Showing papers in "Journal of Health Communication in 2009"
TL;DR: A 10-year systematic review of HIV/AIDS mass communication campaigns focused on sexual behavior, HIV testing, or both and to compare the results with the last comprehensive review of such campaigns, conducted by Myhre and Flora (2000), indicated that campaigns increasingly have employed the following strategies.
Abstract: The purpose of the current study was to conduct a 10-year systematic review of HIV/AIDS mass communication campaigns focused on sexual behavior, HIV testing, or both (1998-2007) and to compare the results with the last comprehensive review of such campaigns, conducted by Myhre and Flora (2000). A comprehensive search strategy yielded 38 HIV/AIDS campaign evaluation articles published in peer-reviewed journals, representing 34 distinct campaign efforts conducted in 23 countries. The articles were coded on a variety of campaign design and evaluation dimensions by two independent coders. Results indicated that compared with the previous systematic review (1986-1998 period), campaigns increasingly have employed the following strategies: (1) targeted defined audiences developed through audience segmentation procedures; (2) designed campaign themes around behavior change (rather than knowledge change); (3) used behavioral theories; (4) achieved high message exposure; (5) used stronger research designs for outcome evaluation; and (6) included measures of behavior (or behavioral intentions) in outcome assessments. In addition, an examination of 10 campaign efforts that used more rigorous quasi-experimental designs revealed that the majority (8 of 10) demonstrated effects on behavior change or behavioral intentions. Despite these positive developments, most HIV/AIDS campaigns continue to use weak (i.e., preexperimental) outcome evaluation designs. Implications of these results for improved design, implementation, and evaluation of HIV/AIDS campaign efforts are discussed.
267 citations
TL;DR: Data from the 2003 and 2005 Health Information National Trends Surveys are used to illustrate the role of social context in interpersonal communication and argue that addressing the social context may be an important tool for eliminating communication inequalities.
Abstract: Recent years have seen an increased interest in the social context of interpersonal communication. This focus informs major public health topics including health disparities, social networks, social capital, and the penetration of new communication technologies. We use data from the 2003 and 2005 Health Information National Trends Surveys (HINTS) to illustrate the role of social context in interpersonal communication. Finally, we argue that addressing the social context may be an important tool for eliminating communication inequalities.
133 citations
TL;DR: The relationships between information-seeking style (active, moderately active, and passive styles) and demographics, cancer type, and health status for the pretreatment and posttreatment periods and overall are evaluated.
Abstract: The type and quantity of information needed varies between patients who actively seek information and those who tend to avoid information.We analyzed data from a longitudinal study of adult cancer patients from outpatient clinics for whom information needs and behaviors were assessed by survey before and after treatment. We evaluated the relationships between information-seeking style (active, moderately active, and passive styles) and demographics, cancer type, and health status for the pretreatment and posttreatment periods and overall. The generalized estimating equations (GEE) approach was used to model the log odds of more active to more passive information-seeking preferences taking into consideration both the pretreatment and posttreatment periods. Analyses included 731 case participants, including female breast cancer patients (51%), male genitourinary cancer patients (18%), and lung cancer patients of both sexes (10%). At pretreatment, 17% reported an active information-seeking style, 69% were moderately active, and 14% were passive. During this period, 19% of those with at least some college education reported being very active compared with 14% of those with less education. With adjustment for all other covariates, male genitourinary and lung cancer patients had a higher odds of having a more active information-seeking style in the pretreatment than in the posttreatment period, with an odds of 4.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4-8.4) and 5.4 (95% CI: 2.7-10.6), respectively. Controlling for all covariates, breast cancer patients had 1.5 (95% CI: 1.0-2.1) times higher odds of being more active in seeking information than other patients. Public health researchers and clinicians must work together to develop the most effective strategy for meeting the informational needs of these patients before and after treatment.
