Preference for type of information in cancer patients receiving radiation therapy

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Abstract
The purpose of this methodologic study is twofold: (a) to determine what types of information (cognitive versus behavioral) patients with cancer who were initiating radiation therapy (RT), preferred; and (b) to test two instruments in obtaining this differentiation of preference of type of information. Using a longitudinal design, 60 patients were interviewed twice, once at the initiation of RT and again (4–7 weeks later) at the completion of RT. The Health Opinion Survey, a general 16-item instrument, and the Health Care Preference Survey, a clinically RT-specific, seven-item instrument, were used to determine the patients' preference for type of information. State-Trait Anxiety and Cancer Health Locus of Control were measured at these two interviews as well. Findings revealed that the majority of patients (n = 38) preferred cognitive information, although this preference decreased significantly over time. Control, anxiety, and demographic variables were significantly associated with the preference for type of information. Complexities of measuring the preferred type of information require further research.

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