The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68925

Elizabeth MF Jael, MPH, Health Communications Program, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, 919-485-2752, jael@rti.org

While many older women get mammograms, there is still a significant minority who rarely or never get one, especially after the age of 65. Research shows that many women believe the risks for breast cancer decrease with age or that they are only at risk if they have family members with or had breast cancer. With funding from Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, RTI iteratively developed, tested, and revised a mammography promotion message based on the US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations. As part of this process, the client and RTI decided on who the target audience was. RTI then developed a message based on the USPSTF guidelines and background research on the motivations and barriers for women to get mammograms. Next, we cognitively tested the materials for content, comprehension, interest, and navigation. Based on our findings, we revised the message again and tested it and revised one more time. This session will describe the difficulties recruiting for testing, the process used to produce these health promotion messages, the key findings, and limitations to the project. An in-depth discussion of the changes will be shown to show how cognitive testing improved the comprehensibility and usability of the messages. This session may help health professionals who develop messages and health care providers who work with older adults understand issues relating to informed decision-making.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to:
• • Describe the procedure used to develop a message, particularly cognitive testing methods
• • Articulate findings and limitations.

Keywords: Health Communications, Methodology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.