128 citations
TL;DR: Quantitative analyses showed that exposure to the Choices logo had significantly increased and women perceived the logo more attractive and credible than men did, and qualitative analyses indicated that the logo's credibility would improve if it became known that governmental and scientific authorities support it.
Abstract: This study aimed to perform a quantitative and qualitative process evaluation of the introduction of the Choices logo, a front-of-pack nutrition logo on products with a favorable product composition, adopted by many food producers, retail and food service organizations, conditionally endorsed by the Dutch government, validated by scientists, and in the process of international dissemination. An online questionnaire was sent to adult consumers 4 months after the introduction of the logo (n = 1,032) and 1 year later (n = 1,127). Additionally, seven consumer focus groups (n = 41) were conducted to provide more insight into the questionnaire responses. Quantitative analyses showed that exposure to the logo had significantly increased. Elderly and obese respondents reported to be more in need of a logo than younger and normal-weight individuals. Women perceived the logo more attractive and credible than men did. Further qualitative analyses indicated that the logo's credibility would improve if it became known that governmental and scientific authorities support it. Elderly respondents indicated that they needed a logo due to health concerns. Consumers interested in health reported that they used the logo. Further research focusing on specific target groups, forming healthful diets, and health outcomes is needed to investigate the effectiveness of the Choices logo.
100 citations
TL;DR: While Internet use has not changed older adults' reliance on medical professionals for diagnostic or standard treatment decisions, it has opened up new venues for obtaining information to make decisions in broader scopes and both the Internet and the perpetuating influence of the provider–dependent model are at play in the patient–provider relationships of these older adults.
Abstract: A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted in the summer of 2007 to investigate older adults' preferences for health information and participation in decision making. The study involved in-depth individual and focus group interviewing with a total of 20 older Internet users and nonusers. Grounded theory was used to conduct the data analysis and construct the theory that best explains the data. The concept of health information wants (HIW), or health information that one would like to have and use to make important health decisions that may or may not be directly related to diagnosis or standard treatment, emerged from the data analysis and led to the development of the HIW framework. This framework encompasses four types of HIW that have varying properties and positions on the decision-making spectrum. While Internet use has not changed these older adults' reliance on medical professionals for diagnostic or standard treatment decisions (and reliance on professionals for information needed to make those decisions), it has opened up new venues for obtaining information to make decisions in broader scopes. Thus, both the Internet and the perpetuating influence of the provider-dependent model are at play in the patient-provider relationships of these older adults.
99 citations
TL;DR: This study revealed a significant interaction between thematic framing and loss framing on societal attribution of responsibility for the health issues—lung cancer and obesity.
Abstract: By examining the publicily identified top two health problems in the United States, this research, using an experimental design, investigates whether different news frame combinations intensify or diminish framing effects. In this study, the cognitive dimension and affective dimension of framing defined as thematic/episodic and gain/loss, respectively, are manipulated to determine if changing the way newspaper stories report obesity and lung cancer will alter the readers' attribution of societal and individual responsibility. This study revealed a significant interaction between thematic framing and loss framing on societal attribution of responsibility for the health issues-lung cancer and obesity.
98 citations
TL;DR: The AA-Med scale is a promising new measure of aversion to ambiguity regarding medical tests and treatments, and AA is associated with several sociodemographic factors.
Abstract: Aversion to "ambiguity"-uncertainty about the reliability, credibility, or adequacy of risk-related information-is an important problem that may influence judgments and decisions about medical interventions Ambiguity aversion (AA) varies among individuals, however, and has been understudied in the health domain To explore this phenomenon further, we developed a new theory-based measure of aversion to ambiguity regarding medical tests and treatments, and examined the prevalence and association of AA with sociodemographic factors The "AA-Med" scale was developed using a large survey sample of the US public (n = 4,398), and scale psychometric properties and the population distribution of AA were evaluated The scale demonstrated acceptable reliability (alpha = 73) and validity as ascertained by association with respondents' interest in a hypothetical ambiguous cancer screening test Ambiguity aversion (AA) was associated with older age, non-White race, lower education and income, and female sex The AA-Med scale is a promising new measure, and AA is associated with several sociodemographic factors We discuss implications of these findings and potential applications of the scale for future research
87 citations
TL;DR: The results highlight the importance of communication in determining EOL cancer care and suggest that communication disparities may contribute to Black–White differences in EOL care.
Abstract: Concerns have been raised about the quality of life and health care received by cancer patients at the end of life (EOL). Many patients die with pain and other distressing symptoms inadequately controlled, receiving burdensome, aggressive care that worsens quality of life and limits patient exposure to palliative care, such as hospice. Patient–physician communication is likely a very important determinate of EOL care. Discussions of EOL with physicians are associated with an increased likelihood of the following (1) acknowledgment of terminal illness, (2) preferences for comfort care over life extension, and (3) receipt of less intensive, life-prolonging and more palliative EOL care; while this appears to hold for White patients, it is less clear for Black, advanced cancer patients. These results highlight the importance of communication in determining EOL cancer care and suggest that communication disparities may contribute to Black–White differences in EOL care. We review the pertinent literature and di...
83 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that message topic and source both play roles in determining message recall as well as in determining how memorable messages impacted behavior.
Abstract: Often, people are able to recall a message on a particular topic for a long period of time. These memorable messages have the ability to influence behavior when they are recalled from memory long after initial exposure. Knowing the topics and sources of the messages that are remembered about breast cancer can improve the efficacy of future breast cancer outreach. To this end, 359 women completed an online survey about memorable breast cancer messages. Most women (60%) recalled a memorable message, described it, identified its source, and noted whether it had resulted in prevention or detection behaviors. Four categories of message topics emerged: early detection (37.3%), awareness (30.9%), treatment (25.8%), and prevention (6%). Furthermore, five categories of sources of these memorable messages were found: media (35.5%), friends (22.2%), family (21.6%), medical professionals (15.2%), and others (5.5%). The media were a major source of all four topics of messages, although family members, friends, and the...
81 citations
TL;DR: Exposure to multiple sources of HIV information was significantly related to HIV knowledge and less stigmatizing attitude toward PLWHA, and Enhancing the content and penetration of HIV/AIDS campaigns within various channels of the media can be an important strategy in disseminating HIV knowledge.
Abstract: Exposure to mass media related to HIV/AIDS has been linked to attitudinal and behavioral changes. This study aims to identify the source(s) of HIV information for the general Chinese population and examine their association with HIV transmission knowledge and stigmatizing attitude toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). A total of 3,716 market workers in Fuzhou, China, participated in a face-to-face survey. Multiple regression models were used to describe correlations among respondents' HIV/STD information sources, HIV transmission knowledge, and stigmatizing attitude toward PLWHA. Mass media sources, such as television programs, newspapers, and magazines, were more frequently identified as the channels for HIV information than interpersonal sources, such as friends and service providers. Exposure to multiple sources of HIV information (where at least one source is mass media) was significantly related to HIV knowledge and less stigmatizing attitude toward PLWHA. Mass media in China has been a major source of HIV information to the public. Enhancing the content and penetration of HIV/AIDS campaigns within various channels of the media can be an important strategy in disseminating HIV knowledge and reducing HIV-related discrimination.
79 citations
TL;DR: Evidence is provided that scanned information exposure measures are valid indicators of the construct about cancer prevention and screening behaviors and researchers might consider their use to capture scanned media influence on cognitions and behaviors.
