Inform Communication Strategies Research Articles

Patient-physician interpersonal processes of care at the time of diabetes treatment intensification and their links to patient outcomes

ObjectiveTo investigate how patient-physician interpersonal processes of care are related to levels of diabetes-related distress, diabetes medication-taking behavior, and HbA1c during conversations with patients about intensifying medication. MethodsWe randomly recruited 1270 patients from diabetes specialty clinics in Tehran, Iran who were taking an additional oral diabetes medication or starting insulin during the prior 3 months. This interviewer-administered cross-sectional survey assessed multiple aspects of patient-physician interpersonal processes, diabetes-related distress, and diabetes medication-taking. Clinical history and HbA1c were collected from electronic medical records. Regression estimates and Structural Equation Modeling were used to test associations. ResultsSome communication scales indicated a significant relationship with total diabetes distress (P < 0.001). Diabetes medication-taking was associated with less diabetes distress (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=0.45, P < 0.001), lower Hurried Communication (aOR=0.72, P = 0.013), higher Elicited Concerns (aOR=1.30, P = 0.012), and higher Explained Results (aOR=1.41, P < 0.001) scores. SEM analyses showed medication-taking behavior was associated with a 0.68 decrease in HbA1c. Hurried Communication and diabetes distress were directly associated with HbA1c. ConclusionAspects of patient-physician interpersonal processes at the time of intensifying diabetes treatment may be related to experiencing less distress, effective medication-taking, and improved HbA1c. Practice implicationsThe results are intended to inform communication strategies that physicians might incorporate into practice.

Worry Much? Preventive Health Behaviours Related to Worry Across Countries Amid COVID-19

The heterogeneous spread of COVID-19 around the world has led to differing mental health impacts across countries. This is on account of varying state responses to curbing the pandemic as well as differences in individual preventive health behaviours. The present study examined the relationship between worry and health behaviours using secondary data from an online survey of nearly 70000 respondents from 33 countries. We hypothesized that preventive health behaviours would predict the level of worry experienced, which in turn would predict future health behaviours. Further, to account for cultural differences, regression analyses included a metric of cultural distance from the US. Past behaviours such as avoiding social gatherings, maintaining physical distance, and regular hand washing predicted higher worry, whereas staying at home negatively predicted worry. In general, being culturally distant from the US was associated with significantly lower worry. Results also showed that avoiding social gatherings and maintaining physical distance predicted less worry among respondents in countries culturally distant from the US. In contrast, reporting symptoms increased worry in such countries. Worry, in turn, differentially predicted whether individuals would leave their home in the next 5 days, reducing the likelihood of stepping outside (more so for “bad” behaviours such as for expressing personal freedoms and meeting others socially). However, being culturally distant from the US was not associated with (future) going out behaviours. Findings are discussed from a cross-cultural perspective, analysing worry as an approach-avoidance motivator of health-related behaviour. Capitalizing on cultural differences in approach-avoidance motivations is suggested to help inform health communication strategies.

A Research on the Influence of Enterprise Sustainable Development Concept Information Communication Strategy on Consumers’ Purchasing Intention

With the continuous consumption of global resources, the concept of sustainable development has been paid more and more attention by enterprises.There’s been a lot of academic research on this topic, however, there are not many quantitative studies that taking sustainable development conception as an information communication strategy analyzes its impact on consumers’ purchasing intentions. From this new perspective, this article firstly establishes a conceptual model and divides the information communication strategies of enterprise sustainable development concept into four types, according to the goal and scale of framing effects. By the scenario simulation experimental method, this paper studies the influence of information communication strategy of enterprise sustainable development concept on consumers’ purchasing intention and the moderating effect of consumer knowledge, applying T test and regression analysis. The results show that:compared with the loss framework, the gaining framework for information communication strategy of sustainable development concept has a significant positive impact on consumers’ purchasing intention;and the lower the consumer knowledge is, the greater the influence of information communication strategy has effect on consumers’ purchasing intention.

