Interest in Health Behavior Intervention Delivery Modalities Among Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Health behavior interventions
• Cancer survivorship
• Digital health adoption

Background:

• Effective health behavior interventions are crucial for the growing population of cancer survivors.
• New technologies offer expanded reach for interventions, but older adults may adopt them slower.
• Survivor interest in delivery channels (traditional vs. technology) depends on demographics, health, and behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors predicting cancer survivors' interest in technology-based versus traditional health behavior intervention modalities.

Main Methods:

• Survey mailed to 1871 cancer survivors (breast, prostate, colorectal).
• Collected data on demographics, diet/physical activity, intervention interest, and delivery modality preferences.
• Path analysis explored relationships between four modalities (clinic, telephone, computer, smartphone) and predictors.

Main Results:

• Computer-based interventions showed highest interest (27.9%), smartphone-based the lowest (8.6%).
• Interest in clinic (17.3%) and telephone (16.9%) fell in between.
• Prior technology use predicted interest in technology-based channels; older survivors showed less interest in smartphone diet interventions.

Conclusions:

• Computer-based interventions are most acceptable; smartphones are least acceptable currently.
• Technology use and health status significantly influence modality preference.
• Future interventions should consider survivor characteristics; internet delivery is recommended for older survivors now, with smartphone interventions potentially viable later.