Gynecological cancer survivors and community support services: referral, awareness, utilization and satisfaction
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Janda, Monika
Eakin, Elizabeth G
Auster, Josephine F
Chambers, Suzanne K
Aitken, Joanne F
Dunn, Jeff
Battistutta, Diana
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Abstract
Objectives: To quantify gynecological cancer survivors' referral to, awareness of, utilization of and satisfaction with community support services, as well as the factors associated with service use. Methods: In 2004, 802 gynecological cancer survivors, 3 months-5 years post-diagnosis, completed a postal questionnaire (56% response rate). Descriptive statistics summarized outcome prevalences. Logistic regression models identified correlates of service utilization. Results: Substantial proportions of women were aware of the main cancer support organization, Cancer Council Queensland (72%), and of information booklets (74%), helplines (66%), support groups (56%) and internet information (50%). Less than half were aware of other services. The most commonly used resources and services were information booklets (37%), the internet (23%), and helplines (20%). More broadly, 43% utilized information/internet support, 30% utilized psychosocial services and 27% utilized functional/practical services. Approximately one-fifth (19%) used more than one support types. Having a health-care provider referral, being diagnosed with lymphedema or living in northern Queensland were associated with higher odds of service use in all three of the support types. While most (86%) of those referred used a service, only a few women received referrals. Among users, satisfaction with services was high. Conclusions: While gynecological cancer survivors accessed a variety of support, there is a need to ensure women are aware of services. Given the low prevalence of referrals and that referral was a key influence on service use, clinician education may be necessary to improve service referral. Organizations should also consider strategies to keep services high on clinicians' radars. Copyright 頲009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
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Psycho-Oncology
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19
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1
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© 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Gynecological cancer survivors and community support services: referral, awareness, utilization and satisfaction, Psycho-Oncology, Volume 19, Issue 1, Pages 54-61, 2010 which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.1528. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving (http://olabout.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-828039.html)
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Clinical sciences
Oncology and carcinogenesis
Oncology and carcinogenesis not elsewhere classified