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Feasibility and acceptability of a cancer symptom awareness intervention for adults living in socioeconomically deprived communities.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Cancer survival rates in the UK are lower in comparison with similar countries in Europe and this may be linked to socioeconomic inequalities in stage of cancer diagnosis and survival. Targeted cancer awareness interventions have the potential to improve earlier symptomatic diagnosis and reduce socioeconomic inequalities in cancer outcomes. The health check is an innovative, theory-based intervention designed to increase awareness of cancer symptoms and risk factors, and encourage timely help seeking among adults living in deprived communities. METHODS:A prospective, non-randomised evaluation was undertaken to test the feasibility and acceptability of the health check for adults aged 40 years and over living in deprived areas of Wales. Primary outcomes included recruitment and retention of approximately 100 adults, reach to participants in the lowest deprivation quartile, and intervention acceptability. Secondary outcomes included self-reported cancer symptom recognition, help-seeking behaviours and state anxiety pre/post intervention. RESULTS:Of 185 individuals approached, 98 (53%) completed the intervention. Sixty-six of 98 participants were recruited from community settings (67%) and 32 from healthcare settings (33%), with 56 (57%) from the lowest deprivation quartile. Eighty-three (85%) participants completed follow-up assessment. Participants recognised on average one extra cancer symptom post intervention, with improved recognition of and anticipated presentation for non-specific symptoms. State anxiety scores remained stable. Qualitative interviews (n =?25) demonstrated that the intervention was well received and motivated change. CONCLUSIONS:Recruitment was feasible in community and healthcare settings, with good reach to adults from low socioeconomic groups. The health check intervention was acceptable and demonstrated potential for improved cancer awareness and symptom presentation, especially for non-specific symptoms, in communities most affected by cancer.

SUBMITTER: Smith P

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5989371 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Feasibility and acceptability of a cancer symptom awareness intervention for adults living in socioeconomically deprived communities.

Smith Pamela P Smits Stephanie S Owen Sioned S Wood Fiona F McCutchan Grace G Carter Ben B Edwards Adrian A Robling Michael M Townson Julia J Brain Kate K

BMC public health 20180605 1

<h4>Background</h4>Cancer survival rates in the UK are lower in comparison with similar countries in Europe and this may be linked to socioeconomic inequalities in stage of cancer diagnosis and survival. Targeted cancer awareness interventions have the potential to improve earlier symptomatic diagnosis and reduce socioeconomic inequalities in cancer outcomes. The health check is an innovative, theory-based intervention designed to increase awareness of cancer symptoms and risk factors, and encou ...[more]

PMID: 29871618

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Project description:BACKGROUND:Recruitment of research participants poses challenges in socioeconomically deprived areas. The Awareness and Beliefs About Cancer (ABACus) phase 3 Randomised Control Trial recruited adult participants from socioeconomically deprived areas using a combined healthcare/community engagement model. We report the strategies used to successfully recruit and retain our trial participant sample. METHODS:Community and healthcare settings in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation were identified by lay advisors who recruited participants opportunistically or by appointment. Follow-up was done by telephone or post at 2-weeks and 6-months after recruitment, and all participants were offered financial incentives. Qualitative interviews were conducted with lay advisors regarding their experience and reflections. RESULTS:The lay advisors identified and contacted 107 potential recruitment venues across South and West Yorkshire and South East Wales of which 41.1% (n?=?42) were opened for recruitment. A total of 234 participants were recruited, with 91% (n?=?212) retention at 2-weeks and 85% (n?=?199) at 6-months. Community settings yielded 75% (n?=?176) of participants. Participants had a mean age of 61.3?years and 63.3% (n?=?148) were female, with 66% (n?=?154) resident in the most deprived geographical areas. Lay advisors described recruitment as intensive, although engaging participants was easier in community settings. CONCLUSIONS:The ABACus3 trial achieved recruitment and high retention with a population that is often "hard to reach" or entirely missed in health research. Strategies were specifically tailored to engage the venues and adult residents of highly deprived areas. Future studies recruiting adults living in the most deprived areas might benefit from community recruitment and from collaborating with local gatekeepers who are key to engagement. This study adheres to CONSORT guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION:Retrospectively registered with ISRCTN ( http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN16872545 ) on 12.01.2018.

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Feasibility and acceptability of a cancer symptom awareness intervention for adults living in socioeconomically deprived communities.

Publications

Feasibility and acceptability of a cancer symptom awareness intervention for adults living in socioeconomically deprived communities.

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