Factors associated with a positive attitude towards receiving cancer information: a population-based study in Spain

Health Expect. 2016 Apr;19(2):288-98. doi: 10.1111/hex.12349. Epub 2015 Feb 2.

Abstract

Background: It is necessary to raise a positive attitude towards cancer information to improve disease prevention and control.

Objective: To identify social factors, health characteristics and cancer-related perceptions and knowledge associated with a positive attitude towards cancer information.

Design: We ran multivariate logistic regression models to analyse population-based data from OncoBarómetro-2010, a Spanish representative survey on perceptions and knowledge, related to cancer, conducted among 7938 people aged 18 years or more.

Measurement: Attitudes towards cancer information. A positive attitude includes feeling motivated to keep informed, to have screening tests or to change lifestyle. A negative attitude includes feeling indifference, concern, frustration or fear.

Results: 38.3% of the studied population reported having received information related to cancer (within the last 6 months). Among those, 31.5% expressed a negative attitude towards cancer information. People more likely to have a positive attitude towards cancer information (reference category: negative attitude) were people aged 35-74 (ref: aged 18-34) (P < 0.001) and cancer survivors (ref: those who had not had cancer) (OR: 3.05; 95% CI: 1.73-5.38). The likelihood of a positive attitude increased with the level of education (P < 0.001). The variables negatively associated with a positive attitude towards cancer information were poor self-rated health status (ref: fair) (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.42-0.95) and high self-perceived risk of developing cancer (ref: low) (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.60-0.92).

Conclusions: These findings have potential to inform programmes designed to promote cancer prevention behaviours. Policies should target population groups with low socio-economic groups, those with poor self-rated health and individuals with high self-perceived risk of cancer. Further, in order to increase knowledge of cancer symptoms, we need to focus on individuals with unhealthy lifestyles.

Keywords: Spain; cancer; cancer communication; information attitudes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Communication*
  • Diagnostic Self Evaluation*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires