Michelle L. Campo

The Secondhand Effects of College Drinking: The Need for Media Relations

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 07:42:40 PDT

Heavy episodic drinking can lead to significant harmful effects for the drinker and others. Rates of heavy alcohol use on college campuses have remained high, despite increased educational interventions. This study examines the coverage of the negative consequences of drinking among college students. This content analysis looks at coverage from1996-2006 in 32 major US newspapers. Of the total 255 articles, 209 covered at least one negative consequence of college drinking. Consequences were framed as individual in nature and did not acknowledge the impact on other individuals and institutions. Those related to damage to self were covered most often in newspapers from this time period, appearing in nearly every article that mentioned a negative consequence. Damage to others and damages to institutions were mentioned very infrequently. In addition, in 2006, damages to self outnumbered damages to others 4:1 and damages to institutions 10:1. While a range of negative consequences of heavy episodic drinking are covered, the most common harm covered is death, which is severe but highly unlikely. Coverage of more commonly occurring negative consequences were far less frequent. Coverage varied by region and was not consistent with where the greatest college drinking problems are found. The focus on individual harms and particularly those that are uncommon could lead readers to inaccurately perceive the issue as episodic and unrelated to environmental determinants. The study concludes that public relations and public health professionals can use media advocacy to work with the media to illuminate the secondhand impact of episodic drinking beyond those affecting the drinker.

Being convincing : talking to others persuasively /

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 07:03:53 PDT

The Birds, the Bees, and the HPVs: What Drives Mothers’ Intentions to Use the HPV Vaccination as a Chance to Talk About Sex?

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 06:35:59 PDT

Parent-child communication about sex is a way to protect adolescents from engaging in risky behavior. The human papillomavirus vaccine provides mothers with a teachable moment to communicate about sex. This study examines mothers' intentions to talk about sex in conjunction with the vaccination of daughters ages 9 to 15 years, using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a framework. A random sample of mothers was surveyed (N = 217). Findings indicated that mothers' intentions were driven by attitudes, subjective norms, and the age at which they intended to vaccinate. Efforts to encourage vaccination should concentrate on strengthening mothers' attitudes about the value of talking about sex and highlight referent persons who support communication about sex

Completely Isolated? Health Information Seeking Among Social Isolates

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:47:50 PDT

To better target messages it is important to determine where people seek their health information. Interpersonal networks are a common way most people gather health information, but some people have limited networks. Using data from the 2004 General Social Survey (N = 984), we compared social isolates and nonisolates in their health information—seeking behaviors. Results indicate that those with limited social networks are less likely to use interpersonal communication to seek health information and are also less likely to use mediated channels. The results suggest that isolates may also be suffering from a health knowledge gap.

Unlocking the condoms: The effect on sales and theft.

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:32:51 PDT

Community pharmacies may place condoms in locked displays or behind glass, thereby reducing access and consequent use. Objective: Quantify sales and theft of condoms when condoms were unlocked and removed from behind glass in grocery pharmacies Methods: Design. In this pilot study, condom displays were unlocked in selected pharmacies for three months. Participants. Eight grocery pharmacies in central Iowa agreed to participate. Intervention. Stores provided inventory at baseline, sales/theft thereafter in three monthly reports and sales for the same period one-year earlier. Outcome measures. Descriptive statistics quantified condom theft and sales. Number of pharmacies leaving condoms unlocked after the intervention was determined. Results: Theft varied by pharmacy and ranged from an average of 1.33 boxes (units) per month to 27.33 per month. All stores experienced some increase in sales during the intervention. Two locations decided to re-lock their displays, only one indicated theft as the reason. Conclusion: After removing condoms from locked displays, more condoms were purchased and stolen from the study pharmacies. Sales outweighed theft in all pharmacies.

Caution, The Use of Humor May Lead to Confusion: Evaluation of a Video Podcast of the Midwest Teen Sex Show

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:12:19 PDT

Web sites about sexual health lack the interactivity, humor, and “viral” nature required to attract young adults. The Midwest Teen Sex Show (www.midwestteensexshow.com) is an interactive, humor-based Web site that provides sexual health information to young adults. One episode from the Web site was shown to six focus groups of young women, ages 18–30. Women found it funny, but some were offended or confused. Women were unable to differentiate between facts and humor; however, women could identify the key messages. Most women reported they would think about it later, visit the Web site, and share it with friends. Web-based interventions should use humor with caution.

Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Mothers’ Intentions to Vaccinate Their Daughters Against HPV

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:01:54 PDT

This study assessed mothers’ intentions to vaccinate their daughters against human papillomavirus (HPV) using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Experience with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), beliefs about the vaccine encouraging sexual activity, and perception of daughters’ risk for HPV were also examined for a relationship with intention. A random sample of mothers in a rural, Midwestern state were mailed a survey with questions pertaining to the intention to vaccinate. Attitudes were the strongest predictor of mothers’ intentions to vaccinate, but intentions were not high. Subjective norms also influence intention. Mothers’ risk perceptions, experience with STIs, and beliefs about the vaccine encouraging sexual activity were not related to intention. Mothers’ perceptions of the daughters’ risks for HPV were surprisingly low. This research provides a foundation for designing interventions to increase HPV vaccination rates. Further research should explore ways to influence mothers’ attitudes and to uncover the referent groups mothers refer to for vaccination behavior.

Preventing Unintended Pregnancies and Improving Contraceptive Use Among Young Adult Women in a Rural, Midwestern State: Health Promotion Implications

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 08:19:12 PDT

Despite high rates of unintended pregnancy among women aged 18 to 30 years, little research has been conducted to understand the factors associated with their contraceptive use. Eighteen focus groups were conducted with young adult women (N = 106) who were mostly white, non-Hispanic. Results suggested that contraceptive use was negatively affected by low contraceptive knowledge; use of alcohol; a lack of planning for sex; a misperception of the likelihood of pregnancy; forgetting to use contraceptives; and concerns about side effects, cost, and confidentiality. Women liked the peace of mind that using contraceptives gave them and the benefits of regular periods from some hormonal methods. Implications for reducing unintended pregnancies through interventions are offered.

Factors Related to Physicians' Willingness to Vaccinate Girls Against HPV: The Importance of Subjective Norms and Perceived Behavioral Control

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 08:11:54 PDT

This study assessed factors related to physicians' intentions to vaccinate patients against human papillomavirus. A random sample of physicians was surveyed. The survey questions focused on the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the relationship of theoretical constructs to intention to vaccinate. Of the 207 physicians who responded, intentions to vaccinate were very high (86.5%). On a scale of 1 to 7 (strongly disagree to strongly agree) physicians had positive attitudes toward the vaccine. Physicians reported the vaccine was a good idea (M = 6.65, SD = 0.79), beneficial (M = 6.64, SD = 0.76), and protected against cervical cancer (M = 6.63, SD = 0.77). Intention to vaccinate was driven by subjective norms (provided by guidelines or standards of practice by important professional and general referent groups) (β = 1.00, p < 0.05) and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.39, p < 0.05). These findings indicate that public health efforts to encourage physicians to adopt the human papillomavirus vaccine should focus on subjective norms, such as those provided by professional organizations.

Using evidence-basedresearch to redirectaconversation: Newspapers’ coverage of strategies to address college binge drinking

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 07:48:24 PDT

This study examines selected newspapers’ coverage of college binge drinking while also serving as an example of evidence-based practices that can be of use to public relations practitioners and health care professionals working to draw attention to important factors that are not being addressed in either public or policy conversations related to this issue. We examine newspaper coverage in 32 newspapers from 1997 to 2006 to determine which strategies to address college binge drinking are being covered and which of those are evidence-based and implemented by colleges. The mix of individual versus environmental strategies was examined based on Social Cognitive Theory. In the 255 articles analyzed, the majority of strategies covered were environmental. The most frequently covered strategy, increasing student knowledge, is individual and not evidence-based. Strategies classified as effective were not frequently covered. Media advocacy is offered as an evidence-based practice that public relations and health care professionals can use to affect change.

The Missing Role of Parents: A Content Analysis of Newspaper Coverage of Parenting Practices and Communication Strategies for Addressing Binge Drinking

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 07:35:28 PDT

Parents can employ communication strategies to prevent alcohol use among college students. This investigation utilizes content analysis to examine the coverage of parent-related strategies in 32 newspapers over the last decade. Of the 255 articles related to college drinking, only 49 mentioned one or more parenting strategies. The most frequently mentioned strategies were parental notification of their child's problem behavior by college administrators and communicating with older children about alcohol. The strategies mentioned least were monitoring and staying connected with college-aged children and talking about the consequences of binge drinking. The minimal coverage suggests a need for the use of media advocacy by public health professionals

The Green Acres Effect: The Need for a New Colorectal Cancer Screening Campaign Tailored to Rural Audiences

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:36:50 PDT

National health communication campaign developers have ignored rural audiences in campaign development and testing, despite the health disparities that exist for this group. Researchers in a rural Midwestern state tested the appropriateness of CDC's national colorectal cancer screening campaign, Screen for Life. Based on focus groups and a quasiexperimental design evaluation, researchers determined that the national campaign did not adequately address the needs of the rural audience. A new print and radio campaign was developed based on previous findings, grounded in social marketing and the health belief model. New tailored campaign materials were refined in focus groups. Final versions were tested in two quasiexperimental designs. Results support the campaign's reach and efficacy. Those in the intervention county were significantly more likely than the unexposed to (a) report recent exposure to ads, (b) plan to seek out information regarding screening, and (c) plan to get screened in the near future.

