ERIC Number: EJ766160
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 6
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0890-765X
EISSN: N/A
Health Communications in Rural America: Lessons Learned from an Arthritis Campaign in Rural Arkansas
Balamurugan, Appathurai; Rivera, Mark; Sutphin, Kim; Campbell, Debbie
Journal of Rural Health, v23 n3 p270-275 Sum 2007
Context: Lack of awareness about diseases and associated risk factors could partially account for some rural health disparities. Health communications campaigns can be an effective means of increasing awareness in these areas. Purpose: To review findings and lessons learned from a rural health communications campaign. Methods: The health communications campaign titled "Physical Activity. The Arthritis Pain Reliever," developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was implemented in a rural Arkansas county to promote awareness about arthritis and the beneficial effects of physical activity among residents 45-64 years of age with arthritis. The campaign was implemented through radio spots, print ads in local newspapers, and distribution of brochures and posters. A survey of 193 residents with arthritis assessed the reach of the campaign. Findings: Whereas 86% of respondents reported having seen or heard the messages related to arthritis during the 13-week period of the campaign, only 11% recalled messages from the "Physical Activity. The Arthritis Pain Reliever" campaign. Challenges faced during campaign implementation included limited fiscal resources, distrust, and staff and time constraints. Conclusion: Challenges to health communications campaigns in rural areas can decrease campaign reach and effectiveness. If resource constraints exist, leveraging partnerships and building trust among residents of the community are important for achieving campaign success.
Descriptors: Communications, Risk, Rural Areas, Health Promotion, Adults, Program Implementation, Program Effectiveness, Surveys, Diseases, Federal Programs, Information Dissemination, Public Health, Physical Activity Level
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Arkansas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A