Adam P Yan1, Kaitlyn Howden2, Camille Glidden3, Razvan G Romanescu4, Ian Scott5, Julie M Deleemans6, Karine Chalifour7, Geoff Eaton7, Abha A Gupta1,8, James M Bolton3,9, Sheila N Garland10, Alyson L Mahar11,12, Sapna Oberoi2,12,13. 1. Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 2. Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. 3. Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. 4. George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. 5. Department of Psychosocial Oncology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. 6. Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 7. Young Adult Cancer Canada, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Canada. 8. Adolescent and Young Adult Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Care Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 9. Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. 10. Department of Psychology, Memorial University, St. John's, Canada. 11. Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. 12. Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. 13. CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to assess the sources of COVID-19 information used, behavioral changes in response to the pandemic, and factors associated with adherence to social distancing guidelines among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a self-administered online survey of AYAs with cancer (aged 18-39 years) diagnosed between ages 15 and 39 and living in Canada during January and February 2021. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with adherence to the social distancing guidelines. Results: In total, 805 AYAs were included. Participants were most likely to obtain COVID-19-related information from social media (60.5%), news reports (51.6%), and medical professionals (46.5%). The preferred modes of receiving information were websites of cancer organizations (47.9%), social media (44.8%), and medical professionals (40.2%). The common behavioral changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic included wearing a protective mask (60.2%), avoiding crowded and public places (56.9%), and abiding by social distancing rules (49.4%). On multivariable analysis, participants were more likely to adhere to social distancing rules if they were women, unemployed or collecting disability/unemployment benefits, or had a personal income of <$40,000 in year 2020 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Social media and websites of cancer organizations are the preferred modes of COVID-19 information. Since many AYAs are nonadherent to preventative health measures, cancer organizations should help develop and disseminate digital resources that provide tailored information to AYAs with cancer during this pandemic.
Purpose: This study aimed to assess the sources of COVID-19 information used, behavioral changes in response to the pandemic, and factors associated with adherence to social distancing guidelines among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a self-administered online survey of AYAs with cancer (aged 18-39 years) diagnosed between ages 15 and 39 and living in Canada during January and February 2021. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with adherence to the social distancing guidelines. Results: In total, 805 AYAs were included. Participants were most likely to obtain COVID-19-related information from social media (60.5%), news reports (51.6%), and medical professionals (46.5%). The preferred modes of receiving information were websites of cancer organizations (47.9%), social media (44.8%), and medical professionals (40.2%). The common behavioral changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic included wearing a protective mask (60.2%), avoiding crowded and public places (56.9%), and abiding by social distancing rules (49.4%). On multivariable analysis, participants were more likely to adhere to social distancing rules if they were women, unemployed or collecting disability/unemployment benefits, or had a personal income of <$40,000 in year 2020 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Social media and websites of cancer organizations are the preferred modes of COVID-19 information. Since many AYAs are nonadherent to preventative health measures, cancer organizations should help develop and disseminate digital resources that provide tailored information to AYAs with cancer during this pandemic.
Entities:
Keywords:
COVID-19; adolescents and young adults; knowledge; oncology; pandemic; social media
Authors: Sharon H J Hou; Andrew Tran; Sara Cho; Caitlin Forbes; Victoria J Forster; Mehak Stokoe; Elleine Allapitan; Claire E Wakefield; Lori Wiener; Lauren C Heathcote; Gisela Michel; Pandora Patterson; Kathleen Reynolds; Fiona S M Schulte Journal: Front Psychol Date: 2022-05-30
Authors: Adam P Yan; Kaitlyn Howden; Alyson L Mahar; Camille Glidden; Sheila N Garland; Sapna Oberoi Journal: Cancer Epidemiol Date: 2022-01-06 Impact factor: 2.984