Demographic and Attitudinal Factors of Adherence to Quarantine Guidelines During COVID-19: The Italian Model.

In Italy, a large outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred from 2020 January 30, before the World Health Organization has stated that it is a pandemic. The nationwide quarantine had the desired impact of controlling the epidemic, although had presented many challenges, given its large economic and social costs. Complete adherence to recommendations can potentially decelerate and reduce infectious disease outbreaks. To date, it is not clear how compliant the Italian public has been with voluntary home quarantine, neither which factors have influenced an individual’s decision to comply with a quarantine order. The purposes of this study were to investigate the degree of the adherence to quarantine restrictions and the factors associated with the self-reported adherence. During the third week of the national lockdown, 3,672 Italian quarantined adult residents (65% females; range, 18–85 years) participated in an online cross-sectional survey focused on the risk perception of contracting COVID-19 and their reported adherence to quarantine protocols. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among demographic groups in tendency to comply with quarantine orders, with women, most educated people, residents of Southern Italy, middle-aged individuals, and health workers more likely to adhere to quarantine guidelines. As well, participants exhibiting the perception, anxiety, and susceptibility of risk of contracting COVID-19 disease were found significantly more likely to adhere to quarantine guidelines. The results of this study can help public health policy makers to recognize target populations for COVID-19 prevention and health education and to understand how inform communication strategies aimed at minimizing the impact and spread of the disease.

Parent-child sexual and reproductive health communication among very young adolescents in Korogocho informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya

BackgroundParents are an important source of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information for very young adolescents and are likely to have a significant influence on adolescents’ sexual attitudes, values, and risk-related beliefs. This study explored the nature and content of parent-child communication about SRH issues.MethodsThirty-two parents and 30 adolescent boys and girls aged between 11 and 13 years participated in narrative interviews in a resource-poor urban setting in Nairobi, Kenya. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and uploaded on Atlas.ti software for coding and analysis.ResultsFindings from the study show gender differences in parent-child communication. More girls than boys reported that they had talked with their parents about romantic relationships. Four approaches—no communication, fear-based communication, supportive communication, and involving an external person were used by parents in SRH communication. Parents hostile attitudes towards romantic relationships during adolescence discouraged adolescents from disclosing their relationship status. While communication did occur, it was mainly reactive, one-sided, and authoritarian, often initiated by parents.ConclusionsParents need to be empowered with adequate and factual SRH information and effective communication strategies to enhance communication with very young adolescents. There is a need for further research to identify the most effective parent-child communication approaches to improve SRH outcomes among adolescents.

High overall confidence in childhood vaccination in Norway, slightly lower among the unemployed and those with a lower level of education

In Norway, childhood immunisation is offered on voluntary basis, free of charge and is delivered through trained nurses at > 650 child health centres and school health services. Maintaining high confidence in the vaccination programme is key to sustaining high vaccine uptake. We aimed to investigate confidence in childhood vaccination in the general population and to identify determinants for lower confidence.In 2017 and 2018, Statistics Norway asked questions on confidence in childhood vaccination (to all respondents) and children’s vaccination history (to parents) in their routine cross-sectional survey. Respondents reported their level of agreement on a five-point Likert scale. Using a weighted analysis we calculated proportions agreeing [95% confidence interval] by respondent characteristics.Overall, 2169 individuals participated (54% response). 95.8% [94.8–96.7] answered that vaccination is important, 93.4% [92.2–94.4] thought that vaccines are safe, 96.0% [95.0–96.8] thought that vaccines are effective and for 93.4% [92.2–94.4] vaccination was compatible with their basic values. Those with lower level of education expressed lower confidence in vaccination due to conflict with their basic values (88.2% [84.7–91.0] answered positively). Those unemployed expressed lower confidence due to conflict with their basic values (81.9% [71.8–88.9]) and because of concerns about vaccines’ safety (83.5% [73.7–90.1]). 96.3% [94.3–97.6] of parents (n = 580) had their children fully vaccinated, despite that one fifth answered that they at least once have had doubts on whether or not to vaccinate their children.There is high confidence in childhood vaccination in Norway. Those with a lower level of education and the unemployed reported comparatively lower confidence. To maintain high confidence in childhood vaccination, we recommend maintaining the well-informed system with easily accessible vaccinations. Furthermore, we recommend maintaining surveillance of vaccine confidence, supplemented with targeted studies on subgroups who are less confident, express doubts and/or oppose vaccination. Those studies should inform communication strategies tailored to subgroups.

