Legislators' Sources of Behavioral Health Research and Preferences for Dissemination: Variations by Political Party

Jonathan Purtle, Elizabeth A. Dodson, Katherine Nelson, Zachary F. Meisel, Ross C. Brownson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to characterize primary sources of behavioral health research and dissemination preferences of state legislators and assess differences by political party. METHODS: A 2017 cross-sectional survey of state legislators (N=475) assessed where legislators seek, and the most important features of, behavioral health research. Bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were conducted. RESULTS: Advocacy organizations (53%), legislative staff (51%), and state agencies (48%) were identified most frequently as sources of behavioral health research. Universities were identified by significantly more Democrats than Republicans (34% versus 19%; adjusted odds ratio=1.79). Data about budget impact and cost-effectiveness were most frequently rated as very important, but by significantly fewer Democrats than Republicans (77% versus 87% and 76% versus 89%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: To reach legislators and satisfy their information preferences, behavioral health researchers should target diverse audiences, partner with intermediary organizations, and craft messages that include economic evaluation data.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1105-1108
Number of pages4
JournalHospital and Community Psychiatry
Volume69
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2018

Keywords

  • Dissemination
  • Legislators
  • Politics
  • Public policy issues
  • Research use

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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