Abstract: Individuals may obtain health information, particularly from the mass media, without engaging in purposeful information searches (called scanning). This study used the Seeking and Scanning Behavior Survey of the General Population (SSBG), a nationally representative survey of adults aged 40–70 years (n = 2,489), to validate measures of scanned information exposure about cancer prevention and screening behaviors. Scanned exposure measures concerning specific behaviors (exercise; fruit and vegetable consumption; dieting; and mammogram, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) text, and colonoscopy screening) have good face validity and are convergent across behaviors (mean correlation across six preventive behaviors = 0.50, sd = 0.09). These measures can be discriminated from measures of general media exposure (mean r = 0.23, sd = 0.02) and seeking exposure for the same behaviors (mean r = 0.25, sd = 0.06). Scanned information exposure was associated with weekly volume of newspaper coverage for two of six behaviors,...
TL;DR: Emergency information was present on nearly all (96%) of the sites examined and Mobilizing information (MI), information found in news that can cue people to act on preexisting attitudes, also was explored.
Abstract: While local television news is the most cited source for seeking news and information, many individuals also report finding their news from the Internet. During a disaster, people need access to accurate information and clear, specific instructions to help them act appropriately. Therefore, it is important to assess the volume and scope of emergency information being disseminated on local television news websites. This study analyzed the content of 293 emergency-related stories on 119 local television news websites. Mobilizing information (MI), information found in news that can cue people to act on preexisting attitudes, also was explored. Results showed that emergency information was present on nearly all (96%) of the sites examined. A majority of news stories focused on natural disasters (52%) and most frequently discussed multiple disasters (e.g., hurricanes and pandemics). Mobilizing information was present in fewer than half of the stories (44%); stories were more likely to contain identificational ...
TL;DR: The Obama campaign’s use of new media was an evolution from prior presidential campaigns such as Governor Dean's 2004 campaign, which made extensive use of the Internet for grassroots fundraising and took their application to a new level.
Abstract: For those who still question the value of new media in public health campaigns, the election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States can be instructive. Obama's campaign strategy...
TL;DR: A prototype for a risk communication module was developed, focusing on eliciting users' preferences for different interactive graphics and assessing usability and user interpretations, which appeared to have potential for expressing risk magnitude as well as the feeling of risk.
Abstract: Recent findings suggest that interactive game-like graphics might be useful in communicating probabilities. We developed a prototype for a risk communication module, focusing on eliciting users' preferences for different interactive graphics and assessing usability and user interpretations. Feedback from five focus groups was used to design the graphics. The final version displayed a matrix of square buttons; clicking on any button allowed the user to see whether the stick figure underneath was affected by the health outcome. When participants used this interaction to learn about a risk, they expressed more emotional responses, both positive and negative, than when viewing any static graphic or numerical description of a risk. Their responses included relief about small risks and concern about large risks. The groups also commented on static graphics: arranging the figures affected by disease randomly throughout a group of figures made it more difficult to judge the proportion affected but often was described as more realistic. Interactive graphics appear to have potential for expressing risk magnitude as well as the feeling of risk. This affective impact could be useful in increasing perceived threat of high risks, calming fears about low risks, or comparing risks. Quantitative studies are planned to assess the effect on perceived risks and estimated risk magnitudes.
TL;DR: Key methods through which web-based peer-to-peer communication may affect health promotion and disease prevention behavior are discussed (exchanges of information, emotional and instrumental support, and establishment of group norms and models).
Abstract: Online communication among patients and consumers through support groups, discussion boards, and knowledge resources is becoming more common. In this article, the summary of a workgroup discussion, we discuss key methods through which such web-based peer-to-peer communication may affect health promotion and disease prevention behavior (exchanges of information, emotional and instrumental support, and establishment of group norms and models). We also discuss several theoretical models for studying online peer communication, including social theory, health communication models, and health behavior models. Although online peer communication about health and disease is very common, research evaluating effects on health behaviors, mediators, and outcomes is still relatively sparse. We suggest that future research in this field should include formative evaluation and studies of effects on mediators of behavior change, behaviors, and outcomes. It also will be important to examine spontaneously emerging peer communication efforts to see how they can be integrated with theory-based efforts initiated by researchers.
TL;DR: Smoking media literacy may be a valuable construct to address in college populations and is independently associated with lower odds of smoking.
