Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
12 p.
Publication Date
10-2008
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Source Publication
Qualitative Health Research
Source ISSN
1049-7323
Original Item ID
doi: 10.1177/1049732308322603
Abstract
Hepatitis C (HCV) is the most common chronic blood borne virus in the United States. Despite this fact, there is a startling lack of awareness about HCV among individuals who may have contracted the virus. This study, grounded in self-efficacy theory, analyzes public service announcements (PSAs) for HCV. Using focus groups to contextualize the responses of individuals living with HCV, the authors conclude that stigma and structural barriers pose the greatest challenges for health communicators trying to reach at-risk populations. The findings suggest that expanded use of celebrity appeals, realistic drug portrayals, more extensive use of social networking in tandem with non-traditional media, and tapping into veterans, while minimizing fear tactics and maximizing self-efficacy messages, offer new hope for successful health communication strategies. With 3.9 million people in the United States infected with HCV, this study offers urgently needed communications strategies to address this silent epidemic.
Recommended Citation
Grow, Jean and Christopher, Stephanie, "Breaking the Silence Surrounding Hepatitis C by Promoting Self-Efficacy: A Study of Hepatitis C Public Service Announcements" (2008). College of Communication Faculty Research and Publications. 19.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/comm_fac/19
Comments
Accepted version. Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 18, No. 10 (October 2008): 1401-1412. DOI. © 2008 SAGE Publications. Used with permission.
Stephanie Christopher was affiliated with the Medical College of Wisconsin at the time of publication.