ASPO Abstracts
Cancer Survivors' Use of Health-Related Electronic Devices and Applications in the United States: A Secondary Data Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey
Category: Survivorship & Health Outcomes/Comparative Effectiveness Research
Conference Year: 2021
Abstract Body:
Purpose: To determine the degree to which cancer history is associated with health-related electronic
devices and applications.
Methods: Nationally representative data were obtained from the NCI Health Information National
Trends Survey (HINTS) Cycle 1-3. When available, cross-sectional data from each cycle were combined
using sample and survey weights. Individual-level factors including demographic characteristics (age,
gender, race/ethnicity, rural residence, education attainment) were assessed, as well as cancer history
(none, personal, family, or both personal and family). The following items were included to assess use of
health information technology: "In the past 12 months, have you used an electronic wearable device to
monitor or track your health or activity;†"In the last 12 months, have you used an electronic medical
device to monitor or track your health;†and "On your tablet or smartphone, do you have any software
applications or apps related to health?†Adjusted logistic regression models were conducted to
determine if cancer history was associated with the use of each of the following: electronic wearable
devices, electronic medical devices, and health-related software applications/smartphone apps.
Results: Twenty-two percent of respondents had no prior history of cancer. Among those with a cancer
history, 1% had a personal cancer history, 59% had a family cancer history, and 7% had a personal and
family cancer history. In adjusted models, those with a personal and family cancer history had a higher
likelihood of using an electronic medical device to monitor or track your health (OR=1.80; 95% CI: 1.03,
3.12). Cancer status was not a significant predictor in models examining use of wearable devices or
health-related apps.
Conclusions: Cancer survivors are using electronic wearable devices (e.g., fitness trackers) and health-
related apps at the same rate as the general population, but those with both a personal and family
history of cancer are more likely to use electronic medical devices to monitor or track their health.
Future implementation research is needed to explore opportunities to support the use of health-related
electronic devices and applications among cancer survivors.
Keywords: cancer survivors, health information technology