Determinants of environmental risk information seeking: an emphasis on institutional trust and personal control

The release of Fukushima’s radioactive water has important consequences for public health in Japan, the wider region and further afield. Whereas earlier studies of information seeking on risks and trust have tended to relate to risk governance at the national level, this case poses more international dimensions, such as how those in South Korea consider and seek risk information, given Korea’s close proximity to Japan. In this study we examine the South Korean public’s motivation to seek information about risks related to Fukushima’s radioactive water, through analysis of primary survey data. A total of 1,500 Korean residents, recruited via a national survey company, participated in this study. Our findings indicate that negative affect such as anxiety and anger, trust in the Korean government, and controllability of the issue by oneself and experts were determinants for seeking information. We develop specifications regarding personal control in hazard characteristics as a way of contributing to the Risk Information Seeking and Processing model analytical approach. These findings can help inform risk communication strategies and wider governance of environmental public health risks.

The political construction of public health nutrition problems: a framing analysis of parliamentary debates on junk-food marketing to children in Australia.

Junk-food marketing contributes significantly to childhood obesity, which in turn imposes major health and economic burdens. Despite this, political priority for addressing junk-food marketing has been weak in many countries. Competing interests, worldviews and beliefs of stakeholders involved with the issue contribute to this political inertia. An integral group of actors for driving policy change are parliamentarians, who champion policy and enact legislation. However, how parliamentarians interpret and portray (i.e. frame) the causes and solutions of public health nutrition problems is poorly understood. The present study aimed to understand how Australian parliamentarians from different political parties frame the problem of junk-food marketing. Framing analysis of transcripts from the Australian Government's Parliamentary Hansard, involving development of a theoretical framework, data collection, coding transcripts and thematic synthesis of results. Australia. None. Parliamentarian framing generally reflected political party ideology. Liberal parliamentarians called for minimal government regulation and greater personal responsibility, reflecting the party's core values of liberalism and neoliberalism. Greens parliamentarians framed the issue as systemic, highlighting the need for government intervention and reflecting the core party value of social justice. Labor parliamentarians used both frames at varying times. Parliamentarians' framing was generally consistent with their party ideology, though subject to changes over time. This project provides insights into the role of framing and ideology in shaping public health policy responses and may inform communication strategies for nutrition advocates. Advocates might consider using frames that resonate with the ideologies of different political parties and adapting these over time.

Just Ask: Using Faculty Input to Inform Communication Strategies

Just Ask: Using Faculty Input to Inform Communication Strategies

Management information sources and communication strategies for commercially oriented smallholder beef cattle producers in Limpopo province, South Africa

A survey was conducted to identify management information sources and communication channels used by commercially oriented smallholder beef cattle producers ( n = 62) in Limpopo province, South Africa. A total of 62 commercially oriented smallholder farmers under the Limpopo Industrial Development Corporation-Nguni cattle project were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data on farmers’ demographic and farm characteristics, sources of information and communication channels used. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to evaluate factors that influenced farmers’ choices of information sources and communications channels used. Findings show that government extension (53% of the respondents) and other farmers (30%) were the major sources of management information for the farmers. Based on the logistic regression results, the decision to choose government extension as the main source of information was mainly influenced by respondents’ gender ( p = 0.001) and access to training ( p = 0.023). Communication was mainly through farm-to-farm visits (56%) and the use of mobile phones (30%). Based on the current findings, the infusion of modern information communication technologies such as mobile phone-based innovations with the existing government extension service could further strengthen the capacity of farmers to share information among themselves as well as providing feedback to extension agents. Furthermore, it is essential to take cognizance of farmers’ socio-economic factors when identifying and characterizing their management information sources and communication strategies.

