Check out that body: A community awareness campaign in New York City

Amy Bleakley, Cheryl Merzel, Peter Messeri, Tom Gift, C. Kevin Malotte, Susan Middlestadt, Nancy VanDevanter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The authors evaluate the effectiveness of the small media campaign in raising community awareness about the importance of going for a health check up. Data were collected over time from 535 respondents ages 15-30 years using cross-sectional surveys in two low-income, predominantly African-American communities in New York city. Regression analyses indicated campaign material recognition at 15 months was significantly higher in the intervention community relative to the comparison community. There were no significant changes in social norms, attitudes, or beliefs. Media campaigns aimed at adolescents and young adults on a community-wide level are an effective means of gaining material recognition. Editors' Strategic Implications: This research illustrates the effect of a public health media campaign on awareness, but it also serves as a reminder to public health officials that awareness is not necessarily sufficient to promote attitudinal or behavioral health changes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)331-339
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Primary Prevention
Volume29
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2008

Keywords

  • Community-based participatory research
  • Preventive health care
  • Small media campaigns

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Check out that body: A community awareness campaign in New York City'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this