Investigator

Susan E. Morgan

Associate Dean for Research · University of Miami, School of Communication

SEMSusan E. Morgan
Papers(1)
Evaluating Culturally…
Collaborators(1)
Soroya Julian McFarla…
Institutions(2)
University Of MiamiUniversity Of Georgia

Papers

Evaluating Culturally-targeted Fear Appeal Messages for HPV Self-Sampling among Jamaican Women: A Qualitative Formative Research Study

Despite the disproportionate burden of cervical cancer among Caribbean women, evaluations of targeted communication interventions to increase screening behaviors are sparsely represented in extant literature. Informed by data on the cognitive, affective and sociocultural factors associated with low cervical screening in the English-speaking island of Jamaica, the current study aimed to explore how theory-based message design, coupled with innovative solutions, might increase screening. In this formative research study, we first described the process used to develop culturally-targeted fear appeal messages embedded within an HPV self-sampling kit developed by the researchers. Then, we shared the results of an evaluation of the kit, which was reviewed by 36 Jamaican women in 8 focus groups, to understand the potential impact of the messages and the utility of HPV self-sampling to increase screening behaviors in this population. The results provide data on effective messages for cervical cancer prevention among Jamaican women, which may be further applicable to underscreened women in the English-speaking Caribbean. Additionally, results from this research suggest support for HPV self-sampling to address salient cultural and structural barriers to screening, which provides an impetus for experimental research in message design to inform policy and practice.

78Works
1Papers
1Collaborators

Positions

2014–

Associate Dean for Research

University of Miami · School of Communication

2005–

Professor

Purdue University · Communication

2001–

Associate Professor

Rutgers University · Communication

1997–

Assistant Professor

University of Kentucky · Communication

Education

1997

PhD

University of Arizona · Communication

1990

BA

University of Massachusetts Amherst · Communication

Country

US

Keywords
health communicationcancer communicationclinical trial communicationclinical trial accrualor
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