Acceptability of the Electronic Version of the Puerto Rico Biobank Questionnaire by Hispanic Patients: A Pilot Project

Resumen

The Puerto Rico BioBank (PRBB) gathers tissues and data from oncologic surgery patients in Southern Puerto Rico to support cancer-related health disparities research. The response rate of the PRBB paper questionnaires is low (60%) leading to incomplete annotation of biospecimens impacting on their utility for research. This study aims to assess if an electronic questionnaire (EQ) is well accepted, thereby improving data collection from PRBB donors. We conducted a cross-sectional study among PRBB participants aged 21-89 years, where we offered a choice between EQ or paper questionnaires (PQ). EQ responses were collected via a text-distributed REDcap link. The study was approved by PHSU-IRB; data analysis was done with SPSS 29. During June-August 2023, 52 patients were consented for the PRBB and offered their preference of questionnaire. Acceptability of EQ was 23.1% (n = 12), 58.3% females and 41.6% males. The mean age of those preferring the EQ was 52.3 vs. 62.2 y/o (p = 0.013). Of those who preferred the PQ, 46.1% were >61 y/o. Most subjects answering follow-up questions found the EQ easy to complete (100%) and comfortable to answer (88.9%). Even in those preferring the EQ, 44.4% would still prefer answering PQs. This study suggests that the acceptability of the PRBB EQ is low in oncologic patients from Southern Puerto Rico. Acceptability of the PRBB EQ appears to be influenced by sex and age; possible external influences include the lengthy admission process and proficient use of technology. Alternative approaches need to be considered to address the low acceptability of the PRBB EQ.