Gynecological cancer survivors and community support services: referral, awareness, utilization and satisfaction.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify gynecological cancer survivors' referral to, awareness of, utilization of and satisfaction with community support services, as well as the factors associated with service use.


METHODS
In 2004, 802 gynecological cancer survivors, 3 months-5 years post-diagnosis, completed a postal questionnaire (56% response rate). Descriptive statistics summarized outcome prevalences. Logistic regression models identified correlates of service utilization.


RESULTS
Substantial proportions of women were aware of the main cancer support organization, Cancer Council Queensland (72%), and of information booklets (74%), helplines (66%), support groups (56%) and internet information (50%). Less than half were aware of other services. The most commonly used resources and services were information booklets (37%), the internet (23%), and helplines (20%). More broadly, 43% utilized information/internet support, 30% utilized psychosocial services and 27% utilized functional/practical services. Approximately one-fifth (19%) used more than one support types. Having a health-care provider referral, being diagnosed with lymphedema or living in northern Queensland were associated with higher odds of service use in all three of the support types. While most (86%) of those referred used a service, only a few women received referrals. Among users, satisfaction with services was high.


CONCLUSIONS
While gynecological cancer survivors accessed a variety of support, there is a need to ensure women are aware of services. Given the low prevalence of referrals and that referral was a key influence on service use, clinician education may be necessary to improve service referral. Organizations should also consider strategies to keep services high on clinicians' radars.
Beesley
Vanessa L
VL
Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. Vanessa.Beesley@qimr.edu.au
Janda
Monika
M
Eakin
Elizabeth G
EG
Auster
Josephine F
JF
Chambers
Suzanne K
SK
Aitken
Joanne F
JF
Dunn
Jeff
J
Battistutta
Diana
D
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001364:Awareness; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011793:Queensland; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D014600:Utilization Review / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult