Subaward Project
Improving prostate cancer health information access for rural older adults in North Carolina: A usability evaluation of a digita
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. The information needs of prostate cancer patients and their families are particularly pressing due to the complexity of treatment options, many of which can significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Older men living in rural areas experience disproportionately higher mortality rates from prostate cancer than peers in urban areas. To address this health disparity, we propose a community outreach and usability study of the Interactive Prostate Cancer Information, Communication, and Support Program (iPICS), an evidence-based and user-centered digital health information platform funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (2021 to July 2025). The iPICS platform integrates authoritative content from MedlinePlus via API with self-curated health education materials developed by healthcare researchers and clinicians. By partnering with rural public libraries as local trusted community hubs, this project aims to bridge the digital divide and address gaps in health literacy and information access by delivering accurate and reliable prostate cancer information to older adults and their families in under-resourced rural regions. Findings from this usability study will inform contextually tailored enhancements to the platform, equip rural libraries with relevant and reliable information resources on prostate cancer, and support their community outreach.
Awardee
Lead Organization: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - School of Information & Library Science
Project Lead: Fei Yu
Demographics
Age Group: Seniors (65+ yrs.)
Geographic Type: Rural
Award Details
Funding Source: Region 1
Project Category: Outreach
Period of Performance: Aug 1, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
Project Status: In Progress
Project Funding
last updated: 10/18/25 05:34