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One size does not fit all: the case for tailoring print materials.
M W Kreuter1, V J Strecher, B Glassman
1Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, Saint Louis University, MO 63108, USA.
Summary
Tailored print communication offers personalized health education, addressing individual needs better than generic materials. This approach, using new technologies, is a promising strategy for effective health behavior change and disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Health Communication
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Traditional health education materials use a one-size-fits-all approach.
- This generic strategy has limitations in addressing diverse individual needs and concerns.
- Advancements in communication technology enable personalized information delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- Differentiate tailored print communication from other health education methods.
- Provide a theoretical and public health rationale for tailoring health information.
- Outline the process of creating and implementing tailored print communication programs.
Main Methods:
- The article distinguishes tailored print communication from standard health education approaches.
- It presents theoretical frameworks and public health justifications for tailoring.
- It details the practical steps for developing and delivering tailored programs.
Main Results:
- Computer tailoring is identified as a promising strategy for health education.
- Tailored communication can potentially lead to greater behavior change than generic materials.
- The approach is practical with current communication technologies.
Conclusions:
- Tailored print communication effectively addresses individual needs in health education.
- This method offers enhanced potential for behavior change and disease prevention.
- Practitioners and researchers should explore tailored communication for improved public health outcomes.