A person-centered approach to digital health technologies for cancer prevention: Qualitative findings on use of technology-based interventions in Houston, Texas.

Objectives: Physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and obesity are significant, yet preventable contributors to morbidity and mortality among adults. This qualitative study examined internet access and technology use, and barriers and facilitators to engaging in digital cancer prevention programs. Methods: We conducted 30-60-min semi-structured interviews of Hispanic adults (n = 12) and cancer survivors (n = 10) from two lifestyle intervention trials (September 2021-April 2022) in Houston, Texas, who transitioned from in-person to virtual delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews examined in-person versus virtual experiences and were thematically analyzed. Results: Participants (95 % women, mean age for Hispanic adults = 39.8 ± 7.9 years, 54.6 ± 5.4 years for cancer survivors) shared their experiences transitioning to virtual programs and discussed performance and effort expectancies related to using digital health technologies. Participants emphasized the need for social interactions and lack of connectivity in current virtual offerings. Factors such as prior experience and tech-related anxiety were also discussed as important for the uptake of technology-based programs. Conclusions: Qualitative findings highlight the complex experiences of cancer prevention program participants using digital health technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic and can inform interventions and policies aimed at reducing health inequalities linked to the digital divides.