Fact or Wishful Thinking? Biased Expectations in I Think I Look Better When I'm Tanned

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:27:42 PDT

Objective: To examine the impact of tanned female images on respondents' perceptions of attractiveness, healthiness, and height and weight estimations. Method: A 3 (light, medium, or dark tan) by 2 (male or female respondent) experimental design. Results: Only male respondents perceived the dark-tanned woman as more physically attractive and thinner than both light- and medium-tanned women. Men also perceived the dark-tanned woman as more interpersonally attractive and healthier than the medium-tanned woman. Conclusions: Campaigns targeted at males need to reduce the perceptions that tanned females are healthier, thinner, and more attractive. Educational efforts targeting females need to reduce attraction-based motivations.

Indoor Tanning and Problem Behavior

Zhanna Bagdasarov et al. — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:19:34 PDT

Objective: The authors examined factors predicting college students' use of tanning beds. Participants and Methods: Undergraduate students (N = 745) at a large Northeastern university participated in the study by answering a survey measuring tanning behavior and other psychosocial variables, including sensation seeking, self-esteem, tanning image beliefs, and friends' tanning bed use. Results: All 3 systems from problem behavior theory predicted past tanning bed use and intention to use tanning beds. The authors observed a positive association between sensation seeking and intention to use tanning beds. Tanning image beliefs were positively associated with both past tanning behavior and intention to use tanning beds. Conclusions: Interventions focusing on friend and acquaintance social network influences may be more effective than health-risk campaigns in reducing tanning bed use.

You are what you consume: The role of media in obesity

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:37:51 PDT

Physician communication with seriously ill cancer patients Results of a physician survey

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:25:46 PDT

Smoking, but not smokers – self-labeling among college students who smoke cigarettes.

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:15:15 PDT

Cigarette smoking in college is often described as social smoking, but the term lacks definition and implicitly discounts dependence. We report on college students' use of the terms social smoker and smoker. Students who currently smoked cigarettes were asked whether they considered themselves smokers, and whether they smoked because they were social smokers. The survey was conducted during 1999–2004 at eight colleges; analysis was limited to 1,401 students aged 18–24 years. More than half of students (56.3%) denied being smokers (“deniers”) despite current smoking behavior. Half of deniers, and fewer than half of admitters, called themselves social smokers. Deniers were highly likely to smoke infrequently, to say they were not addicted to cigarettes, to have mostly nonsmokers as close friends, to prefer dating nonsmokers, and to smoke for reasons other than stress relief. In contrast, social-smoker identity was associated only weakly with any attitude, behavior, or belief. Smoker and social-smoker identities were not significantly correlated with each other. Regardless of identity, more than half of the respondents wanted to quit smoking by graduation. Results suggest that denying being a smoker may be a widespread dissonance among college students who smoke. The possibility should be evaluated using population-level research, because it has potentially undermining implications for smoking cessation campaigns. Campus health centers should avoid using “smoker” self-assessment items on pre-exam questionnaires. Further research is needed to explore the psychosocial mechanisms involved with denier identity, to clarify the implications for public health communications, and to develop appropriate intervention strategies.

“I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to tell me that”: Action research for better health care for women who partner with women

Michelle L. Campo — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:00:24 PDT

Framing Breastfeeding and Formula-Feeding Messages in Popular U.S. Magazines

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 11:45:40 PDT

Media framing of infant feeding has the ability to influence knowledge and views of the barriers, benefits, and solutions inherent in breastfeeding or formula-feeding. This study examined how seven popular U.S. parenting, general women's, and African American magazines framed breastfeeding and formula-feeding messages to determine whether a sense-making approach was used and the extent to which visual images portrayed feeding practices. Analysis included 615 articles published from 1997 to 2003 that referred to infant feeding. Text and images were analyzed. The magazines provided more information on breastfeeding than formula feeding. Parenting magazines included more advice than barriers or benefits. African American magazines presented more breastfeeding benefits, and general women's magazines contained the least infant-feeding information. Messages were focused on individualized breastfeeding barriers and advice, seldom covered social and environmental issues, and placed much of the responsibility of infant feeding on the mother, while the role of social and partner support was diminished. Bottle-feeding images were nearly as common as breastfeeding images. Findings can be used by public health practitioners to increase the likelihood of reaching certain target audiences through popular magazines.

The persuasive effects of statistical evidence in the presence of exemplars

Michelle L. Campo et al. — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 09:44:05 PDT

This paper explores the impact of statistical evidence by varying it while pairing it with a constant set of exemplars. The resulting design includes a condition in which the statistical information and the exemplars advocate the same position (consistent condition), one in which statistical information and the exemplars advocate different positions (inconsistent condition), and a third condition in which only exemplars are presented (control condition). The data indicate that statistical evidence has a substantial effect on judgments, and that the impact of statistical evidence on attitudes is indirect. Specifically, it is mediated by judgments.