A Web-Based Cancer Prevention Intervention for Rural Emerging Adults: Mixed Methods Development and Pilot-Testing...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Behavior
• Digital Health

Background:

• Growing user-generated health information complicates cancer information seeking.
• Targeted web-based interventions are promising for high-quality information consumption.
• Evidence is lacking on effective web-based behavior change interventions for cancer prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop and pilot test a theory-based web intervention to reduce six cancer risk factors in rural emerging adults (EAs).
• Utilize community-engaged research methods for intervention design and implementation.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods evaluation of a web-based cancer prevention intervention for US rural EAs (18-26 years) delivered via Facebook private groups.
• Intervention guided by behavior change theory and co-created with EA and Stakeholder Advisory Boards.
• Included formative surveys (n=297), pilot testing (n=26), and protocol development.

Main Results:

• Developed 400 Facebook posts targeting six cancer risk behaviors (diet, activity, tobacco, alcohol, sun, HPV).
• Pilot intervention reached rural participants with sustained engagement (1060 views, 346 reactions, 72 comments).
• Modifications focused on reliable sources and direct links, informed by advisory boards, surveys, and pilot data.

Conclusions:

• Scalable, engaging, evidence-informed web-based cancer prevention intervention for rural EAs.
• Provides insights into resources, timelines, and expertise for designing and implementing such interventions.
• Community engagement strengthened the intervention; theory-based messaging and tailored dissemination are key for acceptability.