title: Sources of health information for people with cancer.
abstract: The aim of this study was to examine how patients with cancer accessed information about their health. A convenience sample was taken from patients attending the outpatient department in a cancer hospital in the UK. Descriptive analysis was based on responses to a structured questionnaire. Of the 160 respondents, word of mouth was the commonest source of information (n = 67; 42%) followed by leaflets, television and newspapers. Computer-based information was the least common source (n = 13; 8%). Nearly one third of respondents had access to computers and 15% (n = 24) expressed an interest in learning more about their health from computers. Fourteen per cent (n = 22) do not have a personal contact to help them obtain computer-based information. The study concluded that there should be a review of the provision of written information. There is a potential to develop computer-based information. The generalizability of the results should be examined with other groups of patients who may have persistent, chronic conditions, particularly those in the age group 18-40.
authors.affiliation: University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Biley
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Robbe
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Laugharne
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013664:Teaching Materials; D014852:Wales