TO STUDY THE CLINICAL PROFILE OF HIV/AIDS PATIENTS

Background: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a lenti virus (a subgroup of retrovirus) that causes HIV infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).1 HIV causes progressive impairment in body’s immune system leading to increased susceptibility to tumours and fatal opportunistic infection known as acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The aim of our study was to study the clinical profile of HIV/AIDS patients.&#x0D; Methods: It was an observational study including 100 HIV positive patients who were willing to be a part of the study. According to the WHO case definition, HIV in adults and children 18 months or older is diagnosed based on positive HIV antibody testing (rapid or laboratory-based enzyme immunoassay).&#x0D; Results: In this study Fever was the predominant symptom seen in 75% of cases; followed by weight loss (55%), Cough with expectorants (36%), Haemoptysis (35%), long fever (34%).&#x0D; Conclusion: The present study found that most of the HIV infected patients were from sexually active age group. Emphasizing the need to strengthen our Information education and communication (IEC) strategies to contain HIV/AIDS.&#x0D; Keywords: Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Hematological manifestations, Clinical profile.

Sociocybernetics and action research: Analysis and intervention in complex social problems

Participatory action research (PAR) has been used as a methodology for social intervention that combines research enquiry and action in the analysis of and intervention in complex social problems. However, a better systematization of complex social research processes is required to enable reflexivity at a participatory level and second-order observation of the full research system constructed. This article proposes a PAR model using conceptual and methodological elements of sociocybernetics, which is the application of first- and second-order cybernetics and general systems theory to social sciences. The authors see this model as able to reinforce the systematization of PAR, enabling a second-order reflexivity and feedback process through information analysis and communication strategies. The first part of the article explains how sociocybernetics concepts can contribute to this sociological methodology and discusses points of similarity between the two approaches and the basis of the proposed model. The second part addresses an empirical case of PAR developed in the context of the High Atlas in Morocco using the proposed model. By reinforcing a systems perspective, internal and external elements of the research system can be defined better to understand its relevance to optimal fulfilment of the research purpose. The value that sociocybernetics adds may be the comprehension of processes of change through the assimilation, accommodation and adaptation of the components and limits of the system, the feedback process and other interactions within the system and its environment, in order to analyse how social changes occur in complex settings.

Top executives on social media and information in the capital market: Evidence from China

Social media platforms are becoming increasingly important channels for information dissemination. This study examines how microblogging by top executives affects the information environment for listed firms in an emerging market. Using a manually collected data set of Sina Weibo, one of China's most popular and largest social media platforms, we find that a board chair having a Weibo account is associated with the dissemination of more firm-specific information to the capital market. This result holds up to a battery of robustness tests, including an alternative noise-trading explanation and alternative measures of information flows and definitions of Weibo usage. We also show that the relationship between board chairs' Weibo usage and information dissemination is stronger for smaller firms, firms that went public more recently, and firms characterized by less analyst coverage. In addition, Weibo usage primarily disseminates firm-specific news rather than industry news. Finally, we document that institutional trading is an important channel through which private information is incorporated into stock prices. Findings in this study have important implications for the understanding of the role of social media in the dissemination process of corporate information and corporate communication strategy.

