Health information sources and behaviour changes in a community population: a longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Communication
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Accessible health information is crucial for informed decision-making.
• Limited longitudinal data exists on how health information sources influence behaviors in community settings.
• This study investigates the link between health information sources and changes in physical activity, diet, and smoking cessation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the associations between various health information sources and behavioral changes.
• To determine which sources are effective for improving or maintaining specific health behaviors.
• To inform tailored health communication strategies.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study involving baseline (2021) and follow-up (2023) surveys of randomly selected residents.
• Health information sources categorized into print media, TV/radio, internet, family/friends, and professionals.
• Health behaviors: ≥60 min/day walking, consuming ≥2 balanced meals/day (SMS), and smoking cessation.
• Multilevel modified Poisson regression models used for analysis, accounting for clustering and covariates.

Main Results:

• Family/friends and professionals were associated with improved walking time.
• TV/radio was linked to improved balanced meal consumption (SMS).
• Print media was associated with the maintenance of SMS consumption.
• No significant associations were found between any sources and smoking cessation.

Conclusions:

• Different health information sources have distinct impacts on improving and maintaining health behaviors.
• Interpersonal sources are key for improving physical activity, while mass media supports dietary improvements.
• Health communication strategies should be tailored to specific behaviors for maximum effectiveness.