effects of threat and efficacy and demographic variables on adherence to the COVID-19 preventive behavior of social distancing using a survey among an international sample of university students. Using path modeling and analysis of covariance, we confirmed the predictive effects of the EPPM on social distancing behavior. Our final model showed that perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 was both directly and indirectly (through response efficacy) associated with social distancing behavior; that perceived severity of COVID-19 yielded a significant indirect effect on social distancing behavior through both self-efficacy and response efficacy; that perceived susceptibility is indirectly and positively associated with social distancing behavior through response efficacy; and that self-efficacy and response efficacy were directly associated with social distancing behavior. Additionally, there were country-level differences in social distancing. Possible explanations for and implications of these findings are discussed.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Physical Distancing , SARS-CoV-2 , Students/psychology , Universities
20.
Tob Prev Cessat ; 7: 53, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34307968

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Universities are increasingly considering tobacco-free campus policies to help promote a healthy learning and working environment. We assessed attitudes of students, faculty, and staff, before and after the implementation of a tobacco-free campus policy at a large, urban university. We also examined individual factors associated with these attitudes. METHODS: An independent panel design method was used to assess students, faculty and staff about their tobacco product use, attitudes towards tobacco policies, and support for cigarette and e-cigarette bans 3 months before and 7 months after a university-wide policy change to ban tobacco and e-cigarettes on campus. Survey participants before the policy change included 636 students and 1356 faculty/ staff. Survey participants after the policy change included 1000 students and 574 faculty/staff. We conducted separate multiple linear and logistic regression models for students and faculty/staff. RESULTS: Attitudes towards tobacco-free campus policies did not improve for students, but did for faculty/staff. Support for bans of cigarettes and e-cigarettes on campus increased following the policy change among both students and faculty/staff. Students were more willing to ask their friends to stop vaping post-policy, but did not differ in their willingness to ask friends to stop smoking. Among the individual factors considered, gender and use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes were predictive of attitudes among both students and faculty/staff. Women were more likely to support and have more positive attitudes towards bans, while current tobacco product users were less likely to support tobacco product bans and have less positive attitudes towards tobacco policies. CONCLUSIONS: Attitudes towards tobacco-free campus policies changed pre- to postpolicy among faculty/staff, but not among students. However, both students and faculty/staff were more supportive of tobacco product bans following the policy change. Individual factors associated with support and attitudes were identified.

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