A survey of technology literacy and use in cancer survivors from the Alberta Cancer Exercise program

Supervised physical activity interventions can improve cancer survivor quality of life. However, they are resource intensive and may not support physical activity maintenance. Therefore, most cancer survivors remain inactive. Electronic health is a promising tool to support physical activity maintenance, yet technology-based physical activity interventions in oncology have shown mixed effectiveness. We surveyed cancer participants in the Alberta Cancer Exercise program to better understand their experience with technology.

Alberta Cancer Exercise participants were invited to complete a survey on technology literacy, usage, and perceived usefulness. Summary statistics were calculated for all variables. Multiple regression examined demographic prediction of technology usage and literacy.

The response rate was 52.6% (n = 627/1191), with 93.3% survey completion (n = 585/627). Respondents were 60.6 ± 11.0 years old, 96.2% Caucasian, and of high socioeconomic status (83.3% with post-secondary education, 65.5% with income >$60,000). While electronic health literacy was low (mean 1.73 ± 0.73/4), computer (87.6%) and smartphone (87.5%) use was widespread, with 94.6% of smartphone users reporting daily use. One in two respondents used mobile applications or wearable trackers for physical activity, which were perceived as useful by >80% of users. Age and income were significant predictors of technology use and literacy.

Technology is part of the lives of cancer survivors who engaged in a physical activity program, with mobile devices perceived as useful to support physical activity. However, the present findings highlight a need to increase electronic health literacy via education and tailoring of digital tools. These survey findings are being used to build our patient-centered, technology-supported physical activity interventions.