Health information sources for different types of information used by Chinese patients with cancer and their family caregivers

Abstract

Context: Little is known about the information sources of Chinese patients with cancer and their family caregivers, yet this knowledge is critical for providing patient-centred care. Objective: To assess and compare the information sources used by Chinese patients with cancer and their family caregivers. Design: The validated Health Information Wants Questionnaire (HIWQ) was translated and administered in March 2014. Setting: The oncology department of a general hospital in south-west China. Participants: A convenience sample of 198 individuals, including 79 patients with cancer (mean age=55.24, SD=13.80) and 119 family caregivers (mean age=46.83, SD=14.61). Main outcome measures: Ratings on the HIWQ items assessing information sources for different types of information. Results: The interaction between information source and group was significant (F3,576=6.32, P