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

    Authors

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

    Comments

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    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

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