Age-related differences in information-seeking behaviors of patients with multiple myeloma.

e19523 Background: For patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), obtaining essential disease information for effective self-advocacy and decision-making is challenging, exacerbated by age-related educational barriers and issues related to cultural resources. This study evaluated age-related preferences of patient education resource utilization in RRMM patients. Methods: This survey was conducted on HealthTree Cure Hub, a patient-driven platform designed to efficiently share clinical insights from myeloma specialists, help patients navigate their disease, and contribute to research. The analysis focuses on evaluating the use of 16 different resources and age-related differences among patients with RRMM. Scales included: 1-to-5 for usage (1 - never, 2 - almost never, 3 - occasionally/sometimes, 4 - almost every time, 5 - every time) and 1-to-6 for education (some high school to a graduate degree). Results: Of the 688 participants, 289 had available birth dates and were included in the analysis. The 1 changes: 3.4±1.3, p1 changes: 2.4±1.4, p1 changes in therapy (Y: 2.1±1.2; O: 2.2±1.2, p>0.05). The older patients utilized social media (non-myeloma expert posts) less at >1 changes in therapy (O: 1.5±0.8; Y: 2.0±1.0, p1 changes in therapy (Y: 2.5±1.5; O: 1.9±1.1, p<0.05). In addition, the younger patients increased the utilization of medical journal articles with subsequent changes in therapy (2.8±1.2 to 3.0±1.2, p<0.05). Conclusions: The survey revealed that older patients increasingly engaged in webinars and consulted cancer society guidelines with subsequent changes in therapy. While younger patients increased their use of medical journals and more often consulted with their family, friends and loved ones. Both groups demonstrated a wide range of resources (16) used to build their knowledge of myeloma. These findings indicate a desire among patients to comprehend their disease, utilizing diverse resources for information and gaining more knowledge over time.