Using the web to encourage help-seeking for symptoms indicative of lung cancer: a feasibility study

Abstract

Background: People with lung cancer often delay presentation of symptoms to health services. There is a growing tendency to research symptoms online. We developed a Web-based intervention to encourage help-seeking. This study assesses the feasibility of testing this intervention in a randomised trial. Methods: The intervention is tailored to individuals’ symptoms and risk factors and targets beliefs and attitudes towards help-seeking based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). On entry to the website, participants (N = 130) complete a survey about symptoms and risk factors. They are then randomised to one of four conditions: (1) tailored, TPB-based information, (2) TPB-based information, (3) tailored information and (4) a generic lung cancer website. Thereafter participants complete another survey about their intentions to seek help. Differences between conditions are analysed using the Kruskall Wallis test and Dunn-Bonferroni approach. Findings: Participants in the tailored, TPB-based condition reported significantly higher intention to seek help than those in the tailored condition without TPB-components (p=0.04). However, differential dropout occurred, most likely due to differing lengths of the conditions. Participants’ comments suggested many had already sought help, with inconclusive outcomes. Discussion: Websites about lung cancer could increase their impact on help-seeking by incorporating TPB-components, but assessment in a full randomised trial is necessary. For the full trial, all conditions will be shortened to the same length to prevent differential dropout. We will emphasise NICE guidelines for urgent referrals, to provide useful information to those who have already sought help and think they need further investigation.