Abstract
To understand how to reach low-income audiences with persuasive health communication, the present study analyzes 6 years of formative health research conducted by U.S. federal agencies. A thematic content analysis was conducted of formative research reports representing more than 800 participants. Recurring themes regarding the motivations and barriers to health-protective behaviors and sources of information used and trusted were assessed. Results indicate low-income people desire to maintain or improve their health and may do so with the support of others. Major barriers to implementing health-protective behaviors include the lack of comfort or appeal, lack of knowledge, time and potential side effects. Reliance is high on interpersonal channels of communication and health professionals and family members are the most trusted sources.
Journal Title
Iowa Journal of Communication
Volume
43
Issue
2
First Page
197
Last Page
209
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Harris, Shawna G.; Hovick, Shelly R.; Freimuth, Vicky S.; Johnson-Turbes, Ashani; and Chervin, Doryn D.
(2011)
"Patterns of Response to Health Risks Among the Poor and Near Poor,"
Iowa Journal of Communication: Vol. 43:
No.
2, Article 7.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/ijc/vol43/iss2/7
Copyright
©2011 Iowa Communication Association
