ASPO Abstracts
Women's Information Needs and Educational Preferences Regarding Lung Cancer Screening
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2023
Abstract Body:
Background Physicians are less likely to discuss lung cancer screening (LCS) with women and women are less likely be aware of LCS availability. The objective of this qualitative study was to determine educational needs, patient-provider communication barriers, and preferences for lung cancer and LCS health education among women. Methods Eight semi-structured qualitative focus groups were conducted with 28 self-identified women meeting 2020 USPSTF LCS eligibility criteria. Participants were recruited through a large health system, from a community-based lung cancer screening program, and through an online database between October 2020 and March 2021. Remote focus groups were led by a trained moderator via Zoom. Audio recordings were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis by investigators. Results LCS decision-making influences included: 1) Healthcare provider recommendation; 2) Self-advocacy; 3) Insurance coverage and cost; 4) Family; 5) Interest in early detection. Participants preferred video and print educational materials, available at physician's office or shared by physician, that limit scare tactics, shaming, or lectures about smoking, provide positive messaging, use clear language, with diverse participants and images. Preferred content focused on: 1) Early detection and its benefits; 2) Lung cancer description; 3) Lung cancer statistics and risk factors; 4) Benefits of quitting smoking; 5) Demonstration or explanation of where and how LCS is done; 6) Availability of other tests and potential harms of screening; 7) Insurance coverage and costs. Conclusion Women in our study had limited awareness of LCS and their eligibility. They expressed a need for recommendation and support for LCS from their healthcare providers and have addressable information needs about lung cancer and the screening process. Our findings provide new insights about women's experiences with LCS, and information needs and can potentially be used to improve LCS uptake in women and shared decision-making processes.
Keywords: lung cancer screening, women, information needs, education