Abstract: Organizations recommend media literacy to reduce tobacco use, and higher media literacy has been associated with lower smoking among high school students. The relationship between smoking media literacy and tobacco use, however, has not been systematically studied among college students. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between smoking and smoking media literacy among college students. We conducted the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) at a large, urban university, adding six items measuring smoking media literacy. A total of 657 students responded to this random sample e-mail survey. We used multiple logistic regression to determine independent associations between smoking media literacy items and current smoking. The media literacy scale was internally consistent (alpha = 0.79). Of the respondents, 21.5% reported smoking cigarettes over the past 30 days. In a fully adjusted multivariate model, participants with medium media literacy had an odds ratio (OR) for current smoking of 0.45 (95% CI = 0.29, 0.70), and those with high media literacy had an OR for current smoking of 0.38 (95% CI = 0.20, 0.70). High smoking media literacy is independently associated with lower odds of smoking. Smoking media literacy may be a valuable construct to address in college populations.
TL;DR: This exploratory study provides a crucial first step in gaining an understanding of the relationship between health literacy and potential factors such as knowledge, self-efficacy, and intent to take hormone therapy among postmenopausal women.
Abstract: Little is known about how health literacy affects women's decisions about their menopausal health care. This exploratory study provides a crucial first step in gaining an understanding of the relationship between health literacy and potential factors such as knowledge, self-efficacy, and intent to take hormone therapy among postmenopausal women. Data were collected for 106 participants, age range 45–65, who were attending a family clinic. Participants completed a questionnaire that included questions on hormone therapy knowledge, self-efficacy, behavioral intent concerning hormone therapy, and health literacy as well as demographic data. Inferential statistical tests were used to assess the relationships among health literacy, knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavioral intent concerning hormone therapy. Pearson correlations indicated a positive relationship between both health literacy and knowledge about hormone therapy (r = .64; p ≤ .01) and between health literacy and self-efficacy regarding hormone ther...
TL;DR: Examination of medical students' learning about disability in a project using individuals with disabilities as medical educators provides evidence of the ways examining disability can serve as a cornerstone for building relationship-centered patient care and encouraging reflective practice overall.
Abstract: Patients with disabilities receive fewer health services than the general population, yet they have greater health needs. Similarly, physicians report limited training in disability. The current project examines medical students' learning about disability in a project using individuals with disabilities as medical educators. Family medicine clerkship students (N = 138) across an academic year were videotaped during interviews with standardized patient educators with disabilities and during feedback sessions following the interactions. Qualitative analysis of feedback transcripts identifies three primary areas of integrating learning, reflective practice, and disability: (1) learning how disability impacts the treatment plan, (2) self-reflection and recognizing attitudes about disability, and (3) learning about the practice of medicine generally from the disability exercise. Themes are identified within each of the primary learning areas. Medical student reflection provides evidence of learning to connect disability with pain, everyday life, and treatment. Medical students learned to recognize patients' expertise in their own condition and in health care navigation. Medical students also examined how their language implies attitude. The current investigation provided evidence of the ways examining disability can serve as a cornerstone for building relationship-centered patient care and encouraging reflective practice overall.
TL;DR: Testing the usability of a touch-screen-enabled personal education program (PEP) showed that older adults rated the PEP system usability, system usefulness, and system-use satisfaction at a moderately high level and at an exceptionally high level for prototype-2.
Abstract: Failure to adhere to an antihypertensive regimen and interactions between antihypertensives and other medicines represent serious health threats to older adults. This study tested the usability of a touch-screen-enabled personal education program (PEP). Findings showed that older adults rated the PEP system usability, system usefulness, and system-use satisfaction at a moderately high level for prototype-1 and at an exceptionally high level for prototype-2. A 201.91% reduction in interface errors and a 31.08% decrease in interface time also were found between the two trials. This participatory usability design was highly successful in tailoring its program interface design to accommodate older users to enhance their health communication and technology use efficacy.
