Do members of cancer peer support groups know more about cancer than non-members? Results from a cross-sectional study in Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

This study aims to assess whether cancer-specific knowledge (CSK) is associated with membership in a cancer peer support group (PSG) and other factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study investigated the CSK of 1121 cancer patients of various entities across Germany. CSK was measured with the BCKS-14, a 14-item knowledge instrument which was previously participatory developed with patient representatives and oncologists. Associations between CSK and PSG membership, sociodemographic factors, internet use, and preferences in medical decision-making were analysed with t-tests and multiple linear regressions.

Results

The t-test showed a statistically significant difference in CSK between members and non-members of PSGs. Knowledge for PSG members was on average 0.97 p

SUBMITTER: Ziegler E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9745733 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature