Title

Investigating the Impact of Message Format, Involvement, Scientific Literacy, and Education on Attitude Toward Reducing Cancer Risk Through Regulation

Authors

Authors

K. J. Silk; S. Nazione; L. Neuberger; S. Smith;C. Atkin

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

J. Cancer Educ.

Keywords

Breast cancer; Heuristic systematic model; PFOA regulation; Uncertain; risk information; IMPRESSION-RELEVANT INVOLVEMENT; OUTCOME-RELEVANT; READABILITY; QUALITY; Oncology; Education, Scientific Disciplines; Public, Environmental &; Occupational Health

Abstract

Recent research links perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to increased breast cancer risk. Efforts to inform the lay public about potential risks associated with PFOA need to be accessible in their content as many individuals, including highly educated ones, have low scientific literacy. This study investigates the role of message format, as well as personal involvement, scientific literacy, and education in influencing attitudes about PFOA regulation. Participants (N = 2,078) were exposed to one of three message formats about PFOA and then responded to survey questions related to their attitude about the need for new regulation. Results revealed that issue involvement was positively related to favorable attitude regarding new regulation, while education and advocacy status were negatively related; cancer experience, scientific literacy, and message format did not influence attitude about new regulation. Implications of the results are discussed as they relate to communicating uncertain risk information to inform and influence lay individuals.

Journal Title

Journal of Cancer Education

Volume

27

Issue/Number

1

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

172

Last Page

178

WOS Identifier

WOS:000300490600027

ISSN

0885-8195

Share

COinS