O122. The role of framing in modifying behavior to reduce cardiovascular risk after preeclampsia, a vignette study

Abstract

Introduction Observational studies have consistently described that women with a history of hypertension in pregnancy have a markedly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life. Pregnancy is suggested as a “stress test” that identifies women who are at risk for developing clinical cardiovascular disease in later life. This opens up the opportunity for preventive measures at a relatively young age. Helping women to address their cardiovascular risk by modifying lifestyle has proven difficult. Motivation to change behaviour is crucial for effective interventions. Research on promoting healthy lifestyle has demonstrated that even subtle differences in message framing can affect (intentions to improve) health-related behavior. So, framing risk information could be effective in motivating these women too. Perceived probability of developing a disease appears to be another important factor influencing people’s motivation to modify behavior. Objectives Investigating the impact of framing information as a health score versus a risk score and the impact of high versus low probability of developing CVD on the willingness to modify behavior after preeclampsia. Methods Obstetric nurses (n = 165) were invited to participate in a questionnaire containing two hypothetical scenarios, a case with mild preeclampsia and a case with severe preeclampsia. Scores of their willingness to modify behaviour were analysed on a Likert scale by ANOVA. Results We found no significant effect of framing F(3,287) = 1.932, p 0.166. A significant main effect was found of the severity of the case (F(3,287) = 11.12, p 0.001) and a non-significant interaction between severity and framing on the willingness to modify behavior (F(3,287) = 0.592, p 0.442). Conclusions Framing information in health or risk score and its interaction with probability is not of influence in motivating women to modify their lifestyle to decrease cardiovascular risk after preeclampsia. Framing in health or risk score does not seem to be contributing in clinical practice. Those who are presented with a higher risk are more motivated to change their lifestyle.