A Systematic Review of the Effect of Individualized Risk Communication Strategies on Screening Uptake and Its Psychological Predictors: The Role of Psychology Theory

Implementation and evaluation of an educational intervention to prevent risk factors for the development of non-communicable diseases in Mexican families of suburban communities

Non-communicable diseases (NCD), are not transmitted from person to person, are long-lasting and usually of slow evolution. Worldwide cause 71% deaths, in Mexico during 2016 were the cause of 80% of registered deaths; population in socioeconomic disadvantage is more vulnerable. It is urgent to develop strategies that can prevent NCD, thus, the objective of this study was to design, implement and evaluate an educational intervention strategy (EI), to prevent and control risk factors for the development NCD in families of two vulnerable communities. The research design was mixed, the stages were developed based on a risk communication (RC) model and was performed in three stages: 1) EI Design, 2) Implementation and 3) Evaluation of the intervention. In the contextualization, risk factors were found in the participants who were integrated in the design of the educational strategy. The EI implemented was effective in increasing knowledge about NCD and practice of healthy habits, such as increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the guidance of EI at the family level has the advantage of creating a support network for these changes. However, pending issues remain, such as the design of effective strategies to reduce the consumption of sugars and sugary drinks.

The influence of risk labeling on risk perception and willingness to seek help in an experimental simulation of preventive medical examinations

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of the presentation of results of a preventive medical examination on risk perception and willingness to seek help for work-related fatigue or being overweight.

METHODS

A factorial design experiment was conducted, presenting workers (n = 82) with vignettes including eight scenarios of test results with and without an emphasis on the risk of a current or future health condition or a probe to seek help. Participants rated perceived risk and willingness to seek help (0-100 Visual Analogue Scale) as if these were their own results. Differences were tested with paired-sample t-tests.

RESULTS

In scenarios emphasizing the risk of a current or future disorder, participants perceived higher risk and were more willing to seek help (p-values < .00). Slightly higher willingness to seek help scores was observed in all scenarios that included probes (p < .00).

CONCLUSION

Risk perception and willingness to seek help of workers participating in a preventive medical examination were higher when they were told that the test results indicate a risk of a current or future disorder and after being advised to seek help.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Healthcare providers should take the potential effects on risk perception and help-seeking into account in preventive settings.