Understanding the Process of Family Cancer History Collection and Health Information Seeking

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Caitlin G. Allen, Emory University; Ridgely Fisk Green, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Nicole F. Dowling, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Temeika L Fairley, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Muin J Khoury, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Language: English
• Date: 2023-02-16
• Publisher: Sage Publications
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2023 Society for Public Health Education.
• Final Published Version (URL): https://doi.org/10.1177%2F10901981231152430
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Health Education and Behaviour
• Volume: 50
• Issue: 5
• Start Page: 572
• End Page: 585
• Grant/Funding Information: The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Caitlin G. Allen received support through K00CA253576.
• Keywords: family health history; cancer beliefs; cancer
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Oncology; Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Health Care Management

Abstract

Problem Addressed: To better understand the factors associated with family cancer history (FCH) information and cancer information seeking, we model the process an individual undergoes when assessing whether to gather FCH and seek cancer information and compare models by sociodemographics and family history of cancer. We used cross-sectional data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, Cycle 2) and variables (e.g., emotion and self-efficacy) associated with the Theory of Motivated Information Management to assess the process of FCH gathering and information seeking. We completed path analysis to assess the process of FCH gathering and stratified path models. Results: Those who felt they could lower their chances of getting cancer (emotion) were more confident in their ability to complete FCH on a medical form (self-efficacy; B = 0.11, p < .0001) and more likely to have discussed FCH with family members (B = 0.07, p < .0001). Those who were more confident in their ability to complete a summary of their family history on a medical form were more likely to have discussed FCH with family members (B = 0.34, p < .0001) and seek other health information (B = 0.24, p < .0001). Stratified models showed differences in this process by age, race/ethnicity, and family history of cancer. Implications for Public Health Research and Practice: Tailoring outreach and education strategies to address differences in perceived ability to lower chances of getting cancer (emotion) and confidence in the ability to complete FCH (self-efficacy) could help encourage less engaged individuals to learn about their FCH and gather cancer information.