Experiences of cancer patients about seeking health information: a qualitative study

Objective Searching for health information is an important strategy in dealing with cancer that contributed to the improved management of cancer. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of cancer patients seeking health information using the conventional content analysis approach. Methods The 18 participants were selected by purposive sampling and data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed by software MaxQDA 10 based on conventional content analysis. Results Data analysis led to the emergence of three central categories, including optimal cancer management, poor information dissemination system, and perceived health literacy. Conclusion Knowing how cancer patients obtain health information can form the basis to promote patients' health literacy and design a health information dissemination system tailored to the patients' needs.

Automated summary

This qualitative study explored the experiences of cancer patients seeking health information and identified three central categories. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how patients obtain health information in order to promote their health literacy and design a tailored health information dissemination system.