TL;DR: This article presents the results of a 2-hour working group convened during a cancer communications workshop held at the 2008 Society of Behavioral Medicine meeting, and discusses the current state of the science with respect to familial communication during the cancer experience.
Abstract: The family is often the primary support unit for the cancer patient. We are beginning to understand the impact of a cancer diagnosis on the family, but we are still far from understanding the complex process of how and why information is communicated within families during and after a cancer diagnosis. As survival rates increase and treatments become more complex, understanding how to improve communication processes within the family will become even more vital to supporting families and improving patient outcomes. In this article, we present the results of a 2-hour working group convened during a cancer communications workshop held at the 2008 Society of Behavioral Medicine meeting. During the session, an interdisciplinary group of investigators met and discussed the current state of the science with respect to familial communication during the cancer experience. We focused our discussion on four general areas: current state of the research, theoretical perspectives, methodological perspectives, and areas for future research and intervention in order to understand family communication in this context. Currently, most research has focused on couples and caregivers, mainly in the context of breast cancer. More research is needed into a wider array of cancers and expanding our theoretical foundations into understanding communication between other family members and approaching the family as a unit. Finally, we conclude with recommendations for three content areas to focus future research and intervention development efforts, namely, (1) familial life course, (2) technological advances, and (3) changing structure of the family.
TL;DR: It is suggested that a website conveying theory-based messages can serve as a useful tool for improving young females' physical activity and exercise self-efficacy and needs research that explores different degrees and dimensions of tailoring in order to find the optimal degree of audience segmentation.
Abstract: A web-based, stage-matched message intervention was designed in order to see the effect on the physical activity of young Taiwanese women with regard to several variables. The intervention was guided by the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and was evaluated using a pre–post-test control group design. One hundred thirty female freshmen, enrolled in a nursing class in a university in Taipei, completed the survey at three different points in time. They were assigned to three groups: an experimental group with stage-matched messages on the website, a generic group with non-stage-matched messages on the website, and a control group that was given only lectures but had no access to the website. Results indicated that the subjects in the stage-matched group improved most in terms of stage-of-exercise and amount of physical activity, followed by the generic group at immediate post-test; meanwhile, the control group had a tendency toward downward change. The effect did not persist, however, for the first two groups. A...
TL;DR: The development of a community health advisor(CHA)-led intervention aimed at increasing informed decision making (IDM) for prostate cancer screening among church-attending African American men is described.
Abstract: One way of developing culturally relevant health communication in the African American church setting is to develop spiritually based interventions, in which the health message is framed by relevant spiritual themes and scripture. In this article we describe the development of a community health advisor (CHA)-led intervention aimed at increasing informed decision making (IDM) for prostate cancer screening among church-attending African American men. Full-color print educational booklets were developed and pilot tested with extensive community participation of church-attending African American men age-eligible for screening. The intervention development phase consisted of ideas solicited from an advisory panel of African American men (N = 10), who identified core content and developed the spiritual themes. In the intervention pilot testing phase, prototypes of the intervention materials were pilot tested for graphic appeal in two focus groups (N = 16), and content was tested for acceptability and comprehension using individual cognitive response interviews (N = 10). Recommendations were made for project branding and logo and for use of graphics of real people in the educational materials. Significant feedback was obtained from the focus groups, on the graphics, colors, fonts, continuity, titles, and booklet size/shape. The importance of working closely with the community when developing interventions is discussed, as well as the importance of pilot testing of educational materials.
TL;DR: Individuals with a family history of cancer are at elevated risk for the disease, and web-based tools are available to assist in assessing risk, but education level affected information seeking, and efforts are under way to lessen this potential barrier.
