Evaluation of an arthritis communication campaign to promote physical activity in two cities

Two communications campaigns (a "standard" campaign and an "enhanced" campaign linked to a physical activity opportunity) are evaluated to increase physical activity among people with arthritis. A pre- (n = 295) and post- (n = 806) intervention random sample telephone survey is conducted in two cities to measure the population effect of the campaigns. There are no changes in overall message awareness, beliefs, or behaviors related to physical activity and arthritis management in either city. Significant changes in message awareness and exercise frequency are found in subgroups in both cities, but the results do not show an advantage to enhancing the campaign with a local physical activity opportunity. An inability to saturate the market may partly explain why no overall significant increase in message awareness is found after the campaign. A high level of message awareness among respondents before the campaign may also have made it more difficult to affect measured outcomes.