An Analysis of Temporal Message Content in Motivational Messages About Medication Adherence

• In Event: Health Messages for Adherence and Compliance

Abstract

Heath education about the importance of medication adherence requires the use of effective messaging strategies to inform and motivate patients over time. This study examines temporal message content in motivational messages for patients with chronic health conditions to explore differences in message evaluations among patients with chronic conditions. A combination of message coding and patient evaluations was used to analyze present and future-oriented temporal message content in 46 adherence messages drawn from personal interviews and focus groups with chronically-ill patients. A total of 1,968 chronically-ill patients completed an internet-based survey to assess message quality, message agreement, message liking, and message engagement. Results reveal patients prefer more present-oriented adherence messages, and messages with less information about long-term rewards and consequences resulting from adherence decision-making.

Authors

• Melinda Morris Villagran, Texas State University

• Gary L. Kreps, George Mason U

• Xiaoquan Zhao, George Mason U

• Colleen A. McHorney, U.S. Outcomes Research, Merk and Co., Inc.

• Brenda L. MacArthur, George Mason University