Cancer care-related social media (SM) and internet usage differences between adolescents and young adults (AYA), adults and elderly patients with cancer

Abstract

Background: Internet and SM provide important information and support to cancer patients. Evaluating age-related differences on how patients use these resources is important as it can impact decision-making. Here, we evaluated associations between patients' age, confidence in computer-use, and use of Internet/SM for cancer care. Methods: Cancer patients completed a cross-sectional survey of cancer-related SM/ Internet use and self-confidence using these resources. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated factors associated with Internet/SM use. Results:Among 320 patients, 127 were AYA (age 18-39), 127 were adult (40-64) and 66 were elderly (65+).Most (>95%) had a smartphone/tablet/computer and used the Internet daily. Compared to AYA, non-AYA were less likely (P<0.001) to own a data plan (77% vs 92%), have a SMaccount (72%vs 95%) or feel confident using computers (76% vs 98%). 75%used Internet and 43%used SMfor cancer care information and support; 37%felt confident using online information for decision-making. AYA weremore likely than non-AYA to use the Internet (aOR= 1.60, 95%CI [0.93-2.81], P=0.09) and SM (aOR= 1.75 [1.04-2.95], P=0.04) for cancer care. Adults weremore likely than elderly patients to use the internet for cancer care (aOR= 3.10 [1.56-6.25], P=0.001), while no difference was seen in their SMuse for cancer care (P=0.79). Confident computer users weremore likely to use Internet (aOR= 5.36 [2.67-11.00], P<0.001) and SM(aOR= 4.61 [1.98-12.14], P<0.001) for cancer care and weremore confident using this information in decision-making (aOR=5.12 [1.92-17.81], P<0.001). Agewas not associatedwith selfconfidence using online information for decision-making (P>0.10). Conclusions: Despite higher use of internet/SM for cancer care, AYA did not feel more self-confident evaluating online cancer information. Confidence in computer use was associated internet/SM usage and confidence evaluating online information. Patient education programs should focus on improving patients' confidence in using online resources so they can better evaluate online information for cancer care.