AbstractsCommunication

Making the Transition: Comparing the Use of Narrative andNon-Narrative Messages to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Intake inCancer Survivors

by Sarah Nichole Thomas




Institution: The Ohio State University
Department:
Year: 2016
Keywords: Communication; Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction; IMBP; Theory of Planned Behavior; TPB; Theory of Reasoned Action; TRA; Cancer; Cancer Survivor; Cancer Prevention; Survivors; Energy Balance, Weight Loss; Experimental Design; Health Commuication
Posted: 02/05/2017
Record ID: 2074019
Full text PDF: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1460993101


Abstract

More cancer survivors than ever before are living five years or longer past their initial diagnosis. Cancer and its treatment are often not the end of chronic health issues among survivors. The comorbidity of interest in this study is obesity. Cancer survivors often gain weight during treatment, and rarely return to their pre-treatment weight. The purpose of this study to explore how to best frame nutrition messages for cancer survivors, which may help to reduce obesity and ultimately improve the quality of life among survivors. Utilizing the Integrated Model of Behavioral Prediction (IMBP), it was predicted that messages would predict attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control, which would in turn predict fruit and vegetable intentions. A mixed methods design was used to test the effectiveness of two message formats, narrative and non-narrative. Messages were pre-tested among (N = 10) cancer survivors using semi-structured interviews. The message pre-test revealed that both narrative and non-narrative formats were equivalent in content. The main study utilized an experimental design whereby (N=211) saw either the experimental (narrative) or control (non-narrative) message on fruit and vegetable consumption. Results indicated no significant differences between condition. Of the determinants of intention in the IMBP, only perceived behavioral control predicted fruit and vegetable intentions at follow-up. Future research in this area should consider tailoring narrative formats, and focus on the multifaceted nature of energy balance. Advisors/Committee Members: Hovick, Shelly (Advisor).