Mass-mediated information effects on testicular self-examination among college students.
The author assessed the effects of a youth-targeted national cable broadcast that promoted testicular self-examination (TSE). A telephone survey of 524 college men included variables from the theory of reasoned action, as well as measures of self-exam compliance, message exposure, knowledge, attention, and the effects of humor and fear. Exposure to the show, with attitudes and norms controlled for, demonstrated a statistically significant but very weak effect on viewers' behavioral intentions. Although also statistically significant, the effect of the show on awareness, knowledge, and facilitating interpersonal communication was as weak or weaker than its effect on intention. Furthermore, dose measures failed to demonstrate any significant effect among those who saw the show. It is conceivable that the show might be integrated into a broader effort toward TSE education, but the results of this study do not argue that it could be effectively used as a media-only TSE promotion.
Trumbo
Craig W
CW
Office of Health Promotion Research, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington 05401, USA. craig.trumbo@uvm.edu
D000328:Adult; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D012044:Regression Analysis; D016353:Self-Examination / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014495:Universities; D014922:Wisconsin