Abstract: Individuals with a family history of cancer are at elevated risk for the disease, and web-based tools are available to assist in assessing risk. Preferences for a potential campaign to promote awareness of the role of family history in cancer risk were sought, guided by McGuire's Input-Output Persuasion Model. A randomized telephone survey administered to five underserved communities assessed potential campaign messages, channels, sources, receivers, and destinations and use of the Internet (n = 101). Information sources sought about hereditary cancer and their predictors were assessed. Nearly half of the sample was African American and had annual income below $25,000. Most (59%) had Internet access at home. Few differences emerged as a function of race (African American vs. Other). The Internet was the most common (43%) first source sought for hereditary cancer information, followed by physicians (23%). In univariate multinomial logistic regression models, those with a high school education or more and those with greater family history (trend) were more likely than those without to choose the Internet as their first source of information over physicians. Our survey provided a wealth of information for understanding how to best launch our family history cancer risk communication campaign. Education level affected information seeking, and efforts are under way to lessen this potential barrier.
TL;DR: Students' understanding of prenatal screening results, as well as their risk assessment for having a fetus with Down syndrome, and numeracy level are studied to suggest that presenting information in frequency format is particularly beneficial for certain populations.
Abstract: We studied the effects of presentation formats (frequency, 1-in-N, and visual) and numeracy level on students' understanding of prenatal screening results, as well as their risk assessment for having a fetus with Down syndrome. Frequency format (vs. 1-in-N and visual formats) improved participants' ability to accurately assess the chances of having a fetus with Down syndrome, and was associated with lower risk estimates. High numeracy levels were associated with a better ability to judge risk likelihood. For individuals of low numeracy levels, however, the frequency format significantly facilitated accurate understanding of probability information. This suggests that presenting information in frequency format is particularly beneficial for certain populations.
TL;DR: Viewing antidrug websites was related to gender, income, likelihood of using marijuana in the next 12 months, having close friends who use drugs and talking to friends about avoiding drugs, parental monitoring, and drug prevention exposure.
Abstract: Given the uncertain effects of antidrug media campaigns, and the ease of finding online illegal drug information, research is needed on the Internet role in disseminating drug information to youths. This exploratory study analyzes National Survey of Parents and Youth (NSPY) data on drug website viewing among 12-18 year olds (N = 7,145). Approximately 10.4% reported drug-related website exposure: 5.4% viewed only websites that communicated how to avoid drugs or bad things about drugs (antidrug websites); 1.7% only viewed websites that communicated how to use drugs and good things about drugs (prodrug websites); and 3.2% viewed both types of websites. The low rates of viewing antidrug websites occurred despite efforts in the National Youth Antidrug Media Campaign (NYAMC) to encourage youths to visit such websites. Prodrug website viewers had used inhalants and been offered marijuana, perceived little risk in trying marijuana, intended to use marijuana, had close friends who used drugs, reported low parental monitoring, and had been exposed to antidrug media messages. Viewing antidrug websites was related to gender, income, likelihood of using marijuana in the next 12 months, having close friends who use drugs and talking to friends about avoiding drugs, parental monitoring, and drug prevention exposure. Prior prevention exposure increased drug website viewing overall, perhaps by increasing general curiosity about drugs. Because adolescents increasingly seek health information online, research is needed on how they use the Internet as a drug information source, the temporal relationships of prevention exposure and drug website viewing, and the effects of viewing prodrug websites on drug risk.
TL;DR: This article reviews recent health communication and marketing efficacy research, presents two case studies that illustrate some of the considerations in making efficacy design choices, and advocates for greater emphasis on rigorous efficacy research and the development of a research agenda.
Abstract: Communication and marketing are growing areas of health research, but relatively few rigorous efficacy studies have been conducted in these fields. In this article, we review recent health communication and marketing efficacy research, present two case studies that illustrate some of the considerations in making efficacy design choices, and advocate for greater emphasis on rigorous health communication and marketing efficacy research and the development of a research agenda. Much of the outcomes research in health communication and marketing, especially mass media, utilizes effectiveness designs conducted in real time, in the media markets or communities in which messages are delivered. Such evaluations may be impractical or impossible, however, imiting opportunities to advance the state of health communication and marketing research and the knowledge base on effective campaign strategies, messages, and channels. Efficacy and effectiveness studies use similar measures of behavior change. Efficacy studies, however, offer greater opportunities for experimental control, message exposure, and testing of health communication and marketing theory. By examining the literature and two in-depth case studies, we identify advantages and limitations to efficacy studies. We also identify considerations for when to adopt efficacy and effectiveness methods, alone or in combination. Finally, we outline a research agenda to investigate issues of internal and external validity, mode of message presentation, differences between marketing and message strategies, and behavioral outcomes.
TL;DR: As predicted, physicians who perceived greater threat to patients and greater efficacy demonstrated greater intentions and behavior to test their patients' level of kidney functioning.
Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the effects of perceived threat and efficacy on physicians' intentions and behavior to test their patients' level of kidney functioning. Guided by the extended parallel process model, 151 physicians completed an initial survey measuring threat to patients (i.e., susceptibility and severity) and efficacy (i.e., response-efficacy and self-efficacy), as well as their current intentions and behavior. One-hundred and twelve of these physicians also completed and returned a follow-up survey sent approximately 4 months later using identical measures of intentions and behavior. As predicted, physicians who perceived greater threat to patients and greater efficacy demonstrated greater intentions and behavior to test their patients' level of kidney functioning. The theoretical and practical insights and implications of these findings are discussed.
TL;DR: The most common approaches to improve patient communication are reviewed, distinguishing among patient-directed and provider-directed approaches, as well as introducing multimedia programs designed to enhance communication.
Abstract: As patients are increasingly involved in the selection of their care, communication between health care providers and patients takes on new importance. The present article reviews the most common approaches to improve patient communication, distinguishing among patient-directed and provider-directed approaches, as well as introducing multimedia programs designed to enhance communication. We conclude by delineating new critical areas for future research including peer-to-peer patient communication and the challenges brought on by new technologies.
TL;DR: Beliefs about AD risks and causes, genetic testing, and development of treatments partly may determine the interpersonal communication patterns of genetic susceptibility test results, and demographic characteristics, along with beliefs about AD, associated with such communication are examined.
Abstract: This study explored the extent to which recipients of genetic susceptibility testing for Alzheimer's disease (AD) communicated their results to others. It also examined demographic characteristics, along with beliefs about AD, associated with such communication. Participants (N = 271) in a randomized clinical trial involving genetic testing for Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene variants among first-degree relatives of AD patients reported their communication behaviors 6 weeks after the results disclosure. Information on beliefs about AD and genetic testing was collected at baseline. Eighty-two percent of participants receiving APOE genotype information shared their results with someone. Specifically, 64% shared with family members, 51% with spouse or significant others, 35% with friends, and 12% with health care professionals. Greater AD treatment optimism was associated with communicating results to family (OR = 1.43), spouse (OR = 1.62), friends (OR = 1.81), and health care professionals (OR = 2.20). Lower p...
TL;DR: Using examples from a 6-year communication and behavioral oncology research program established at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Michigan, selected empirical issues are described; models, particularly the “convergence model” (adapted from Rogers & Kincaid, 1981); and associated constructs that are relevant and promising foundations for building future research in cancer clinical settings are described.
Abstract: Much cancer-related health communication research has involved studies of the effects of media campaigns and strategies on secondary prevention. Cancer diagnosis rates, however, continue to affect millions of people. The need exists for communication studies to address the quality of the clinical interaction, the point of actual care delivery in addressing diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Using examples from a 6-year communication and behavioral oncology research program established at the Karmanos Cancer Institute (KCI) in Detroit, Michigan, we describe selected empirical issues; models, particularly the "convergence model" (adapted from Rogers & Kincaid, 1981); and associated constructs that are relevant and promising foundations for building future research in cancer clinical settings. Two examples from our empirical research program are described.