Communicating Cardiovascular Disease Risk Due to Elevated Homocysteine Levels: Using the EPPM to Develop Print Materials

Abstract

Improving the effectiveness of written information to promote compliance with therapeutic regimens is essential, particularly among older adults. Guiding their development and evaluating their effectiveness with an accepted communication theory or model may help. A preliminary test of written materials developed within the context of the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) to motivate compliant behaviors among older adults at risk for cardiovascular disease is described. Participants who were not previously following the recommendations felt more confident in their ability to do so after reading a high-threat/high-efficacy message. Advanced age, lower education level, an existing chronic illness, and a higher initial homocysteine level were factors associated with lower levels of perceived threat and/or fear and may have attenuated the effectiveness of the message. This study’s results contribute to our understanding of the usefulness of theory-guided written materials in motivating compliant health behaviors. Recommendations for using this model are provided.