Allison Boyes1,2, Heidi Turon1,2, Alix Hall1,2, Rochelle Watson1,2, Anthony Proietto3, Robert Sanson-Fisher1,2. 1. Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia. 2. Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia. 3. Cancer Services Unit, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Many people with cancer report an unmet need for peer support, yet participation rates are low. This study examined cancer patients' preferences for participating in peer support, and the characteristics associated with having or wanting to participate in peer support. METHODS: Adult cancer patients were recruited from outpatient oncology clinics at 5 hospitals in Australia. Participants were invited to self-complete 2 questionnaires: one at recruitment assessing their demographic and cancer characteristics, and another 4 weeks later assessing their preferences for participating in cancer-related peer support. RESULTS: The peer support questionnaire was completed by 177/273 (65%) of participants. Most (59%, n = 104) had or wanted to participate in peer support. More than half reported that it was important the people they connected with had the same cancer treatment (56%, n = 99) or type of cancer (53%, n = 94) as themselves. Half had or wanted to participate in 1-to-1 peer support (52%, n = 92). Half had or wanted to connect with peers face-to-face (53%, n = 93). Only 13% (n = 23) were receptive to connecting with peers over the internet. Being aged ≤65 years was significantly associated (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1-5.1) with reporting a preference for participating in peer support. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer patients are interested in participating in peer support, particularly those who are younger. Despite the digital era, traditional forms of peer support continue to be important in supporting people with cancer. Greater understanding of the barriers to cancer patients' involvement in potentially low cost and high reach web-based models of peer support is required.
OBJECTIVE: Many people with cancer report an unmet need for peer support, yet participation rates are low. This study examined cancerpatients' preferences for participating in peer support, and the characteristics associated with having or wanting to participate in peer support. METHODS: Adult cancerpatients were recruited from outpatient oncology clinics at 5 hospitals in Australia. Participants were invited to self-complete 2 questionnaires: one at recruitment assessing their demographic and cancer characteristics, and another 4 weeks later assessing their preferences for participating in cancer-related peer support. RESULTS: The peer support questionnaire was completed by 177/273 (65%) of participants. Most (59%, n = 104) had or wanted to participate in peer support. More than half reported that it was important the people they connected with had the same cancer treatment (56%, n = 99) or type of cancer (53%, n = 94) as themselves. Half had or wanted to participate in 1-to-1 peer support (52%, n = 92). Half had or wanted to connect with peers face-to-face (53%, n = 93). Only 13% (n = 23) were receptive to connecting with peers over the internet. Being aged ≤65 years was significantly associated (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1-5.1) with reporting a preference for participating in peer support. CONCLUSIONS:Cancerpatients are interested in participating in peer support, particularly those who are younger. Despite the digital era, traditional forms of peer support continue to be important in supporting people with cancer. Greater understanding of the barriers to cancerpatients' involvement in potentially low cost and high reach web-based models of peer support is required.
Authors: Chris Morton; Sara Muller; Milica Bucknall; Kate Gilbert; Christian D Mallen; Samantha L Hider Journal: Clin Rheumatol Date: 2019-01-07 Impact factor: 2.980