Although the majority of US adults obtain health information on the internet, the quality of information about prostate cancer is highly variable. Black adults are underrepresented in online content about prostate cancer despite a higher incidence of and mortality from the disease. The goal of this study was to explore the perspectives of Black patients with prostate cancer on the importance of racial representation in online content and other factors influencing trust.
We conducted 7 virtual focus groups with Black patients with prostate cancer in 2022 and 2023. Participants completed an intake questionnaire with demographics followed by a group discussion, including feedback on purposefully selected online content. Transcripts were independently analyzed by 2 investigators experienced in qualitative research using a constant comparative method.
Most participants use online sources to look for prostate cancer information. Racial representation is an important factor affecting trust in the content. A lack of Black representation has consequences, including misperceptions about a lower risk of prostate cancer and discouraging further information-seeking. Other key themes affecting trust in online content included the importance of a reputable source of information, professional website structure, and soliciting money.
Underrepresentation of Black adults in prostate cancer content has the potential to worsen health disparities. Optimal online communications should include racially diverse representation and evidence-based information in a professional format from reputable sources without financial conflict.
The Journal of urology. 2024 Feb 08 [Epub]
Stacy Loeb, Tatiana Sanchez Nolasco, Nataliya Byrne, Laura Allen, Aisha T Langford, Joseph Ravenell, Scarlett Lin Gomez, Samuel L Washington, Hala T Borno, Derek M Griffith, Nickole Criner
Department of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York., Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California., Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan., Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York., Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California., Department of Medical Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California., Department of Health Management and Policy, Racial Justice Institute and Center for Men's Health Equity, Georgetown University, Washington, Disctrict of Columbia.