“Can You Take the Heat?” Heat-Induced Health Symptoms Are Associated with Protective Behaviors

Abstract The risks associated with extreme heat are increasing as heat waves become more frequent and severe across larger areas. As people begin to experience heat waves more often and in more places, how will individuals respond? Measuring experience with heat simply as exposure to extreme temperatures may not fully capture how people subjectively experience those temperatures or their varied impacts on human health. These impacts may also influence an individual’s response to heat and motivate risk-reduction behaviors. If subjectively experiencing negative health effects from extreme heat promotes protective actions, these effects could be used alongside temperature exposure to more accurately measure extreme heat experience and inform risk prevention and communication strategies according to local community needs. Using a multilevel regression model, this study analyzes georeferenced national survey data to assess whether Americans’ exposure to extreme heat and experience with its health effects are associated with self-reported protective behaviors. Subjective experience with heat-related health symptoms strongly predicted all reported protective behaviors while measured heat exposure had a much weaker influence. Risk perception was strongly associated with some behaviors. This study focuses particularly on the practice of checking on family, friends, and neighbors during a heat wave, which can be carried out by many people. For this behavior, age, race/ethnicity, gender, and income, along with subjective experience and risk perception, were important predictors. Results suggest that the subjective experience of extreme heat influences health-related behavioral responses and should therefore be considered when designing or improving local heat protection plans.

Role of information communication strategy in the development of rural women

Information communication technology can play a useful role in dissemination of information about various issues to the general public. It can be used for creating proper awareness, imparting education and prevention of various diseases. ICTs play an important role in community development. ICTs inform rural people about projects and programmes through newspapers, radio, television, videos, mobile apps, internet etc. Women in India are suffering from various types of problems. In this case ICTs play an important role in disseminating the information and education among the rural people. Women empowerment is possible through dissemination of information, education and knowledge among the people through ICTs. Present paper aims to discuss about the empowerment of rural women through ICTs.

Doom, gloom, or boom? Perceptions of climate change among Canadian winegrowers

Background: Climate change (CC) could have both positive and negative consequences for the Canadian and global wine industries. Understanding how winegrowers perceive CC, however, can provide insight into how to better assist the industry to cope with the impacts of a changing climate. Material and methods: An online survey of 122 Canadian winegrowers was conducted to understand knowledge, beliefs, environmental values, and perceptions towards CC and its impact on the Canadian wine industry. Environmental values (New Environmental Paradigm score), subjective and objective CC knowledge, CC skepticism and uncertainty, belief in anthropogenic CC, and perceptions of the impacts of CC were measured using established tools. Results: Overall, results show that Canadian winegrowers have a relatively low level of CC skepticism, a medium level of CC scientific knowledge, a pro-ecological (as opposed to anthropological) worldview, and generally believe that CC is caused by a mix of anthropogenic and natural forces. Moreover, a majority of respondents (60%) believe that CC has both positive and negative consequences on their vineyard and winery operations, while 8% think that climate change has no consequence on their operations. An extended growing season for grapes, the improvement of grape and wine quality, and the possibility to grow varieties that are not currently viable were the main beneficial consequences of CC reported by participants, while an increase in both disease and pests in the vineyard were the most commonly identified disadvantages. Finally, no association was observed between CC skepticism, knowledge, environmental values, and the perception of CC consequences. Conclusion: Our findings inform communication strategies for the wine industry around CC, and provide important baseline information on winegrowers’ perceptions that inform wider efforts to improve the capacity of the industry to develop and adapt to the consequences of CC.

MODEL PENGELOLAAN INFORMASI DAN STRATEGI KOMUNIKASI DALAM MEMBANGUN KEPRIBADIAN REMAJA: HASIL NEED ASSESMENT DI KOTA DENPASAR

Indonesia's young generation must be ready to become actors in the midst of global competition and free markets (AFTA) today. However, they must be prepared to face the challenges of the development of mass media that contribute to the formation of their personality. This paper raises the problem: (1) How is educational information management for adolescents? (2) What is the communication strategy that needs to be applied in shaping adolescent personality? The data collection process is carried out by observation, documentation study and in-depth interviews with 15 informants from among educators, observers of adolescent culture, managers and representative media observers. The results of the study indicate that information circulating from the internet and mass media today tends to be less educative. Among them are teaching violent behavior, not creative, luxurious lifestyle without effort, individualism and materialism. Furthermore, communication strategies undertaken by stakeholders are not yet synergistic in supporting the education and development of adolescent personalities. The implementation of media regulations that support education has not been effective, nor has the role of educational institutions, the role of families, and environmental conditions in society also been conducive to delivering healthy, intelligent, independent and responsible future generations. For this reason, effective information management and communication strategies to support the formation of future adolescent personalities need to be developed.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Views of ophthalmologists on the genetics of age-related macular degeneration: Results of a qualitative study.

BackgroundAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in industrialized countries. It is a multifactorial disease of the retina modified by environmental/individual (e.g. smoking) and genetic factors. 34 independent genomic loci are associated with the risk to develop AMD; an interaction between smoking and genetics is currently investigated. It is unclear how the knowledge on the strong genetic component has entered the knowledge base of practicing ophthalmologists, and how they inform and counsel their (AMD) patients about it. In this study, we explore the ophthalmologists’ view on AMD genetics, and their inclination towards communicating genetic risks to patients.MethodsWe recruited a purposive sample of thirty German ophthalmologists (office based: n = 15, hospital employees: n = 15, f:8/30), who took part in a recorded semi-standardized interview. Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis.ResultsThe majority of office-based ophthalmologists claimed to be unfamiliar with genetics of AMD, in contrast to hospital-affiliated ophthalmologists. Both office and hospital ophthalmologists were convinced that genetics lacks practical relevance in everyday patient care. Many withhold information on heritability or genetic background of AMD from patients and their relatives, for fear of unsettling those individuals. The relevance of the genetic component of AMD or an individuals’ high genetic risk for prevention, e.g. screening or lifestyle modifications in persons with adverse genetic profile, was rated low.ConclusionDeveloping genetic educational programs tailored to the routine care of ophthalmologists may be indicated, as well as a better two-way communication between research and practice. Exploring patient views about their expectations to being informed about genetic disease etiology, or about their individual risk, would help inform communication strategies.

Does Information Pattern Affect Risk Perception of Food Safety? A National Survey in China.

Examining the variances in the assessments of risk, as perceived by residents, facilitates the development of appropriate risk information communication strategies. This paper aims to identify the effects of information source patterns on perceived food safety risks based on demographic factors. A national survey was conducted to examine, by means of multiple regression analysis, the relationship between the public’s perceived risks, demographic factors and information access. The study finds that residents’ preferences for information sources have been empirically proven to significantly affect their perceptions of food safety. We also find that more educated young urban dwellers, as well as those without cohabitation experience, tend to perceive a higher level of risk with respect to food safety. In contrast to our expectations, gender, family income and family size are not significantly correlated with the perception of food safety risk. The findings help to explain residents’ attitudes toward food safety administration and reactions to food hazards in the Chinese context. It is recommended that the governing authorities strengthen their communication capacities using modern communication media and make full use of traditional and face-to-face communications with respect to regulations.

Food choice motives, attitude towards and intention to adopt personalised nutrition.

The present study explored associations between food choice motives, attitudes towards and intention to adopt personalised nutrition, to inform communication strategies based on consumer priorities and concerns.Design/SettingA survey was administered online which included the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) and items assessing attitudes towards and intention to adopt personalised nutrition. Nationally representative samples were recruited in nine EU countries (n 9381). Structural equation modelling indicated that the food choice motives 'weight control', 'mood', 'health' and 'ethical concern' had a positive association and 'price' had a negative association with attitude towards, and intention to adopt, personalised nutrition. 'Health' was positively associated and 'familiarity' negatively associated with attitude towards personalised nutrition. The effects of 'weight control', 'ethical concern', 'mood' and 'price' on intention to adopt personalised nutrition were partially mediated by attitude. The effects of 'health' and 'familiarity' were fully mediated by attitude. 'Sensory appeal' was negatively and directly associated with intention to adopt personalised nutrition. Personalised nutrition providers may benefit from taking into consideration the importance of underlying determinants of food choice in potential users, particularly weight control, mood and price, when promoting services and in tailoring communications that are motivationally relevant.