Introduction: Digital technologies, including activity trackers and smartphone applications, are modern tools to support health behaviours in cancer care. This study described utilisation patterns and correlates of digital technology use among middle-aged and older Australian cancer survivors.
Methods: We used data from 45 and Up Study (267,357 participants aged ≥45 years recruited in 2005-2009), specifically the 2019 follow-up questionnaire (Wave 3) that included technology use questions. We included participants diagnosed with cancer after baseline, identified using linked data from the NSW Cancer Registry. We considered three technology use categories: broad digital technology (e.g. computer, tablet), small portable devices (e.g. smartphone, fitness tracker), and digital health applications (e.g. steps, nutrition, medication). We used multivariable logistic regression to examine associations between participants’ self-reported sociodemographic, health and behavioural characteristics with digital technology use.
Results: 31,946 participants completed the 2019 follow-up questionnaire (47% response rate), which included 5,948 cancer survivors (median age = 73 years [Q1-Q3: 67-79]. Of cancer survivors (29% prostate, 18% breast, 16% melanoma, 37% other), 83% reported broad digital technology use, 28% active use of small portable devices, and 25% digital health application use. For all three categories, digital technology use was significantly associated with younger age, urban living, holding private health insurance, higher income and education, greater physical function, higher physical activity, non-smokers, and lower red and processed meat intake. There were no differences in digital technology use by years since cancer diagnosis, marital status, body mass index, fruit and vegetable intake, and co-morbidities including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and depression/anxiety.
Conclusions: Digital technology use was relatively high in this cohort of middle-aged and older Australian cancer survivors, varying significantly by sociodemographic, health and behavioural characteristics. These findings may inform the feasibility and planning of targeted interventions that leverage digital technologies with the goal of improving the health of cancer survivors.