Association of neighborhood deprivation index with success in cancer care crowdfunding

Abstract

IMPORTANCE Financial toxicity resulting from cancer care poses a substantial public health concern, leading some patients to turn to online crowdfunding. However, the practice may exacerbate existing socioeconomic cancer disparities by privileging those with access to interpersonal wealth and digital media literacy. OBJECTIVE To test the hypotheses that higher county-level socioeconomic status and the presence (vs absence) of text indicators of beneficiary worth in campaign descriptions are associated with amount raised from cancer crowdfunding. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional analysis examined US cancer crowdfunding campaigns conducted between 2010 and 2019 and data from the American Community Survey (2013-2017). Data analysis was performed from December 2019 to March 2020. EXPOSURES Neighborhood deprivation index of campaign location and campaign text features indicating the beneficiary's worth. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Amount of money raised. RESULTS This study analyzed 144 061 US cancer crowdfunding campaigns. Campaigns in counties with higher neighborhood deprivation raised less (-26.07%; 95% CI, -27.46% to -24.65%; P