Assessing information needs on bone health in cancer survivors.
Bone health education and implementation of preventive measures are key to effective management of osteoporosis. We assessed areas of knowledge deficits with respect to bone health in breast and prostate cancer survivors and the preferred source of health information



We used a mixed methods approach. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews in breast or prostate cancer survivors receiving hormonal therapy. Responses were independently coded by 2 researchers and explored under 3 content areas: osteoporosis knowledge, behaviors for self-management, and preferred learning tools. Another 20 participants responded to a structured questionnaire that comprised modified versions of the Osteoporosis Knowledge Questionnaire (OPQ) and Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT). The OPQ and OKAT were analyzed as summary scores, and areas of knowledge deficits (i.e., where ≥60 % of participants failed to give the right response) were identified.



Median age of participants was 67 (range 48-92) and 78 % were White. Awareness of osteoporosis was high, but detailed knowledge was low. Bone healthy behaviors perceived by participants as most important include good nutrition, exercising, calcium and vitamin D supplementation and avoidance of falls. The Internet was the most preferred source of information. Areas of knowledge deficit revealed by the OPQ and OKAT included general information, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis.



There is a desire for information on osteoporosis, specifically tailored for cancer survivors. Good nutrition, supplement intake, exercise, and avoidance of falls were perceived as key behaviors for self-management. The Internet was an important source of information for breast and prostate cancer patients. Implication for Cancer Survivors An educational website addressing the bone health information needs of cancer survivors could effectively improve behaviors for self-management.
Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1465, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
Jude K A
JK
des Bordes
Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1465, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
Noha
N
Abdel-Wahab
Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1465, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
Maria
M
Suarez-Almazor
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, T. Boone Pickens Academic Tower, (FCT13.5034), 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1465, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. amlopezo@mdanderson.org.
Maria A
MA
Lopez-Olivo
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001364:Awareness; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
Bone health; Cancer; Knowledge deficits; Osteoporosis; Survivorship