Adverse outcomes associated with media exposure to contradictory nutrition messages: Results from a population-based sample of cancer patients

Public health and communication scholars have raised concerns about contradictory nutrition messages in the media, speculating that they may have effects on public confusion, trust in dietary recommendations, and nutrition behaviors. However, these concerns have received little empirical attention. This study explores whether media exposure to contradictory nutrition messages is associated with adverse outcomes, including greater backlash (or negative beliefs about nutrition recommendations or research) and decreased fruit and vegetable consumption. We surveyed a population-based sample of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer patients in Pennsylvania (n=1128). We therefore focused on cancer-related contradictory nutrition information, asking whether patients had heard from media that consuming a low-fat diet (1) reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and (2) does not change the risk of recurrence. Patients who heard both messages were considered exposed to contradictory information. We asked about consuming fruits and vegetables using the same set of questions. One-third of patients heard that consuming a low-fat diet or fruits and vegetables not only might reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, but also might have no effect. Those who reported more contradictory message exposure also reported greater backlash (r=0.154, p<.001), agreeing that “scientists keep changing their minds” and that “nutrition recommendations should be taken with a grain of salt.” Additionally, those who reported greater exposure reported consuming fewer fruits and vegetables (r=-0.159, p<.001). These associations remained significant after controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics in linear regression models. Implications for public health campaign designers, health journalists, and nutrition scientists will be discussed.