Patient-Centered Communication and Risky Health Behaviors Among Adults With and Without a Cancer History

Patient-centered communication (PCC) has been recognized as a key factor in improving health outcomes, yet little is known about the role of PCC in preventing risky health behaviors.

This study investigated associations between PCC and health-risk behaviors (ie, traditional cigarette use, electronic cigarette use, alcohol consumption above recommended levels) among U.S. adults with and without cancer history.

The nationally representative data used in this study came from the 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey. The sample included 2529 adults (aged ≥18 years), including 421 with a self-reported cancer history and 2108 without a self-reported cancer history. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

Overall, 13.2% reported current traditional cigarette use, 6.1% e-cigarette use, and 31.4% alcohol use above recommended levels. Although cancer survivors were less likely to report e-cigarette use (2.2% vs 6.5%, P = .004), no group differences in cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking were established. Better PCC was associated with lower odds of reporting ≥1 health-risk behavior among cancer survivors (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95-0.99; P = .005). Among those without cancer, older age (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.27-0.73; P = .002), higher education (AOR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37-0.98; P = .040), and having health insurance (AOR = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19-0.89; P = .025) were associated with lower odds of engaging in ≥1 health-risk behavior.

Study findings showed significant associations between PCC and health-risk behaviors among cancer survivors. Promoting PCC among providers is needed for better patient outcomes. PCC, that is, responsive to patients' needs and expectations can prevent engagement in risky health behaviors.