Health communications in rural America: lessons learned from an arthritis campaign in rural Arkansas.
BACKGROUND
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.


OBJECTIVE
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Balamurugan
Appathurai
A
Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services, Little Rock, AR 72203-1437, USA. abalamurugan@uams.edu
Rivera
Mark
M
Sutphin
Kim
K
Campbell
Debbie
D
D001131:Arkansas; D001168:Arthritis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health; D040241:Social Marketing