Risk information--barrier to informed choice? A focus group study.
OBJECTIVE
To study consumers' information needs for informed choice on colorectal cancer screening, and to develop and evaluate information material that is evidence-based and communicates benefit as well as lack of benefit and risks as natural frequencies.


METHODS



METHODS
Focus group study; during a first round consumers' needs and attitudes were surveyed, in a second round the information material was evaluated. The study was carried out in Hamburg, Germany.


METHODS
50 women and men, 40 years or older without colorectal diseases.


RESULTS
Consumers opted for traditional information that advises and guides them. If consumers were nevertheless given evidence-based information that considers the defined criteria it evoked cognitive dissonance which consumers tried to cope with by devaluating, minimising and not noticing the information. Cognitive dissonance inhibits processing of information. Researchers are confronted with a dilemma to either respect consumers' requests or to facilitate informed choice.


CONCLUSIONS
Cognitive dissonance may be a barrier to informed choice. This should be considered when aiming at communicating risk information.
Steckelberg
Anke
A
Unit of Health Sciences and Education, University of Hamburg. ASteckelberg@uni-hamburg.de
Kasper
Jürgen
J
Redegeld
Michael
M
Mühlhauser
Ingrid
I
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003073:Cognitive Dissonance; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003256:Community Participation / Q000523:psychology*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005858:Germany; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged